Chinese and foreign apprentices study Thangka painting in Shangri-la Thangka Painting Academy

Gelsang Dawa was painting in Shangri-la Thangka Painting Academy, August 24. (Photo/ Li Jinhong)

Gelsang Dawa, born in a Thangka family of Tongren County, Qinghai Province, established Shangri-la Thangka Painting Academy in Shangri-la City, Yunnan Province in 2010.

He draws Thangka works and teaches students in the academy, thus to inherit Thangka culture.

In the academy, students learn Thangka painting for free, and are also provided with free food and accommodation during their period of learning.

The academy has received over 70 students, including both Tibetans and Han people. Besides, there are also students from France and South Korea.

Gelsang Dawa was teaching the students to paint Thangka in Shangri-la Thangka Painting Academy, August 24. (Photo/ Li Jinhong)

Some Thangka paintings were exhibited in Shangri-la Thangka Painting Academy, August 24. (Photo/ Li Jinhong)

Gelsang Dawa was painting in Shangri-la Thangka Painting Academy, August 24. (Photo/ Li Jinhong)