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The colorful festivals of Xizang

Picture 16:37, 12-May-2026

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When its festival season in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, the entire plateau bursts into color, music and celebration.

The Shoton Festival, literally "yogurt festival," is one of the biggest celebrations in Xizang. It involves welcoming monks returning from months of meditation with giant thangka unveilings, performances and crowds filling the streets.

During Cham dances, Tibetan Buddhist monks wearing elaborate masks perform sacred rituals deeply rooted in Tibetan culture and Buddhism.

During Losar, the Tibetan New Year, families gather to sing, dance, share milk tea and celebrate with centuries-old traditions.

Through traditional costumes, joyful gatherings and vibrant street scenes, these photos capture the festive spirit of life on the plateau.

Which Xizang festival would you like to experience?