Gannan Thangka is developing well in local areas, photo from CNR.

The painting process of Thangka is complicated and delicate, photo from CNR.

Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Gansu Province rich in Tibetan culture has seven folk cultures included in state-level intangible cultural heritage protection list.

Gannan Thangka also called "Tangga" is the traditional Tibetan art of scroll painting, usually inspired by Buddhist themes. The frames and silk veils show the agricultural civilization in Tibet.

Monastery is believed to be the birthplace of Thangka forms. Most of Gannan Thangka are painted on cotton cloth or the furs of sheep. Some will be painted on silk and tied with silk ribbons, wooden shafts decorated by brass or silver.

The heaven, human and hell can be shown on one Gannan Thangka without being limited by space, oceans or time. Some Thangka makes use of rocks, clouds, flowers to form a series of interesting stories.

Gannan Thangka rich in unique Tibetan religious characteristics has both ornamental and collective values.

Golak is an inheritance Tibetan of Thangka skill, photo from CNR.

A Tibetan is painting Thangka, photo from CNR.

Here is a beautiful Gannan Thangka, photo from CNR.

Here is a beautiful Gannan Thangka, photo from CNR.