During the 2010 Lhasa Shoton Festival, the joyous atmosphere prevails everywhere in Lhasa, capital city of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region.

Lhasa, the holy city on the Qinghai-Tibet plateau, attracts large numbers of tourists and local citizens to enjoy art performances, Lingka, go sightseeing, and taste yogurt during the annual grand event.

People enjoy the Tibetan opera

"Today is the last day of the Shoton Festival, and we really enjoy the fascinating Tibetan opera performance. Although young, those performers present a splendid performance! I will come to watch them again next year," said Chodra, a fan of Tibetan opera.

Tourists taste yak yogurt during the festival

"It is a tradition to have yogurt during the Shoton Festival, just as you have to try some local specialties when you travel to other places. Many foreigners like our yogurt!” said Mr. Wang, a yogurt seller in Lhasa.

"My meat pie is made of yak meat, and it costs only 1 yuan. I am a little surprised that foreigners like it very much," said Kalsang, a yak meat seller at the Norbu Lingka.

Young people play dice at Lingka

"I am so busy with my work that I do not have much time to stay with my parents. The Shoton Festival is just like our Tibetan New Year when our family members can enjoy ourselves together, watching the Tibetan opera performance." said Lhamo, a local citizen of Lhasa.

People select flowers as they like

Besides, citizens are excited about the trade fair and exhibitions held during the Shoton Festival. "Usually, I have to go to Sun Island to buy flowers while the flower trade fair has many of my favorites, so I bought couples of flowers here," said Migmar.

The 2010 Lhasa Shoton festival has come to an end, while local Tibetans and tourists are looking forward to the festival in the coming year.

Art performance during the festival