Tibetan historical relics, as the crystallization of the labor and wisdom of the Tibetan people, are not only famous for their variety but also their distinctive local and ethnic flavors.

The Tsangdain Monastery in Suoxian County is known as the "Lesser Potala Palace"

The Tibetans have a long history of Buddhism. In Tibetan culture, the numerous magnificent monasteries are the most precious cultural relics. Whether in densely populated towns or desolate mountains, in river valleys and flatlands or snow-capped peaks, or in the plentiful Shannan area or the forbidden northern part, even the Ngari area that is nicknamed "the Roof of the Roof of the World", the mysterious monasteries never fail to stimulate people's imagination. They are holy places for the Tibetans to conduct regular religious activities. As a symbol of the Tibetan nationality and its culture, they serve as treasure-houses reflecting Tibet's material and spiritual progress.

The tombs of Tibetan kings (7th-9th century) stand like small pyramids in the Shannan area. The city ruins of the Guge Kingdom (10th-12th century) still contains countless puzzles waiting to be decoded. These, together with many other ancient castles, royal palaces and aristocratic mansions, are historical books waiting to be read and cultural treasure-houses waiting to be explored. They have attracted people to this old land who want to understand its remote past that was full of tears and blood as well as pride.

A Buddhist scripture written on paltra leaves

Stone carving makes up a distinct part of Tibet's cultural relics. The Chalafu Grottoes at the foot of the Yaowangshan Mountain were dug in the mid-seventh century. The existing 70-plus stone figures have distinctive Indian characteristics. The 2-km long Yaowangshan is carved with tens of thousands of Buddha statues and historical figures, with the height ranging from a few centimeters to several meters. Withstanding the wind and rain for several centuries, these stone carvings are the result of the collective creativity of the Tibetan people. The Kangmar Monastery at the foot of the Nyainqentanglha Mountains about 300 km northeast of Damxung County stores thousands of exquisite stone carvings, with about 1,000 Buddhist statues of the 18th century inlaid in the walls. Stone lions at the tombs of the Tibetan kings and the Samye Monastery have obvious Tang Dynasty characteristics. These ingenious creations invariably give viewers a new historical perspective and help them refine their sensibilities.

The Tibetan people are endowed with artistic creativity. They are good at employing artistic means to depict their work, their observations on life and history, and their ideals. The vivid sculptures and murals not only reflect their idea of the Buddhist world and their longing for an ideal kingdom, but also their love for life and their desire to record historical changes.

The statue of Songtsan Gambo enshrined in the Bodhisattva Hall of the Potata Palace dates back 1.300 years ago.

Songtsan Gambo is a hero in Tibetan history. In the early seventh century, he unified the Tibetan Plateau and established the Tubo Kingdom (629-842). In order to establish a friendly relationship with the powerful Tang Dynasty (618-907) in the Central Plains, he married Princess Wencheng of the Tang emperor. Princess Wencheng introduced the advanced culture and production technologies from the Central Plains to Tubo. Later generations of Tibetan people worshipped Songtsan Gambo and Princess Wencheng as gods and enshrined their statues in a cavern in the Potala Palace. In 710, the Tang Emperor Zhongzong married his adopted daughter Princess Jincheng to Tubo Tsampo (King) Tride Tsudain. The Tang-Tubo Peace Pledge Tablet and the Princess Willow (which is said to be planted by Princess Wencheng) in front of the Jokhang Monastery are historical evidence of the friendly relationship between the Tubo and the Tang. Related historical scenes and figures can also be discerned in the murals and sculptures at the Jokhang Monastery.

In the early 13th century, the Mongolians in north China unified the country and established the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368). The Yuan Emperor Kublai Khan (1215-1294) peacefully unified the Tibetan Plateau by granting titles to Pagba (1235-1280), head of the Sagya Sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Since then, Tibet has been an inseparable part of Chinese territory. The epoch-making event was painted in bright colors on the walls of the Tashilhunpo Monastery.

Frescos in Potala Palace.

The murals on the walls of the Potala Palace, such as Emperor Shunzhi Meets the Fifth Dalai Lama and Empress Dowager Cixi Meets the 13th Dalai Lama, are famous recordings of historical events. In 1644, the Manchurians established the Qing Dynasty. In 1653, the Fifth Dalai Lama went to Beijing to meet Emperor Shunzhi. The Qing court formally conferred on him the title of Buddha of Great Compassion in the West, Leader of the Buddhist Faith Beneath the Sky, Holder of the Vajra the following year and granted him the golden sheet of appointment and golden seal of authority. In 1713, Emperor Kangxi conferred the title of Panchen Erdeni on Panchen and granted him the golden sheet of appointment and golden seal of authority. Since then, the titles of Dalai Lama and Panchen Erdeni have been passed down as historical rites. The Tibetans painted this monumental event in bright colors on the walls of the Potala Palace so that later generations would never forget it. In 1908, the 13th Dalai Lama went to Beijing to meet Qing Emperor Guangxu and Empress Dowager Cixi who actually controlled the Central Government. The grand scene of Cixi meeting the 13th Dalai Lama was also painted on the walls of the Potala Palace.

The Tibetans have their own heroes while worshipping Buddha. Seeing the numerous murals and sculptures not only
enables one to experience the Buddhist world, but also communicate with the countless heroes and eminent Buddhist monks in Tibetan history who have become immortal after leaving the secular world. Each statue of god and each group of paintings contain a myth and a historical story. It is not an exaggeration to say that the monasteries themselves are historical museums covering a wide range of topics.

Frescos in the Samye Monastery.

The murals in the Potala Palace, Norbu Lingka, and prestigious monasteries such as Tashilhunpo, Sagya and Palkor not only present scenes of religious activities, but also festival celebrations, daily routines and beautiful landscapes. A careful viewer may even notice among the murals landscapes to the north and south of the Yangtze River. It can be said that the Tibetan monasteries, together with their murals, sculptures and other cultural relics, are an encyclopedia on Tibet, or a photo album that reflects the history of Tibetan society.

The large quantity of stoneware, pottery and other remains of primitive society buried underground as well as the rock paintings drawn or carved on mountain cliffs are messages from ancient Tibetans to the modern people. The large number of calligraphy and paintings, Buddhist figures, tangka paintings, scriptures, and gold, silver, jade, bronze and porcelain articles are priceless treasures for the people of today to appreciate.

Cultural relics in Tibet, characterized by the mystery of this snowy land, not only demonstrate a Buddhist world, but also convey the messages of ancient Tibetans. However, with the passage of time, the ravage of wind and rain, the plundering of imperialists, as well as other natural and man-made disasters, many precious cultural relics need to be protected.

Mandala (Buddhist perspctive of the world).900-year-old frescos in the Sagya Monastery.