Photo shows the sutra streamers flying over the Namsto Lake. [Photo provided by Xiaoyao Huanglaoxie/tianya.cn] 

Sutra streamer is one of the characteristic scenery on the plateau of Tibet that is distinctive from that of other areas in China. The little flag with scripture and other religious semiosis on it is said to be a bond between human and God, and can be seen everywhere in China's Tibetan-inhabited areas.

This Buddhist banners are painted with five colors: blue, white, red, green and yellow, which symbolize blue sky, white cloud, red flame, green water and yellow earth corresponding to the five fundamental elements of universe in Tibetan culture: water, metal, fire, wood, and earth.

Photo shows the sutra streamers flying over the Namsto Lake. [Photo provided by Xiaoyao Huanglaoxie/tianya.cn]

These sutra flags are called "ronda" in Tibetan, and also referred to as "wind-horse flag" or "Mani flags", meaning little flag made of cloth, cambric, silk or handmade paper with scriptures printed on it, such as the six-syllable prayer and a horse carrying "Norbumopa" (a cone-shaped fire) symbolizing happiness, eminence, longevity, fortune and prosper in Tibetan culture.

The sutra flags are usually tied on the tops of Tibetan houses, temples, tents, and auspicious pillars surrounding architectures and Mani stones. Similar with the shining snow-capped mountains, refreshing plateau prairies, and glittering temples' golden roofs, sutra flag and streamer is also a distinct symbol of the natural and cultural environment of the Tibetan-inhabited areas.

Photo shows the sutra streamers flying over the Namsto Lake. [Photo provided by Xiaoyao Huanglaoxie/tianya.cn]

Photo shows the Namsto Lake. [Photo provided by Xiaoyao Huanglaoxie/tianya.cn]

Photo shows the Namsto Lake. [Photo provided by Xiaoyao Huanglaoxie/tianya.cn]

Photo shows the Namsto Lake. [Photo provided by Xiaoyao Huanglaoxie/tianya.cn]

Photo shows the Namsto Lake. [Photo provided by Xiaoyao Huanglaoxie/tianya.cn]