Tibet is known as the place near heaven with extreme sacredness and beauty attracting many tourists. What are the specialties of such a place, full of mystery and color?

Thangka

Thangka is scroll paintings and are usually done on silk or cloth. Thangka is very popular in Tibet, because many portray religious content, and is easy to carry. It is one of the main forms of Tibetan painting. Besides religion theme, Thangka has a wide range of themes such as history and folklore. And it is also known as Tibet’s encyclopedia.[Photo/Agency]

Tibetan knives

Tibetan knives have long been a prestigious traditional craft. They have a long history, a unique style and are loved by tourists. Tibetan knives are very necessary for self-defense and also as cutlery when eating meat and can also act as special decoration. In general, men’s knives are more rugged and sharp, whereas women’s are more delicate.[Photo/Agency]

Wearing knives not only gives people a sense of security from the inside, but also a sense of power from the outside, displaying a sturdy disposition. The materials and meticulousness used in making Tibetan knives vary, as does the price, which ranges from a few Yuan, up to thousands of Yuan. Knives from Shigatse come with an delicate silver sheath and exquisite carving –they are one of the better choices.

Chinese caterpillar fungus

Chinese caterpillar fungus is a rare type of flora and fauna medicine. It is the caterpillar body and stroma of the parasitic fungus Cordyceps sinensis that is found amongst bat moth larvae. In winter it is an insect and in summer grass; the lower part is an insect and the upper part grass. It is fragrant with a mild, sweet and sour taste; it is a good, robust tonic and is good for the lungs and kidney.[Photo/Agency]

Saussurea

Saussurea is found in the alpine mountains of northwest China. It is a medicinal plant with a high curative effect. Due to excessive excavation, low seed germination rates, reproductive difficulties and slow growth, if effective measures aren’t taken along with strict protection, it is in danger of extinction.[Photo/Agency]

Gyatsa stone products

Gyatsa of Lhoka is rich in graphite stone, which is soft and easy to mold into shapes. Pots made using graphite stone create a fragrant smell when cooking and are good for preserving heat. The shapes and designs of Gyatsa stone pots and bowls are exquisite, and it is a specialty known far and wide. Apart from stonework, there are also Gyatsa wooden bowls and casks; the selection process, handicraft, coloration, carving, durability and other aspects are all considered to be of a high standard.[Photo/Agency]