Tibetan Opera – Lhasa Juemu Lung Troupe

Tibetan opera (Ache Lhamo) was founded by the 14th-century monk Thangton Gyalpo, who is said to have organized troupes to fund his construction of iron-chain bridges; the art is now over six centuries old. The Lhasa Juemu Lung troupe is the most celebrated school, historically performing at Norbulingka during the Shoton Festival as its centrepiece.

Performers wear colorful masks denoting their roles and sing classical Tibetan lyrics dramatizing epics and Buddhist tales, accompanied by drums and cymbals; performances can last an entire day. The art weaves singing, dance and narrative, with distinctive masks as the key visual language for characters.

Inscribed on China's first national ICH list in 2006 and on UNESCO's representative list in 2009, it is the supreme expression of Tibetan traditional performing arts, carrying layers of Tibetan Buddhism, history and folk storytelling.

Performed at Norbulingka during the Shoton Festival as its cultural centerpiece; Lhasa and other Tibetan areas have performing troupes, and smaller-scale performances are held year-round at some cultural centers.