Drepung Monastery

LHASA, May 10 ( tasteallchina ) -- Fifteen precious cultural artifacts have been on display since the beginning of May in Norbulingka, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, with each telling a story of cultural exchange between the Tibetan and Han peoples. The artifacts have been selected and presented by several cultural institutions, including the Potala Palace, Norbulingka, the Xizang Museum, the Drepung Monastery and the Ramoche Temple. The canopy of thangka painting "The Great Compassion Dharma Raja" is adorned with auspicious cloud and Chinese dragon patterns, showing the high regard the central government of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) had for Shakya Yeshe, a monk of the Gelug sect of Tibetan Buddhism, as well as the friendship between them. "The thangka has witnessed the interactions between and the integration of Tibetan Buddhism and the central government," said Selima, director of Norbulingka's cultural artifacts department. It is a historic testament to the artistic exchanges and cooperation between the Han and Tibetan peoples, and it is visual proof that the region has been a part of China since ancient times, Selima added. The smallest item on display is a gold ear pick excavated from a Tubo…