[Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

An exhibition highlighting the dragon as a powerful symbol of unity and cultural integration among Chinese ethnic groups, with a special focus on its significance in Tibetan culture, kicked off at the Museum of Tibetan Culture of the China Tibetology Research Center in Beijing on Tuesday. The exhibition will be held until May 9.

Jointly organized by the ethnic and religious affairs commission of Beijing, the cultural and tourism bureau of Chaoyang district in Beijing, and the museum of Tibetan culture of the China Tibetology Research Center, the exhibition uses the "dragon" as an entry point, vividly narrating the stories of interaction, communication and integration among China's diverse ethnic groups.

The dragon, a shared symbol of Chinese culture, serves as tangible historical evidence of how Xizang's various ethnic communities share a deep bond with other Chinese communities.

Deeply embedded in the hearts of all Chinese people, the dragon symbolizes the spiritual essence of the nation. This cultural icon, originating from the mainland, has got seamlessly integrated into the culture of the Tibetan plateau, fostering deep emotional bonds among its diverse ethnic communities through shared cultural practices and beliefs.

The exhibition showcases a rich collection of photographs and precious artifacts that trace the historical journey of the dragon culture from the place of its origins to Xizang. It highlights how the dragon, upon reaching the plateau, blended with local customs to create a vivid tapestry of images and forms. The display includes murals, thangkas (Buddhist scroll painting), seals, architecture, and everyday objects, illustrating the Tibetan people's reaction to the dragon culture, from one of admiration and acceptance to full aesthetic and spiritual integration.

The exhibition also features an interactive zone where visitors can engage with Tibetan printing techniques, getting a hands-on experience of Xizang's rich cultural heritage. Following the opening, the organizers have planned a series of lectures, academic discussions, and educational activities to further enrich the dialogue around this exhibition.