Deep in the mountains of southeastern Xizang, the Monpa and Lhopa peoples have preserved their millennia-old civilization through oral tradition, as they have no written script. Both are small ethnic groups in China.

Rescue conservation lays a cultural foundation

In recent years, government authorities at all levels in Xizang have focused on rescuing and conserving Monpa and Lhopa cultures. Over the past two years, over 8 million yuan (≈US$1.1 million) has been invested in preserving ethnic languages, traditions, handicrafts, songs, dances, costumes, and distinctive dwellings. In Medog County, Nyingchi City, authorities adopted a "field survey + digital technology" model to document traditional Monpa and Lhopa cultural elements, creating the first county-level digital database of intangible cultural heritage.

During the 2025 "Winter Tour in Metog" event, a "smart empowerment" storytelling session was live-streamed on Douyin and WeChat Video Channels, attracting over 300,000 online viewers and bringing the cultures of these two ethnic groups to a wider audience.

Youth innovation revives cultural memory

With policy support and funding, younger generations of Monpa and Lhopa are embracing the responsibility of cultural preservation. They use modern technology to digitally document and disseminate intangible cultural heritage while infusing new vitality into traditional culture.

Tashi Dondrup, a 28-year-old Monpa from Deshing Village, Metog County, studied digital media at university. After graduation, he returned home and committed to documenting intangible cultural heritage digitally. He visited all 12 elderly artisans in his village and recorded 56 traditional Monpa songs—the "Sama Wine Songs"—in high-definition video. The recordings include lyrics, melodies, performance contexts, and cultural background, presented in the Monpa language with Chinese subtitles. "The songs, artisan stories, and singing techniques are accessible via a scannable QR code on an H5 page, making it easier for people to learn and appreciate them," Tashi Dondrup explained.

In Caizhao Village, Neyul Lhopa Town, Menling City, Yadar, chairwoman of the village women's federation, leads young women in learning traditional Lhopa weaving techniques. They have adapted garment designs to contemporary aesthetics, bringing these crafts to the market, where they are proving popular. "Weaving a Lhopa scarf with traditional patterns takes about two to three days and sells for around 500 yuan (≈US$70)," Yadar shared. Learning the craft and earning income at home boosts household earnings and strengthens the villagers' cultural pride and enthusiasm for preservation.

Cultural tourism integration revitalizes traditions

In recent years, local governments in Shannan and Nyingchi, where Monpa and Lhopa communities are concentrated, have worked to transform cultural resources into tourism products and experiences. These include ethnic costumes, songs and dances, and cuisine, bringing these traditions to a wider audience.

"Every year we receive more tourists. In the past, we only danced during festivals, but now we hold ethnic dance performances every evening in the village. Visitors love to join in wearing colorful Monpa and Lhopa costumes," said Norbu Yangzom, deputy director of the village committee in Metog Village, Metog County, Nyingchi City.

Metog County has successfully listed 40 intangible cultural heritage items, registered 30 immovable cultural relics, and established the Lotus Pavilion—a museum dedicated to Monpa and Lhopa history and culture. It serves as a key window into the region's heritage. Meanwhile, the Lhopa History and Culture Exhibition Hall in Doyul Town is set to open soon. "All three Lhopa townships in Xizang now have their own cultural exhibition halls," said Tashi Gyaltsen with pride.

From government-led rescue conservation to digital innovation by youth and a strong integration with cultural tourism, the Monpa and Lhopa peoples are safeguarding their cultural roots through diverse and multifaceted approaches.

Reporter: Karma Dorje, Fu Qiang

Translator: Yang Xiaofeng, Zhi Xinghua

Review: Hu Rongguo, Drakpa Wangchen