Yunnan Diqing: A City with Vivid Tibetan Ethnic Culture of China

The Diqing Tibet autonomous prefecture in southwest China's Yunnan province is home to a variety of diverse cultural products, including black pottery and Tangka art.

The black pottery from Nixi village in the prefecture has the longest history in world among types of pottery, according to Chuncheng Evening News.

Owing to its long history, Nixi village has a rich ethnic culture and is also known as the "hometown of love dance". Despite its fame and prestige local residents of Nixi village still use the black pottery in their day to day life, such as cooking, and remains popular in the Diqing region.

Among the local cultural relics that have been unearthed in the region, large amounts of black pottery have been found, proving the long history of Nixi pottery.

The production process of black pottery requires more than 20 steps, including shaping, decorating and carving. The decorations on Nixi black pottery works contain elements of Tibetan culture, representing the beliefs of Tibetan people and their blessings and wishes. Nixi black pottery has a very strong ornamental and collection value.

Tangka, a type of traditional Tibetan painting on cotton or silk, often contains different themes from religion to culture and history.

In recent years, the auction price of embroidered Tangka paintings have been known to surpass 10 million dollars as the style has become a new favorite among collectors.

"I am touched by Tangka art, since it's much more than just art and craft; it's an art which comes from people's belief and faith," said Peng Ping, a leading national arts and crafts expert and holder of the honorary title of National Leading Figure of the Arts and Crafts Profession.