Thangka, or Tibetan Buddhist story painting, is a fascinating element of Tibet autonomous region's culture. At an ongoing exhibition of national heritage items at the Beijing Agricultural Exhibition Hall, visitors can see how Tibetan artisans paint Thangka, and take a closer look at how the exquisite art is made.

Thangka dazzles viewers with its bright colors and exquisite delineation. Folk artist Xi Hedao is drawing gold lines, a demanding skill in Thangka painting. The gold lines can bestow the figure with a glamorous glow.

Thangka features strict composition and elaborate depiction. Some pieces are colored while others are painted with black lines. Another artist Niang Ben is displaying this skill.

The artists are demonstrating how to paint a Thangka at the national heritage exhibition. Viewers can learn about the pigments, skills, and themes of the paintings. The ingredients and proportion of the pigments are secret, and the uniquely created pigment guarantees Thangka retains its bright colors, even after a thousand years.

Besides Buddhist themes, Thangka paintings also feature history, customs and legendary figures of Tibet.

Xi Hedao, an inheritor of Thangka painting said, "This is a Buddhisattava with four arms. It is auspicious and brings peace."

Xi Hedao has taken in thirty apprentices including his son. Thangka art is slowly drawing attention across the world, and increasing orders from across the globe have attracted more young people to develop their skills.