Highlights of 14th Mt.Qomolangma Cultural Tourism Festival were unveiled

On August, 6, the organizing committee of 14th Mt.Qomolangma (or Mt. Everest) Cultural Tourism Festival held a press conference, announcing the major festivities of this year’s cultural celebration. Unlike last year’s festivity which was solely organized in Shigatse, this year’s annual event was expected to be jointly held by both Shigatse Prefecture and Shanghai Province from late August to mid-September respectively.

Shigatse Government announced the arrangement of 14th Mt.Qomolangma Cultural Tourism Festival to the public.

The grand annual cultural tourism festival aimed to showcase diverse tourism resources in Shigatse and to promote its profound culture and customs worldwide. As opposed to previous events, there were 5 highlights that merited our attention for this year’s festival.

Have Two Venues for Celebration

To both international and domestic travelers and visitors, you can join the cultural festival either in Shigatse or Shanghai. The 14th Mt.Qomolangma Cultural Tourism Festival was scheduled to open on Aug, 25 and end on Aug, 31, in Shigatse. A series of events in 7-day celebration would be staged around the theme of “Love Mt. Everest; Auspicious Shigatse”.

While in Shanghai, the 4-day cultural events from Sept, 11 to Sept, 14 would feature “Charm of Mt. Everest; Bond between Shanghai and Tibet”. During the 4-day festivities, visitors would be able to attend the Thangka Art Exhibition, Tibet Photography Display, and Shigatse Folk Customs Show, and other promotional events of Shigatse tourism.

A young craftsman is painting Thangka carefully.

Team up with Four Cooperative Provinces for Tourism Promotion

This year’s annual cultural festival was also the first attempt to promote the Shigatse tourism with other four provinces (such as Shangihai, Shangdong, Helongjiang, Jilin), all of which had made tremendous contribution to the development of Shigatse’ economy and development.

Perform in both Tibetan and Modern Artistic Ways

In addition to professional and folk artists from 18 counties of Shigatse Prefectue, troupes of Sichuan Province and special guest performers would also join the show. And all their performances were designed to unfold the distinct culture of Shigatse, and make visitors have a deeper understanding of the rich tourism resources in Everest Region.

Showcase Three Famous Tibetan Dramas

Since the Tibetan Drama or Aji Lamu originated from Shigatse, during the days of celebration, traditional Tibetan dramas like White Mask Tibetan Drama, Blue Mask Tibetan Drama, etc were expected be performed and more people would come to realize how important this cultural heritage was.

Famous White Mask Tibetan Drama is performed on the street.

Attract Business Investment via Cultural Exchange

Throughout the cultural events, visitors would be able to enjoy the historic drama “ Trace of Gyantse”, in which the unique history, culture and customs would be shown through traditional dancing and play. Besides, the rich tourism resources like top 5 valley attractions in Himalayas, ancient Sakya city, and historic Gyantse city, Mt. Everest National Natural Reserve would also be introduced to world-wide tourists as the essential parts of Shigatse tourism.

View of impressive Gyantse fortress from Palcho Monastery in Gyantse City

By doing so, Shigatse government hoped to expand business investment in different areas in Shigatse, and more business investors could travel yourselves to Shigatse to experience the stunning alpine scenery and distinctive culture. Likewise, in Tibetan catering industry, traditional Tibetan specialties like Gangba Lamb, Tibetan chicken, etc could find a way to become popular in inland market.