“The Lhoba people have a language but no written script, so the transmission of our culture relies largely on oral traditions. Over the years, support in terms of policies and funding has steadily increased, but I still hope that more professionals will dedicate themselves to the research and protection of Lhoba culture,” said Tashi Gyaltsen, NPC deputy and head of Doyul Lhoba Ethnic Township, Lhunze County, Shannan City, Xizang, in a recent interview.

Since being first elected as an NPC deputy in 2018, Tashi Gyaltsen has consistently focused on the protection and development of Lhoba culture and has actively submitted proposals. At the 2019 national Two Sessions, he formally submitted a proposal titled “Suggestions on Strengthening the Protection of Lhoba Culture”. As one of China’s small-population ethnic groups, the Lhoba people are mainly distributed in Nyingchi and Shannan cities, Xizang. Due to regional differences, the language spoken by the Lhoba people may vary between the two cities. “This means that protection work must be more meticulous and precise,” said Tashi Gyaltsen.

In Doyul Lhoba Ethnic Township, where Tashi Gyaltsen works and lives, the altitude exceeds 3,100 meters. The area is densely forested, nurturing a unique Lhoba culture. From traditional clothing to language, from song and dance arts to customs surrounding weddings and funerals, many traditions are still preserved in Lhoba communities today.

According to Tashi Gyaltsen, the township regularly organizes Lhoba language night schools, with local elders enthusiastically serving as teachers. Each session typically attracts 20 to 30 participants. The local Women’s Federation also organizes training for women to learn traditional Lhoba clothing craftsmanship. In recent years, the government has also allocated funding to support the creation of Lhoba artistic works, including dance and songs. “We hope that our culture will not only be preserved in museums, but also live actively in the daily lives of the people,” said Tashi Gyaltsen.

The name “Lhoba” means “southerners”. Historically, this ethnic group lived by hunting. In 2008, traditional Lhoba costumes were listed in the second batch of national-level intangible cultural heritage representative projects. In 2011, the founding legends of the Lhoba people were included in the third batch of national-level intangible cultural heritage representative projects, and the Lhoba knife dance was listed as a county-level intangible cultural heritage representative project. All these demonstrate the strong protection of Lhoba culture.

Tashi Gyaltsen emphasized that, as an NPC deputy, he will continue to focus on the protection and development of Lhoba culture and advocate for the progress of the Lhoba people. In his view, safeguarding Lhoba culture is equivalent to safeguarding the roots and soul of the ethnic group.