STORY: Vlog: Exploring charm of Tibetan clothing in Lhasa
DATELINE: Aug. 18, 2023
LENGTH: 00:05:21
LOCATION: LHASA, China
CATEGORY: Culture

SHOTLIST:
1. STANDUP 1 (English): WU YAO, Xinhua correspondent
2. various of Barkhor Street
3. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): DROLKAR, Lhasa resident
4. SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): SHAN WENYING, Tourist from Qingdao
5. STANDUP 2 (English): WU YAO, Xinhua correspondent
6. SOUNDBITE 3 (English): NORDON TENZIN, Shop owner
7. SOUNDBITE 4 (English): NORDON TENZIN, Shop owner
8. SOUNDBITE 5 (English): NORDON TENZIN, Shop owner
9. SOUNDBITE 6 (Chinese): DEKYI LHAMO, Lhasa resident
10. STANDUP 3 (English): WU YAO, Xinhua correspondent
11. SOUNDBITE 7 (Chinese): KONCHOK TASHI, Fashion designer
12. SOUNDBITE 8 (Chinese): KONCHOK TASHI, Fashion designer
13. STANDUP 4 (English): WU YAO, Xinhua correspondent

STORYLINE:

STANDUP 1 (English): WU YAO, Xinhua correspondent
"Stylish, colorful, with intricate embroidery, Tibetan costumes are one of the first things that caught my eye upon arriving in Lhasa.
So I wonder what are the cultural elements behind the clothing and how it has evolved over time. Today, let's explore the charm of the Tibetan outfits."

Barkhor Street, located at the heart of Lhasa, is
a most bustling bazaar in the regional capital of Tibet

SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): DROLKAR, Lhasa resident
"This is a black and white dress.
Tibetan attire showcases rich ethnic charm."

SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): SHAN WENYING, Tourist from Qingdao
"I want to experience the local traditional culture."

STANDUP 2 (English): WU YAO, Xinhua correspondent
"A Tibetan girl told me that I can get a traditional and authentic Tibetan costume just like hers around the corner. I can't wait!
Hi, I want to try on some traditional Tibetan clothes. Is that okay?"

SOUNDBITE 3 (English): NORDON TENZIN, Shop owner
"OK. Sure. You can try this one."

Nordon told me that Tibetan clothing features unique designs and styles, derived from the region's unique environment, history, and culture.
The pragmatic and the exquisite elements are flawlessly integrated within the costumes.

SOUNDBITE 4 (English): NORDON TENZIN, Shop owner
"I really like our costume, the Tibetan Chuba (Tibetan clothing) and I feel so proud of wearing Tibetan Chuba. I feel it's very comfortable."

Nordon said locals prefer Tibetan attire in the traditional style.

SOUNDBITE 5 (English): NORDON TENZIN, Shop owner
"In Lhasa city, I didn't see many people wearing new style. It's just new fabric, the more choices of fabric. It's also because of the developments of the society. I think it's about family things, because the old generation of Tibetan family, they are really into Tibetan culture and to teach the young generation to keep our old, traditional and like our language, our cooking, everything."

While the styles of traditional Tibetan costumes have maintained consistency, the wardrobes of ordinary Tibetans have changed significantly compared with over 60 years ago.

In old Tibet, serfs made up 95 percent of the population, who often had barely enough to wear.

The democratic reform in 1959 abolished the feudal serfdom and liberated the serfs in Tibet.

In recent years, with the poverty alleviation drive, Tibet's 3.65 million people have ushered in a moderately prosperous life.

In Lhasa, I visited the home of a 69-year-old, to see how her closet has changed over the past decades.

SOUNDBITE 6 (Chinese): DEKYI LHAMO, Lhasa resident
"I have two sisters. (During my childhood,) when my sister's clothes were too small for her, she would give them to me; when they were too small for me, I would give them to my sister. Now we wear whatever we want."

STANDUP 3 (English): WU YAO, Xinhua correspondent
"Rising incomes and improved living conditions are bringing a wide range of clothing options to people in the plateau region. The designs of Tibetan costumes have also innovated over time, combining modern fashion elements.
On the busy street of Bakhor, I stumbled on a very unique Tibetan designer shop with a humble storefront. Let's check it out."

The owner, Konchok Tashi, combines traditional Tibetan cultural elements with modern fashion styles, eyeing the opportunity in the market.

SOUNDBITE 7 (Chinese): KONCHOK TASHI, Fashion designer
"I'm interested in adopting some elements from Tibetan clothing traditions for my own purposes.
What we call tradition today was also innovation and fashion at that time.
I think it's the same for Tibetan clothing: to innovate on the basis of tradition.
By incorporating traditional elements, and creating new designs, I think this will be the greatest way to pay respect to the predecessors who crafted these traditional costumes."

Tashi's costumes are sold not only locally, but also in other parts of China, or even overseas.

SOUNDBITE 8 (Chinese): KONCHOK TASHI, Fashion designer
"I've launched my business in Lhasa and have been working here for about 10 years.
With our own eyes we have witnessed the overall improvement in the economy, culture, and many other aspects, which is especially evident from the Barkhor Street."

During the 2016-2020 period, the Engel coefficient of Tibetan residents continued to decline, while the per capita consumption of clothing rose by 584 yuan (about 91 U.S. dollars).

From 2016 to 2020, the Engel coefficient of Tibetan residents, the proportion of total family income spent on food, continued to decline.

The per capita consumption of clothing in Tibet rose by 584 yuan (about 91 U.S. dollars).

STANDUP 4 (English): WU YAO, Xinhua correspondent
"After seeing so many different Tibetan costumes, I think now I understand why they are so popular among tourists and locals alike.
The ever-evolving Tibetan costume is a heritage of its rich culture, and more importantly, a witness to the change of the times."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Lhasa, China.
(XHTV)