STORY: Exploring unique charm of Tibetan New Year in China's Lhasa
SHOOTING TIME: Feb. 24, 2025
DATELINE: Feb. 25, 2025
LENGTH: 00:02:13
LOCATION: LHASA, China
CATEGORY: CULTURE

SHOTLIST:
1. STANDUP 1 (English): PURBU TSERING, Xinhua correspondent
2. various of Barkor Shopping Mall of Lhasa
3. STANDUP 2 (English): PURBU TSERING, Xinhua correspondent
4. STANDUP 3 (English): PURBU TSERING, Xinhua correspondent
5. SOUNDBITE (Tibetan): DONDRUP, Butter sculpture maker
6. various of butter sculpture
7. STANDUP 4 (English): PURBU TSERING, Xinhua correspondent
8. various of Shambu
9. STANDUP 5 (English): PURBU TSERING, Xinhua correspondent
10. various of chema box
11. STANDUP 6 (English): PURBU TSERING, Xinhua correspondent
12. various of food
13. STANDUP 7 (English): PURBU TSERING, Xinhua correspondent

STORYLINE:

STANDUP 1 (English): PURBU TSERING, Xinhua correspondent
"As the Tibetan New Year, also known as Losar, approaches, the city of Lhasa is bustling with festive atmosphere. And here we can see that people are really busy preparing for the Tibetan New Year. And the streets are full of the joyous mood of celebration. So, have a look."

STANDUP 2 (English): PURBU TSERING, Xinhua correspondent
"Losar is one of the most important holidays for Tibetans. And the preparation of New Year goods is also one of the highlights of the Losar. Right now, I'm in the Barkor Shopping Mall of Lhasa, which is one of the busiest shopping markets in the city. Here, we can see that stalls are swamped as people prepare to usher in the Tibetan Losar of the Wood Snake. So, let's go!"

STANDUP 3 (English): PURBU TSERING, Xinhua correspondent
"These are called butter sculptures, which are exquisite artworks made of butter. And they have various shapes like flowers, animals, and some religious figures. And as decorations, they add strong festive atmosphere. And, standing here, I can still smell the taste of butter. I think it's really really amazing."

SOUNDBITE (Tibetan): DONDRUP, Butter sculpture maker
"I have been making butter sculptures for over 40 years. I passed down this craft to my son, and he has now mastered this intangible cultural heritage skill. It brings me great joy. These days, our business has been thriving and I am delighted to see so many Lhasa residents coming to our stall to purchase butter sculptures."

STANDUP 4 (English): PURBU TSERING, Xinhua correspondent
"Shambu is also essential. This is a distinctive decoration in Tibetan architecture. Usually it is used to protect the painted window frames and wooden components. It also embodies prayers for renewal and auspicious blessings."

STANDUP 5 (English): PURBU TSERING, Xinhua correspondent
"This beautifully decorated wooden box is called chema box. During the Tibetan New Year, it will be filled with roasted barley and tsampa (a staple food for Tibetans), topped with butter sculptures and barley ears. It is a very important item for rituals and blessings during the Tibetan festivals. It also embodies harvest and good fortune."

STANDUP 6 (English): PURBU TSERING, Xinhua correspondent   
"In addition, people will prepare lots of delicious foods, such as Kasai (a traditional Tibetan pastry), candies, fruits, and yak meat to enjoy with family and friends during the Tibetan New Year."

STANDUP 7 (English): PURBU TSERING, Xinhua correspondent   
"Walking on the streets of Lhasa, I can definitely feel the whole city has already become a sea of joy and people are eagerly looking forward to the arrival of the Tibetan New Year. So, Losar Tashi Delek (Happy Tibetan New Year)."

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