Tibetan communities in Xizang Autonomous Region and Yunnan Procince of southwest China have been celebrating the first day of the Tibetan New Year, which falls on Friday this year. In Xizang, Tibetans observed the traditional "Guthuk" night on Thursday, a significant prelude to the Tibetan New Year. Guthuk is a special evening when families gather for a New Year's Eve dinner. In Lhasa, as dusk approached, households were busy kneading dough, rolling it into strips, and pinching off small dumplings in preparation for the evening meal. The word "Gu" means "nine," and "Tuk" means "noodle" in Tibetan. According to Tibetan tradition, families prepare a special noodle soup containing nine ingredients, such as cheese curds, diced beef, and ginseng fruit. The meal is a communal affair, with families sitting together to share the delicious dish, symbolizing unity and togetherness during the festival. Phurbu Wangdu, a resident of Cai Village in Chengguan District of Lhasa, expressed his happiness. "I have had a very smooth year at work, and my family are healthy. I feel truly blessed and content with life," he said. Celebrations are not limited to family gatherings. In a local park in Lhasa, art troupes have integrated intangible cultural heritage elements into their song and dance performances, captivating audiences with their vibrant displays. "Our art group has prepared many traditional dances and songs. During the Tibetan New Year, we plan to tour rural areas to bring more wonderful dances to locals," said Thubten Nyima, a member of the Qiongmu Gangga Art Troupe from Nyemo County. Similar activities have also taken place in Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Yunnan Province. At the Ethnic Culture Square, people gathered in circles to dance the "Guozhuang", a traditional Tibetan circle dance characterized by lively and rhythmic steps. The event also featured traditional sports such as horse riding and archery, attracting both tourists and local residents to participate. "I happened to be here during the Tibetan New Year and had the opportunity to experience the rich traditions. So many people are dancing together and it is so delightful and lively," said Liang Yongxian, a visitor from south China's Guangdong Province. SHOTLIST: Lhasa City, Xizang Autonomous Region, southwest China - Feb 27, 2025 1. Aerial shot of buildings; 2. Various of locals making dinner, small dough balls; 3. Various of family dinner; 4. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Phurbu Wangdu, local resident (starting with shot 3): "I have had a very smooth year at work, and my family are healthy. I feel truly blessed and content with life."; 5. Various of dance, singing performance; audience; 6. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Thubten Nyima, member, Nyemo County Qiongmu Gangga Art Troupe (starting with shot 3): "Our art group has prepared many traditional dances and songs. During the Tibetan New Year, we plan to tour rural areas to bring more wonderful dances to locals."; Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, southwest China - Feb 27, 2025 7. Aerial shot of village; 8. Various of dancing performance; 9. Horse riding event; 10. Arrow-shooting event; 11. Onlookers; 12. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Liang Yongxian, tourist (ending with shot 13): "I happened to be here during the Tibetan New Year and had the opportunity to experience the rich traditions. So many people are dancing together and it is so delightful and lively."; 13. Various of dancing. [Restrictions: No access Chinese mainland]