Eight undergraduates of Tibet University, as the first batch of Thangka majors in Tibet Autonomous Region, will graduate this June.

"Thangka", transliterated from Tibetan, is a kind of scroll painting mounted on silk. It has distinctive ethnic features and a strong religious flavor. Its unique artistic style is highly prized by the Tibetans. Thangka art can be divided into Miantang and Qinze sects. Both of them have been listed as the China Intangible Cultural Heritage List, and viewed to focus on protection.

Penba Wangdu, leader of the intangible cultural heritage research team of Tibet University, said introducing Thangka art into university is a good way to protect the traditional Tibetan painting."The Thangka majors not only mainly study Thangka painting, but also have to learn traditional Chinese painting, Western painting and computer design techniques. They should pay more attention to learn theories of painting." he added.

In 1985, Tibet University set up a subject of Thangka for students and then began to enroll postgraduates since 2000. In 2004, Thangka became a major in Tibet University. Up to now, there are four teachers teaching Thangka in Tibet university, including one professor as well as one arts and crafts master at state level.

Penba Wangdu is proud of seeing Thangka art develop so fast. He said:" After the first batch of Thangka majors graduated this year, we intend to enroll 15 Thangka majors. At present, there are 50 students in Lhasa, Nyingchi, Shannan applying for this major. "