Qonggai County is another tourist favorite for its significant historical background. More than one thousand years ago, local people celebrated the establishment of the first Tibetan Buddhist Temple with exorcism drum dances, now known as "Zhuo" Dance. 78-year old Nyima has been an active dance performer for decades, and now he hopes his successors will carry on the spirit of the dance.

Nyima, "Zhuo" dance artist, said, "I've been dancing since I was 19. All my life I've been involved with dance, just like a drum cannot go without a drumstick."

Tenzin is the inheritor of "Zhuo" Dance. He agrees with his mentor and is working hard to pass on the dance to the younger generation. They are counting on them to keep the tradition alive.

There are 14 ethnic groups living in the area, however, Tibetans account for 96 percent of the prefecture's total population, making its dominant culture both authentic and diverse. To date, 11 items have been designated as state-level intangible cultural heritage projects, and the local government intends to further develop the local tourism industry with its prosperous cultural scene.

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