A Tibetan fashion competition named Bodpa Show was held in Xiahe County of Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China’s Gansu Province on Tuesday evening.

Sixty-four Tibetan models, with an average age of 19 and representing various regions across China, reached the final stage.

Models perform on stage at the Bodpa Show in Xiahe County, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province, Aug 6, 2024. (Photo: China News Service/ Li Yalong)

Each showcased traditional Chinese clothing, Western suits, and creations from Tibetan brands. In addition to traditional Tibetan attire, they also displayed modernized and innovatively designed Tibetan garments.

Cairang Gaji, 19, is a sophomore at Southwest Minzu University. She realized her long-held dream of becoming a top supermodel by stepping onto the stage for the first time at the event.

She wore a self-designed Tibetan outfit. Using lightweight fabrics to better accentuate its shape and adding shoulder pads for a more structured and fashionable look, she enhanced the traditional Tibetan attire with a modern twist.

Models perform on stage at the Bodpa Show in Xiahe County, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province, Aug 6, 2024. (Photo: China News Service/ Li Yalong)

"'Bodpa Show' is a Tibetan clothing culture platform created by Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture," its founder Daoji Zhuoma explained.

"Our main purpose is to ensure that Tibetan clothing culture is well preserved and to introduce Tibetan culture to the world," she said. "It is gratifying to see that more and more outstanding young Tibetans on the international stage."

"When the modern and popular electronic music played, Tibetan models dressed in stunning traditional attire slowly walked out from both sides of the stage. At that moment, I felt that the ancient ethnic culture 'came to life.' The breathtaking beauty continuously struck my heart," exclaimed Lu Yunqi,a young music creator from Beijing, while watching the event. Lu is also an ambassador for the protection of intangible cultural heritage in Xiahe County.

Lu said that during her first visit to Gannan last year, she was deeply attracted by the pure and unspoiled ethnic culture. She was especially impressed by the live Buddhist music she heard at Labrang Monastery. She stated that young people currently seek to stay away from the hustle and bustle of urban life. This is also why she is dedicated to studying and encouraging social engagement in cultural protection and promotion.

Lu Yunqi gathers inspiration for creations in Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province, August 2023. (Photo provided by the interviewee)

During the competition, through online voting and on-site professional judging, several awards were presented to the national champions, runners-up, and third place, as well as five Fashion Tibetan Model Awards and nationwide top ten.

Xiahe County is located at the convergence of China’s Gansu, Qinghai, and Sichuan provinces. It is the closest snow-capped plateau to the inland region and embodies Tibetan culture, agricultural culture, folk culture, grassland culture, and Buddhist culture.

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