Lhasa's dancing yak mascots become online sensation

At a riverside park in Lhasa, a group of yak mascots has recently become an online sensation, attracting millions of views for their lively dance routines and playful performances.

The mascots are part of a riverside cultural tourism initiative and are inspired by Tibetan yak culture rooted in the traditional leather boat dance, Xizang Daily reported. What sets them apart, however, is their contemporary approach.

Their choreography blends Tibetan folk steps with Latin, samba, and pop dance styles. Videos of the performances, filmed and shared online, quickly spread across social media platforms.

"The mascots went viral unexpectedly," said Basang Tenzin, deputy general manager of Lhasa Potala Tourism and Culture Group, a planner behind the cultural tourism project. "The highly distinctive design of the white yak, professional performers who give life to the character, and Tibetan cultural elements brought about their popularity."

The group has welcomed locals and tourists from across the country, according to Qu Shuhan, a marketing staff member at Lhasa Lanjie Culture and Tourism Co, the project's operator. Fans from Gansu and Jiangsu provinces, and the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, have flown to Lhasa to visit the yak mascots.

"The round, adorable, and friendly appearance has drawn more people here," said Fu Shiyu, a resident who has lived in Xizang for a decade. "I feel proud to see them shine and help more people discover Lhasa and Tibetan culture."

Tourist Li Nan said the mascots present Tibetan culture in an accessible way, changing her previous impression of Tibetan yaks.

These yaks are part of broader measures to activate Lhasa's riverside spaces through cultural activities. The initiative also offers night cruises, light displays, and themed performances, Xizang Daily reported.

The program, a joint effort between local authorities and enterprises, is projected to receive 500,000 tourists annually and generate over 300 million yuan (about $42.6 million) in revenue, according to a post by Lhasa's publicity department on its official WeChat account in September.