Buddhists and believers carry a large thangka painting of the Buddha for exhibition at Drepung Monastery in Lhasa, capital of Southwest China's Tibet autonomous region, Aug 21, 2017. [Photo by Feng Yongbin/Asianewsphoto]

Before the Qinghai-Tibet Railway opened in 2006, Kunga was a farmer living on the outskirts of Lhasa. Since then, the district has developed into one of the most prosperous areas in Lhasa, and Kunga now runs a grocery store there.

The Buddha exhibition is an important occasion for elderly Tibetans.

"My husband and I came here last night. After worshipping the thangka, we will go to the Sera Monastery and watch Tibetan opera for several days before returning home," said 70-year-old Rinqen Wangmo from Nagarze, Shannan city. The couple spent the night on a wool pad in front of the great hall.

Tibetan opera performances are another must-see at the Shoton Festival.