The national handicraft of Qamdo has a long history. The craftsmanship is complicated and delicate and has special features, therefore, it is quite influential in the Kham area. Garma, on the upper reaches of the Zhaqoi River and about 120 km from Qamdo, is famous across the whole Tibetan area for its handicraft. In ancient times, Wazhai, Lichi, Lito and Biru all belonged to the Garma Township, the "township of fine craftsmen". Historical records show the Garma Monastery built in 1185 was designed by a local painter Duiricang. From this, we see the painting in this area has covered a history of over 700 years. In the mid 16th century, three generation of Zhaxi, on the basis of Maining and Maisa branches in painting, absorbed inland methods in drawing landscape pictures and created a unique style "Garshog". Since then, it has become an important school of Tibetan Tangka painting. Such a school of painting mainly features a clear picture, powerful and smooth lines, exquisite clothes outlines, lifelike expressions and bright colors. This method is usually used in drawing flowers and grass, trees and plants, mountains, stone and waterfalls and portraits of the sacred Buddha.

There is also Chaidui Wendagang formed in the later period of 14th century, which is famous for making all kinds of Buddha figures to be worshipped in temples. During the period of Garma Pashi, the second living Buddha of the Garma Monastery, the first emperor of the Yuan Dynasty Kubla Khan put the wide area of the upper reaches of the Lancangjiang River into the administration of the Monastery. To extend the influence, Garma Balho invited a large number of craftsmen from Nepal, India, Sikkim, Lhasa and inland areas. They went in for large-scale buildings and decorated them elaborately. The wisdom of Tibetans, Hans (Chinese), Mongolians, the Naxi ethnic group and national craftsmen from Nepal and India has contributed a great deal to Qamdo and enriched the craftsmanship of the prefecture. The unique handicraft helps lay a solid foundation for the national industry of the prefecture.

Now there are still many craftsmen who are experts at sculpture, drawing and dyeing. They are beautifying the life of Tibetans with their endless wisdom and diligence. Besides, they exert a great influence on the neighboring Qinghai Province, the Garze and Aba Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan Province and the Deqen Tibetan Autonomous prefecture of Yunnan Province.

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