Launched in 1984, the Khampa Art Festival is held every four years in four adjacent regions that belong to different provincial level administrative units - Diqing of Yunnan, Yushu of Qinghai, Qamdo of Tibet and Ganzi of Sichuan.

These encompass the main areas of the Khampa, a subgroup of the Tibetan people. The quadrennial art festival aims to promote and consolidate the cultural and tourism resources of the Khampa region and reinforce Khampa culture.

This year's event in Diqing Tibet autonomous prefecture of Yunnan province showcased a variety of Tibetan art, traditional musical instruments, literature and intangible cultural heritages like thangka and black pottery and also included the National Unity Festival.

The Diqing government has declared Sept 12 as National Unity Day and every September National Unity Month.

"The two festivals are a good way to reflect unity among nationalities," says Jiangchu, lama of Songzanlin Temple.

In cooperation with Tencent, one of China's largest Internet portals, online voters chose 56 ethnic minority group messengers out of more than 53,000 applicants. All the messengers planted trees together in Diqing, as a symbol of unity.

Two local cultural squares showcasing traditional performances were full of locals in traditional dress, lamas, and tourists.

Despite losing relatives and homes, more than 50 artists from quake-ravaged Yushu staged a song and dance performance with local characteristics.

Daiqing Lamao did not want to attend at first. Her younger brother, grandmother and aunt died in the tragedy and the 22-year-old says there is not one day she does not cry.

"I convinced myself to come since this is my job and the way I make a living. My parents call me every day to comfort and encourage me. And my colleagues accompany me when I need them and even cry with me."

A set of four special stamps featuring the landscape of Diqing, including Napahai Lake, Songzanlin Temple, Pudacuo National Park and Dukezong Ancient City, and a miniature sheet with Meili Snow Mountain, was released on the first day of the festival.

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