On October 16, Acting Consul General Cheng Hongbo attended and delivered remarks at the opening ceremony of the “Attuning the Heart Through Discipline—The Rangbala Thangka Art Exhibition” held at Wutai Shan Buddhist Garden in Canada. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney sent a congratulatory letter to the event. The ceremony was attended by hundreds of guests, including representatives from all three levels of government in Canada and various ethnic communities.

In his speech, Acting CG Cheng noted that Thangka is a shining pearl of art from the snow-covered plateau and a vivid testament to the fruitful cultural exchange and mutual learning between the Han and Tibetan ethnic groups. As an intangible cultural heritage shared by all humanity, Thangka has transcended geographical and ethnic boundaries as a bridge connecting China and the world and fostering dialogue among civilizations.

Mr. Cheng noted that this year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of Xizang Autonomous Region. With strong support from the Chinese government, Thangka art has been revitalized and is now eloquenting telling the world a compelling story of the unity and harmony within China’s ethnic diversity. He expressed confidence that this exhibition would offer Canadians a window into the diversity and inclusiveness of Chinese culture, while offering them the timeless artistic charm and spirit of harmonious coexistence it embodies.

The exhibition is jointly organized by the Buddhist Association of Canada and the Rangbala Intangible Cultural Heritage Association of Rangtang County of Sichuan Province, and will last until November 15, bringing to local audiences an immersive art journey across civilizations and borders.