Traditional paintings and colorful pictures of Tibet debuted in Bangkok Friday evening, marking the opening of a series of exhibitions of the "2003 China Tibetan Culture Week" to be launched in Thailand. 

The exhibition, organized by the Information Office of China's State Council and the people's government of Tibet Autonomous Region, features 10 pieces of Tangka, scrolls of traditional Tibetan paintings believed to reveal the most characteristic aspect of Tibetan culture.

The painting, known as Tangka in Tibetan, is famous for its refined brushwork and gorgeous colors with motifs like religious figures or events as well as knowledge of Tibetan calendar and medicine.

Also on display at the exhibition are some 200 pictures revealing Tibet's splendid landscapes and depicting the great historical change in Tibet.

The cultural exchange event, which runs from Dec. 5 to 18, is designed to give Thai people a panoramic view of the history and unique custom of Tibet by featuring Tibetan songs and dances, pictures, paintings and movies. 

This is the first time for China to feature Tibet in a large-scale cultural exchange event in Thailand.

(Xinhua News Agency December 6, 2003)