Grand Highland Ethnic Costume Competition Concludes in Drango

Dragon Media News Desk

The third Grand Highland Ethnic Costume Exhibition and Competition, showcasing the beauty, cultural significance and craftsmanship of traditional and contemporary clothing from different ethnic communities, has concluded in Drango County.

The event, held on July 26, was supported by the Tedar Tibetan Costume Exhibition Hall, the Drango County Intangible Cultural Heritage Handicraft Industrial Park and other institutions. Costume designers, artisans and cultural representatives from different regions gathered in Drango, widely known for its musical traditions and craftsmanship.

Participants introduced the historical background, regional characteristics, production techniques and cultural meaning of the costumes they wore before presenting them on stage. Audiences at the venue and viewers watching the livestream were able to experience the diversity and distinctive beauty of highland ethnic clothing.

A total of 29 teams from the U-Tsang, Amdo and Kham regions took part in the competition. The team led by Dekyi Dolma from Gegye County in Ngari, Xizang, secured first place in the traditional costume category. Dekyi Lhamo of Drango County won first place in the contemporary costume category.

According to the organizers, the fourth Tibetan Costume Culture Symposium was also held alongside the competition. Experts, researchers and craftspeople discussed the preservation, transmission and contemporary development of ethnic costume traditions.

Two new books documenting the costume cultures of the Gyelrong and Dechen regions were also released during the event. The publications provide information on traditional clothing, ornaments, craftsmanship and the cultural identities of the respective regions.

The second Highland Women’s Health and Entrepreneurship Promotion Conference was held on the same occasion. Health experts and accomplished women from different professional fields shared experiences and recommendations on women’s healthcare, business development, economic independence and social participation.

Organizers said the Drango Highland Ethnic Costume Competition has developed beyond a clothing exhibition into an important platform for preserving ethnic culture, promoting traditional craftsmanship, supporting women’s entrepreneurship and advancing local cultural tourism.