Butter Sculptures Bloom at Ta’er Monastery

As the Lantern Festival lights up skies across Asia, a different kind of artistry is glowing at northwest China's Ta'er Monastery. The 600-year-old Tibetan Buddhist site has unveiled its annual butter sculpture exhibition – a jaw-dropping display of delicate floral designs and intricate religious motifs crafted entirely from dyed yak butter.

These ephemeral masterpieces, shaped by monks using hands cooled in ice water to prevent melting, represent one of China's most fascinating intangible cultural heritage skills. This year's theme celebrates spring renewal, with lotus flowers and mythical creatures seeming to dance under soft golden lamplight.

'It's like walking through a frozen garden,' said one visitor from Xining, capturing the magical atmosphere that draws thousands during the 15-day Lunar New Year celebrations. The tradition dates back to the Ming Dynasty, blending Tibetan Buddhist symbolism with Han Chinese festival customs – a perfect cultural crossover for our global generation.

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Butter sculptures 'bloom' at Ta'er Monastery during Lantern Festival

cgtn.com