Tsering Tso says studios have been set up to nurture artists, besides a database to collect texts, images, audio and video materials from national and provincial level experts.

She adds that courses by scholars and researchers of national repute have also been held to help experts understand how to better preserve their heritage.

Nyangbon says he has collected thangka pieces by earlier artists like his master, and from time to time he compares them with works by contemporary artists.

"It is a great comfort to see that the quality of thangka art has been improving over the years," he says.

If you go

9 am-5 pm, through Sunday. 1 Wusi Dajie, Dongcheng district, Beijing. 010-6400-1476.