How was the Tibetan paper preserved intact for thousands of years?

Tibetan papermaking skills, a traditional handicraft in the Tibet Autonomous Region, involves generally such procedures as de-skinning, grinding, boiling, composting, rinsing, smashing, pulping, and screening among others.

The Chinese papermaking art has been introduced to Tibet for more than 1,300 years since Princess Wencheng was married faraway to the Tubo in Tang Dynasty. In the 8th century A.D., in order to translate Buddhist scriptures, the Tibetans adopted the advanced papermaking skills from nearby regions. Over time, a distinctive papermaking technique was formed as local raw materials were used by the Tibetans.

In 2006, Tibetan papermaking techniques were listed as a national intangible cultural heritage. Today, with the inheritance of Tibetans, Tibetan paper has become more than just a piece of paper, exuding a rich historical flavor with a contemporary luster.

Producer: Yang Gu

Chief Supervisor: Chen Jiandong, Song Leyong

Chief Planner: Che Jingwen, Jin Linghan

Script Writer: Yue Pei

Coordinator: Zhou Shuodi, Tao Yanyan, Yang Jingyi

Co-produced by: China Internet Development Foundation and GMW.cn