To the sound of resonant singing and beating drums, performers in colorful Tibetan costumes and yellow masks take to the stage daily in Tashi Chodan, a community in Lhoka, Xizang Autonomous Region.

Known as the "first village of Tibetan opera", the community is the center for Yarlung Tashi Sholpa, said to be the oldest branch, with a history of more than 600 years. It is known for its performers wearing yellow masks.

The art form was included in China's first national intangible cultural heritage list in 2006. Tibetan opera was added to UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009.

The performers are locals, many of whom take part alongside their everyday work. "I'm not a full-time singer or dancer," said Sonam Yangchen, 39, who has enjoyed Tibetan opera and dance since childhood. "I'm a farmer in the community."

"I hope we can protect and pass on our culture through these performances," she said. "I'm proud to show visitors the richness of Tibetan song and dance."

At dusk, the performances give way to bonfires, with visitors joining residents for traditional group dances.

The cultural activities have also created new livelihoods. The community has renovated homes, formed training troupes, and developed Tibetan opera-themed homestays.

Eighty-five households now run homestays, while more than 120 young people have returned to work or started businesses, according to People's Daily.

By the end of May this year, Tashi Chodan had received more than 110,000 visitors and generated 8.8 million yuan ($1.3 million) in tourism revenue, including more than 1.72 million yuan in 2025 alone.