Thangka is a method of painting featuring religion, history, politics, culture and social activities and is essential to understanding Tibet and its culture.

Originally, thangka was painted with mineral pigments over embroidered tapestry and served as a portable shrine for Buddhist icons, as it was difficult for typically nomadic Tibetans to carry with bulky bronze sculptures or woodcarvings of Buddha statues for worship. Thus, thangka is also known as a "walking Buddha niche."

In 2006, the Tibetan art of thangka was listed among the first batch of national intangible cultural heritage items, drawing attention to its preservation and inheritance.