Photo shows the Tibetan Opera Association of Beijing Institute of Technology (BIT) presents an opening show. (Photo/ Gelsang)

Tibetan opera, which derives from the 8th century, is dubbed the "living fossil" of Tibetan culture.

Tibetan opera was listed as an intangible cultural heritage (ICH) project of the State Council in 2006 and a world-class ICH project in 2009 respectively.

Photo shows the performance of the Tibetan Opera Association of BIT. (Photo/ Gelsang)

In recent years, China has reinforced the protection of cultural heritage.

China highly values the ICH inheritance of ethnic groups, and invests abundant manpower and material resources in the inheritance of performing skills, theoretical study, etc.

The Tibetan Opera Association of BIT was established in 2012.

According to Gelsang, the person in charge of the association made up of Tibetan students of BIT, the association aims to inherit and promote ethnic culture.

After being trained, members of the association started performing Tibetan opera.

As their performance is highly praised by teachers and students, the association is invited to perform in lots of grand evening parties of the school.

To inherit Tibetan opera, senior members of the association become guides to train the new members and provide them with performing opportunities.

"Tibetan Opera Association aims to carry forward and promote ethnic culture. For us, via daily management of the association, we get to know the splendid culture of our ethnic group, which enhances the sense of our national pride. In the mean time, members have improved their work ability through organizing and preparing various activities. For other people, Tibetan Opera Association provides them with an access to know Tibet and Tibetan culture," said Gelsang.

Photo shows the performance of the Tibetan Opera Association of BIT. (Photo/ Gelsang)

A group photo of the team after the performance (Photo/Gelsang)