Increasing numbers of local songs and dances have been introduced around the world, indicating that Tibet's intangible cultural heritage is receiving improved protection, said Ren Shuqiong, vice-head of the autonomous region's cultural department.

Central and local governments have invested more than 24 million yuan ($3.6 million) to preserve such heritage over the past five years.

The government also has set up a database that includes 406 intangible cultural heritage items including folk literature, music and dance, and 1,177 artists that have been designated to spread the region's traditional culture.

(Source: China Daily)