A Catholic church, which is also the only church in China’s Tibet Autonomous Region, stands in Yanjing village, Mangkang county. The church is located on a hill, and its unique architectural design integrates Han, Tibetan and Western styles. Photos: Wang Yuanling
The church sees the arrival of villagers while preparations for Christmas Mass are made on December 24.
Each Christmas, the church invites Tibetan monks from nearby Tibetan Buddhist monasteries to celebrate Christmas together.
In preparation for the Christmas ceremonies, church members worked to refurbish all the pews. Every member volunteers at the church ahead of the holiday.
A villager works early on Christmas Day to prepare for the congregation at noon.
After Christmas Mass, church members prepare cakes and traditional food and drinks. Villagers share their cakes with joy.
After enjoying cakes, villagers gather in front of the church to share their candies, cigarettes and drinks, adding to the family-like atmosphere.
People prepare yak meat ahead of the Christmas holiday. According to local tradition, eating yak meat is a must after Christmas Mass.
A woman kneels at a confessional booth in the corner of the church.
Newborns are brought to the Church by their parents and are baptized by the priests. Among fellow Catholics, they are called by their Christian names.
Graves are situated in a Catholic cemetery on a hill near the village. Though earth burial is not the traditional practice in Tibet, local Catholics have adopted the ritual.