Every spring in China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Lhasa's skyline brightens as the city comes alive for a time-honored tradition: the repainting of the Potala Palace – affectionately known as the "sweet wall."
Centuries-old in origin, this paint isn't just lime and water. Craftspeople mix white lime with milk, sugar, honey and locally grown saffron to create a subtly fragrant paste that preserves ancient architecture – and tastes of local harvests.
But beyond chemistry, the "sweet wall" ceremony is a celebration of heritage and community. Neighbors of all ages gather to stir vats of honey-infused paint, passing down recipes while bonding over a shared sense of renewal.
For global travelers and culture buffs alike, this ritual offers an immersive glimpse into Xizang's living heritage. It's a reminder that preserving history can be both functional and festive, one brushstroke at a time.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
