Hot temperatures in China have lasted for more than a month now, with several places reaching extremely hot temperatures. However, in Tibet, the temperature is still cool and refreshing, with August temperatures around 22 degrees Celsius. “Lingka-dang”, or picnicking, is a Tibetan recreational activity that has become a social custom. On lingka, or picnic, days, the whole family, young and old, head out with carefully prepared butter tea, dried meat, and fruit, and spend the day eating, drinking, singing, dancing, and enjoying the pleasant weather. In Tibetan, lingka-dang means “to play in the garden”. Beginning in early May, picnicking season reaches its apex during the Shoton Festival time. 

On August 12, Tibetans picnic inside the Norbulingka Summer Palace and play sho, a Tibetan dice game. 

On August 12, Tibetans picnic inside the Norbulingka Summer Palace and play sho, a Tibetan dice game.