An ink-painting work with a snow leopard by Meng Fanhua in the exhibition hall in Lhasa on June 19, 2018. [Photo by Palden Nyima]

A species unique to the Tibetan plateau and listed as a first-class protected animal in China, the wild yak is also an outstanding element that can best represent Tibetan culture.

"I want to blend Tibet’s yak into China's traditional ink-painting art, and I want to reflect my understanding of the art with yaks," said Meng Fanhua.

"The yak represents Tibetan spirit -- it carries the Tibetan spirit of being tough and hardworking, and it also represents the profound Tibetan culture."