The monastery in Chamdo was founded in 1444 by one of Tsong Khapa's disciples and it has usually maintained a close relationship with past Chinese governments. It still has a brass seal granted to its abbot by Emperor Kangxi. Well preserved, Chambaling has hundreds of statues of Buddhas and great leaders, thousands of feet of murals, and magnificent Thangkas, which represent the highest artistic achievement in Chamdo. The most famous feature of the monastery is its religious dancing, which is performed with ferocious and living masks, elegant posture, and gorgeous costumes, against a backdrop of fantastic scenery.