The institute focuses on the studies of Tibetan Buddhist heritage and actively conducts research in various fields, including the court history of the Ming and Qing dynasties, Han-Tibetan Buddhist exchanges, and the history of Tibetan Buddhist art. The scope and vision of its research continue to expand. The institute is committed to field research as well as investigations and studies on cultural relics preserved in temples and caves in major Tibetan cultural areas, including Gansu and Qinghai provinces, western Sichuan Province, and Tibet Autonomous Region.

The institute has strengthened its cooperation with domestic and international academic institutions across research, exhibitions, promotion, and publication of Tibetan Buddhist cultural relics. Moreover, following the principles of openness and equality, it attracts renowned and outstanding scholars to participate in the institute's research projects, thus rapidly improving its research capabilities and building itself into an influential international scientific research base.

Director: Luo Wenhua