Zhangye's thrilling horse races captivates enthusiastic crowds

The Kangle Grassland in Sunan Yugur autonomous county, Zhangye, Gansu province [Photo provided to gozhangye.com]

The Kangle Grassland in Sunan Yugur autonomous county, Zhangye, Gansu province came alive with a vibrant cultural performance on June 21.

The event showcased 126 horses and over 160 skilled riders, who competed in thrilling races including large horse racing, small horse racing, circular racing, and paired races.

The spectacle drew tens of thousands of tourists from Shanghai and Guangdong, Anhui, Fujian provinces to witness the thrilling competitions. Amidst the excitement, they also had the opportunity to witness the stunning scenery of the Qilian Mountains. Here, snow-capped peaks, lush forests, and expansive grasslands meet, creating a truly mesmerizing backdrop for this extraordinary event.

The Kangle Grassland in Sunan Yugur autonomous county, Zhangye, Gansu province [Photo provided to gozhangye.com]

Sunan Yugur autonomous county is renowned for its diverse natural landscapes, featuring glaciers, snow mountains, forests, grasslands, Danxia landforms, and deserts.  Alongside, it boasts rich cultural heritage sites such as the Jinta Temple, Mati Temple, and Great Wall beacons. The county is home to 21 ethnic minority groups, including Yugur, Tibetan, Mongolian, and Tu ethnic communities.

In recent years, local farmers and herders from various ethnic backgrounds have leveraged the region's unique natural advantages to organize grassroots horse racing festivals known as "village horse races".

These events feature traditional ethnic riding and speed races, enriching the visitor experience, promoting tourism, and creating new avenues for employment and income growth.