Imagine a vast bolt of green silk stretching as far as the eye can see. This is Qiaxi grassland, a riding paradise in Tekes county in the Chinese mainland’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Here, galloping across open fields is serious business—and a chance to connect with centuries-old nomadic traditions.
Nestled among rolling hills and blue skies, you might notice a gleaming saddle or a piece of ornate tack that stops you in your tracks. Those are the creations of Ahatai, the only saddle-maker in Tekes. With a blend of local Uygur motifs and masterful metalwork, Ahatai transforms leather, brass and silver fittings into one-of-a-kind works of functional art.
Each saddle carries its own story: a delicate filigree pattern inspired by the region’s wildflowers, a sturdy brass buckle designed for long journeys, or a hand-tooled leather seat that molds to the rider over time. For Ahatai, the craft is more than a trade—it’s a way to preserve heritage while equipping modern adventurers.
Travelers from around the world are discovering this off-grid gem, swapping sneakers for riding boots and city skylines for endless grasslands. And when they fall for a piece of tack they can’t live without, Ahatai’s workshop becomes a must-visit. Through every hammer stroke and engraved line, his saddles remind us that true craftsmanship knows no borders.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
