A lively traditional sports festival showcasing rural culture and athleticism drew over 4,000 spectators in Xingping Town, Yuli County, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The event featured adrenaline-fueled competitions like horse racing, goat grabbing (buzkashi), and ram fighting, with riders from across the region bringing more than 100 horses to participate.
The festival highlights efforts to preserve Uygur cultural heritage while boosting local tourism. Organizers emphasized its role in fostering community ties and attracting global travelers seeking authentic cultural exchanges. Data shows such events have contributed to a 22% year-on-year rise in tourism revenue for Yuli County since 2022.
As immersive travel trends grow worldwide, Xinjiang’s fusion of tradition and spectacle offers a model for sustainable cultural tourism. The festival underscores the region’s diverse heritage and China’s emphasis on rural revitalization.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
