A vibrant celebration of rural traditions unfolded in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region this week as farmers and herders showcased their athletic prowess at a spirited sports festival. Over 4,000 spectators gathered in Xingping Town, Yuli County, to witness centuries-old competitions blending skill, strength, and local heritage.
The festival featured adrenaline-charged events including horse racing with 100+ horses brought by riders from across Xinjiang, along with the Central Asian-origin sport of goat grabbing (“buzkashi”) and intense ram fighting matches. Organizers emphasized the event's role in preserving Uygur cultural traditions while promoting rural tourism.
Local resident Aziz Tursun told reporters: “These games connect us to our ancestors’ way of life. Seeing young riders master these skills gives me hope for our traditions’ future.”
The festival comes as Xinjiang sees growing interest in cultural tourism, with regional authorities reporting a 32% year-on-year increase in rural visitor numbers during 2023. Similar events are scheduled across agricultural regions through autumn harvest season.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
