Horse racing festival held in Yushu, NW China's Qinghai

An equestrian performance is held at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Sanjiangyuan Ecological Culture Tourism Festival and the 44th Yushu Horse Racing Festival in Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Qinghai Province, July 25, 2026. (People's Daily Online/Gan Haiqiong)

The 2026 Sanjiangyuan Ecological Culture Tourism Festival and the 44th Yushu Horse Racing Festival opened on July 25 in Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Qinghai Province. The opening ceremony featured a cultural gala with more than 6,200 performers from across Yushu, whose vibrant dances and heartfelt enthusiasm energized the audience.

The performance showcased local cultural heritage, including nomadic civilization, the ancient Tang-Bo Road and "The Epic of King Gesar." It also retold the story of three generations of Hoh Xil rangers dedicated to protecting the local environment.

As a highlight of the festival, an equestrian event brought the opening ceremony to a climax. Top horses and riders from across Yushu delivered spectacular traditional performances, drawing cheers from the crowd.

The Yushu Horse Racing Festival dates back more than 1,300 years. In 2008, it was included in the second group of items on China's national intangible cultural heritage list.

One of the oldest and largest traditional festivals of the Tibetan ethnic group in Qinghai Province, it has grown into a major event that showcases ethnic culture, promotes economic exchanges and boosts tourism. The festival will run through mid- to late August.

A rider performs equestrian stunts at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Sanjiangyuan Ecological Culture Tourism Festival and the 44th Yushu Horse Racing Festival in Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Qinghai Province, July 25, 2026. (People's Daily Online/Gan Haiqiong)

A rider performs equestrian stunts at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Sanjiangyuan Ecological Culture Tourism Festival and the 44th Yushu Horse Racing Festival in Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Qinghai Province, July 25, 2026. (People's Daily Online/Gan Haiqiong)

Riders perform equestrian stunts at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Sanjiangyuan Ecological Culture Tourism Festival and the 44th Yushu Horse Racing Festival in Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Qinghai Province, July 25, 2026. (People's Daily Online/Gan Haiqiong)

Riders perform equestrian stunts at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Sanjiangyuan Ecological Culture Tourism Festival and the 44th Yushu Horse Racing Festival in Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Qinghai Province, July 25, 2026. (People's Daily Online/Gan Haiqiong)

An equestrian performance is held at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Sanjiangyuan Ecological Culture Tourism Festival and the 44th Yushu Horse Racing Festival in Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Qinghai Province, July 25, 2026. (People's Daily Online/Gan Haiqiong)

The 2026 Sanjiangyuan Ecological Culture Tourism Festival and the 44th Yushu Horse Racing Festival opens in Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Qinghai Province, July 25, 2026. (People's Daily Online/Gan Haiqiong)

The 2026 Sanjiangyuan Ecological Culture Tourism Festival and the 44th Yushu Horse Racing Festival opens in Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Qinghai Province, July 25, 2026. (People's Daily Online/Gan Haiqiong)

Herders walk through the venue with yaks at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Sanjiangyuan Ecological Culture Tourism Festival and the 44th Yushu Horse Racing Festival in Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Qinghai Province, July 25, 2026. (People's Daily Online/Gan Haiqiong)