In the vast landscapes of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, a 5-year-old girl is redefining what it means to grow up with horses. Featured in CGTN journalist Yang Xinmeng's latest vlog from Urumqi, the child began riding at just 18 months old – her story offering a fresh perspective on the region's deep-rooted equestrian traditions.
The vlog showcases the legendary Akhal-Teke horses, known as 'heavenly steeds' that once carried Silk Road merchants and imperial envoys. These golden-maned marvels now share pastures with a new generation of riders, their hooves echoing both ancient heritage and modern aspirations.
Yang's镜头 (lens) captures more than athletic prowess – it reveals how horse culture binds communities. Children's laughter mixes with the rhythmic clop of hooves as families maintain centuries-old traditions, challenging stereotypes about this diverse region through personal narratives.
For business observers, the feature highlights Xinjiang's growing equine tourism sector. Academics will note the preservation of intangible cultural heritage, while diaspora communities find familiar threads connecting to their roots. Travel enthusiasts discover unexpected destinations where history gallops alongside contemporary China.
