As the Lunar New Year ushers in the Year of the Horse, Manas County in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region delivered a thrilling tribute to tradition this week with its annual snowy plains horse racing event. Against a backdrop of frost-kissed grasslands, riders in vibrant traditional attire guided their steeds through precision drills and high-speed competitions, their breath visible in the crisp February air as hooves carved patterns into the snow.
The 2026 festivities, held days after the Feb. 8 New Year celebrations, transformed the winter landscape into a stage for cultural preservation. Beyond the track, attendees warmed themselves with steaming bowls of noodle soup while enjoying folk dances and throat-singing performances that echoed across the valley—a multisensory experience blending sport, art, and community.
Local officials emphasize that such events serve dual purposes: maintaining equestrian heritage dating back centuries while boosting winter tourism under China's rural revitalization strategy. "This isn't just sport—it's living history," explained event organizer Gulnazar Sawut, noting that over 40% of participants this year are under 25. "When young riders master these skills, they're not just winning races—they're keeping our ancestors' bond with the land alive."
