The 2025 Xinjiang Ili Heavenly Horses Culture and Tourism Festival has transformed Zhaosu County into a vibrant hub of equestrian excellence and cultural celebration. Running from May to October, this year's edition features 16 events blending sport, academia, and tradition – from high-stakes horse races to youth martial arts demonstrations and scholarly discussions on equine industry development.
Dubbed 'China's Land of Heavenly Horses,' Zhaosu County leverages its millennia-old horse breeding heritage to showcase the prized Ili horse breed. These agile yet powerful animals remain central to local Uygur traditions and the region's growing tourism appeal.
First held in 1992, the festival has evolved into a strategic platform for preserving ethnic culture while driving economic growth through sustainable tourism. Recent editions have attracted over 300,000 visitors annually, according to local authorities, with this year's extended format aiming to position Xinjiang as a year-round cultural destination.
