Yushu's Annual Horserace Festival

Horsemanship is one of the foundations of the Tibetan culture, because of its ancient history as a society of nomadic herders and warriors on horseback.It remains an important skill to the modern Tibetans, and the Annual Horserace Festival takes place in the lush summer grasslands at different cities and towns of Qinghai-Tibet and Tibet autonomous region.

The Tibetans travel from faraway with their best horses, and dressed in beautiful and vibrant folk gowns, and intricate jewelry of inherited ivory and gemstones; they set up tents across the vast steppe, awaiting for the big day.

On the day of the race, the participants display their sophisticated equestrian techniques, they perform target-shooting, handstand and other difficult positions on horseback. It is serious business! As the winner would bring honor and prestige for his family.

Traditionally, young men participated the horserace festival to prove his manhood and worth for a wife. Nowadays the festival remains a popular occasion to socialize.The Tibetans believe the young fellow who takes the trophy certainly wins his bet for the heart of his beloved.