Horse riding is not only a key aspect of traditional nomadic life, but also a major income source for herders in the northern grasslands of Tibet Autonomous Region thanks to local efforts to turn Tibet into a world tourism destination.

"Damshung" literally means "chosen grassland" in the Tibetan language. Known as the northern gate of Tibet, the county in the city of Lhasa boasts genuine yak meat and nomadic dairy products.

Every year in August, the Damshung County holds the region's grandest horse race festival, which is also an attraction for tourists.

All people on the grassland know how to ride horses, though riding is not as popular as before due to the increasing numbers of automobiles and motorbikes. It is, however, still practiced and preserved on the remote grassland.

The county's horse race track is located in front of a giant yak tent in the suburb of the county town, where tourists can ride a horse themselves.

Dondrub Chosang is one of 13 horse-riding businessmen near the giant tent, and also one of the members of the county's equestrian team. He has worked here for two years.

Riding for 15 minutes costs 50 yuan (7.5 U.S. dollars), and tourists come to experience horse riding every year from June to October.

As a skilled rider, Dondrub Chosang and his fellow herders can perform different tricks on horseback. He also teaches children of herders how to be a successful rider on the grassland. "Horses are part of my life and I really love them. I spend a great amount of time raising and training horses. It gives me great joy," Dondrub said.

Dondrub earns a monthly salary of 3,500 yuan from his horse business, contributing more than 70 percent of his family's annual income.

"Thanks to the tourism industry, more and more people get to know our hometown," the 26-year-old added. "An increasing number of tourists travel to our place every year to experience grassland culture, and tourism helps herders increase family income."

(Cover: People compete at a horse race festival in Jiangzi County of Shigatse, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, August 6, 2017. /VCG Photo)