A horse defined by its mixed heritage, the Yili horse is one of China's three famous horse breeds and a prime example of how crossbreeding shaped a modern Chinese horse. 

It comes from the Ili River Valley in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Breeders crossed local Kazakh horses with imported bloodlines such as the Russian Don, Thoroughbreds and other European riding horses. The mission was clear: retain the grassland hardiness, while adding speed and athleticism. Join CGTN's Guo Meiping as we explore the fascinating story of this remarkable hybrid breed.

Videographer: Qi Jianqiang

Graphic designer: Huang Ruiqi