Tibetan Horse Racing: Shangri-la promotes age-old tradition via competitions and exhibition

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Horse racing is an ancient tradition for Tibetans, and remains popular in Tibetan areas today. In the city of Shangri-la in southwest China's Yunnan Province, a three-day competition is underway, with some daring stunts on the agenda. CGTN's Yang Jinghao has the story.

It's not just stunts and speed. It's also a battle of courage.

Snatching hada, a ceremonial silk scarf off the ground as the horses sprint at full speed, the rider who picks up the most hada wins.

The exciting and adventurous competition comes as a highlight of annual horse racing in the city of Shangri-la.

YU XUEGANG HORSEMAN "I think this is the most difficult contest of them all. Our bodies are almost on the ground when we try to pick up the Hada, while we have to control the direction with the other hand. It's dangerous."

The grand event gathers hundreds of riders, including some from neighboring areas. Most are Tibetan. The competitors and their mounts will compete in some 20 different races, with some featuring daring stunts like archery on horseback.

YANG JINGHAO SHANGRI-LA, YUNNAN "The horse has been playing a unique role in Tibetan people's lives since ancient times. It used to serve as the most important means of transportation for them, and the creature is also an indispensable element in their religious beliefs. So the grand rally is a great opportunity for the horsemen to display their culture."

BLO BZANG PHRIN LAS HORSEMAN "I feel great today. Though we didn't win the championship or the top prize, I'm satisfied with our performance."

Before the competitions kicked off Monday afternoon, some well-trained horsemen performed various feats on horseback, such as standing straight on the galloping horse, handstand or human pyramid. Spectators were impressed.

BYMS BA CHOS PEL HORSEMAN "This is my second time taking part in the performance. I feel very honored to spread our ancient and valuable Tibetan horsemanship culture to guests from different places."

With their original functions being replaced by modern technologies, horses now play a reduced role in Tibetans' lives. And this has aroused some locals' concerns.

VOD MO HORSEMANSHIP CLUB OWNER "I hope the age-old traditions can be preserved and that horse-riding skills be passed down to the younger generations. I'm happy to see that the annual event is rekindling people's passions and the number of horses here is increasing again."

During the three-day activity, which coincides with the traditional Dragon Boat Festival, locals hold an exhibition of collectible horse gear. Stirrup, saddles, horse mats and more are available. Experts hope the racing and exhibition will help the public learn more about the time-honored horse culture. Yang Jinghao, CGTN, Shangri-la, Yunnan Province.