In the expansive agricultural and pastoral regions of Xinjiang, the horse industry is emerging as a pivotal force for rural revitalization, leveraging the region’s rich cultural heritage surrounding horses to deliver tangible benefits to local communities.
Within the Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, horse culture tourism has become a crucial avenue for increasing income for farmers and herders. Ten meticulously crafted routes, such as “Riding in the Tianshan Mountains,” connect 5A-level scenic spots like Nalati and Karajun, with 32 professional horse teams offering riding services to tourists. Over 5,000 horses are ridden by visitors, enabling herders to boost their annual income by approximately 14,000 yuan per person.
Meanwhile, in Zhaosu County, the value-added processing of horse products is emerging as a new economic driver. The county has nurtured numerous horse product processing enterprises, offering a range of items including horse milk powder, horse meat cuts, and cold-pressed horse oil soap.
Beyond the products themselves, horse-related elements are permeating various aspects of tourism, with unique horse oil skincare products and horse-themed creative souvenirs evolving into cherished “Zhaosu memories” for tourists to take home.
The Horse-themed Cultural Industry Park in Majiazhuang Village, Urumqi, has introduced formats such as horse racing, equestrian performances, and sheep herding competitions, providing local villagers with opportunities in roles such as horse trainers, horse management, and tourism services, making a vibrant impact on the path to rural revitalization.
The journey towards rural prosperity led by the horse culture mirrors the sentiments of the theme song “A Road of Prosperity and Songs” from the Xinjiang Radio and Television’s 2026 Spring Festival Gala, paving the way for a road of friendship and cooperation.
From the homes of herders in the Ili River Valley to the fields of the Zhaosu Grassland, the horse culture empowers the path of rural revitalization, just as the song describes, spreading and blossoming all the way from north to south of the Tianshan Mountains.
Company: Xinjiang Spirit
Website: https://www.xjyunxiangmedia.com/
Contact: Li Na
Email: 793969359@qq.com
City: Xinjiang
