The 2026 Sichuan Ganzi Mountain Culture & Tourism Festival opened on July 24 at Yuke Grassland in Daofu County, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, offering a vivid immersion into the region’s nomadic culture. The event, running through July 26, features eight major events including an opening ceremony, a 1,000-person intangible cultural heritage (ICH) livestream showcase, and a fashion-inspired Guozhuang gala. Grassland market activities such as ICH workshops, local produce exhibitions, food tasting, and music gatherings provide visitors with an immersive cultural experience.
The opening ceremony transformed Yuke Grassland into a natural stage. Local herders drove cattle across the grasslands while carrying black yak-hair tents traditionally used by Kham pastoralists and holding urdah, traditional stone-throwing ropes used for livestock management. These scenes recreated the millennia-old nomadic lifestyle of Kham communities, who have historically followed seasonal migration routes. A grand procession of heavy cavalry and legendary Gesar riders followed, with riders in traditional attire galloping across the grassland. A vibrant parade of ethnic costumes showcased pulu, a traditional Tibetan handwoven wool textile, alongside modern designs, highlighting the blend of ancient culture and contemporary fashion.
“As the scenes of nomadic migration gradually unfolded before my eyes, a long-lost yearning for a simpler pastoral life suddenly welled up within me,” said Mr. Zhang, a visitor from Beijing. “My whole family loves the grassland lifestyle in Daofu. It is something you cannot experience in the city.”
This year marks the seventh edition of the Sichuan Ganzi Mountain Culture & Tourism Festival, which has become a key platform for promoting the region’s unique cultural tourism. Daofu County, situated in northwestern Sichuan Province with an average summer temperature of around 24°C, boasts a blend of natural landscapes including Yala Snow Mountain, Stone Forest Park, Yuke Grassland, alpine meadows, and Tianlong Lake, along with cultural heritage such as Kham traditions and the Highland Silk Road. The festival’s success mirrors the county’s tourism growth: from July 2021 to June 2026, Daofu County received 10.4123 million tourists, generating nearly 11.454 billion yuan in tourism revenue, according to local data.
The festival’s focus on nomadic culture and ICH exhibitions not only preserves traditions but also drives economic development. By attracting visitors eager to experience grassland culture, the event supports local communities and promotes sustainable tourism in the region. For more information, visit the official Media OutReach Newswire press release.
