The 2026 Sichuan Ganzi Mountain Culture & Tourism Festival opened on July 24 at Yuke Grassland in Daofu County, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, China. The event, running through July 26, features nomadic culture performances, intangible cultural heritage (ICH) exhibitions, and folk customs experiences, drawing numerous visitors eager to explore grassland culture.
The opening ceremony transformed Yuke Grassland into a natural stage. Local herders drove cattle across the grasslands, carrying black yak-hair tents traditionally used by Kham pastoralists and holding urdah—traditional stone-throwing ropes for livestock management. These scenes vividly recreated the millennia-old nomadic lifestyle of Kham communities, who historically followed seasonal migration routes for water and pasture.
Behind them came a procession of heavy cavalry and legendary Gesar riders, galloping across the grassland in traditional attire. A 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 unfolded, a long-lost yearning for a simpler pastoral life 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."
The festival, now in its seventh edition, includes eight major events, such as the Ganzi 1,000-person ICH livestream showcase and a fashion-inspired Guozhuang gala. Parallel activities include ICH workshops, local produce exhibitions, food tasting, and music gatherings, offering an immersive cultural experience.
Daofu County, located in northwestern Sichuan with average summer temperatures around 24°C, boasts natural landscapes like Yala Snow Mountain, Stone Forest Park, Yuke Grassland, alpine meadows, and Tianlong Lake, alongside cultural heritage such as Kham traditions and the Highland Silk Road. From July 2021 to June 2026, the county received 10.4123 million tourists, generating nearly 11.454 billion yuan in tourism revenue. The festival underscores the region's commitment to integrating nomadic culture with modern tourism development, driving economic growth and cultural preservation.
