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 festival, which runs through July 26, features a diverse range of activities including nomadic culture performances, intangible cultural heritage (ICH) exhibitions, and folk customs experiences, highlighting the region's unique nomadic culture integrated with modern cultural tourism development.
The opening ceremony transformed Yuke Grassland into a natural stage. Local herders drove cattle across the vast grasslands, carrying black yak-hair tents traditionally used by Kham pastoralists and holding urdah—traditional stone-throwing ropes used by Tibetan herders for livestock management. These scenes vividly recreated the millennia-old nomadic lifestyle of Kham communities, who have long followed seasonal migration routes in search of water and pasture. Behind them came a grand procession of heavy cavalry and the legendary Gesar riders, 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 tailoring designs, highlighting the blending of ancient culture and modern 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 who traveled from Beijing especially for the event. "My whole family loves the grassland lifestyle in Daofu. It is something you cannot experience in the city." This sentiment underscores the festival's significance in preserving and promoting the region's cultural heritage, offering an immersive experience that city dwellers find rare and valuable.
The Sichuan Ganzi Mountain Culture & Tourism Festival has been successfully held for seven editions. This year's festival features eight major events, including the opening ceremony, the Ganzi 1,000-person ICH livestream showcase, and the fashion-inspired Guozhuang gala. Additionally, a range of grassland market activities—including ICH workshops, local produce exhibitions, local food tasting, and music-themed leisure gatherings—are being held in parallel, offering visitors an immersive cultural experience. These events not only entertain but also educate attendees about the traditions of the Kham people and the cultural significance of the Highland Silk Road.
Daofu County, where the event took place, is situated in northwestern Sichuan Province, with an average summer temperature of around 24°C. The county boasts a remarkable blend of natural landscapes—including Yala Snow Mountain, Stone Forest Park, Yuke Grassland, alpine meadows, and Tianlong Lake—and cultural heritage. From July 2021 to June 2026, Daofu County received a cumulative total of 10.4123 million tourists, generating nearly 11.454 billion yuan in tourism revenue. This festival plays a crucial role in sustaining that momentum, attracting visitors eager to experience the charm of grassland culture and contributing to the local economy.
The importance of this festival lies in its ability to preserve and promote nomadic traditions while driving tourism. By showcasing intangible cultural heritage and folk customs, the event ensures that these practices remain vibrant and relevant. For more information, visit the official website at example.com and explore the hashtag #SichuanGanziMountainCultureTourismFestival for updates.
