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, highlighting the region's unique nomadic culture and its integration with modern cultural tourism development. The event, which runs through July 26, features eight major events including an opening ceremony, the Ganzi 1,000-person intangible cultural heritage (ICH) livestream showcase, and a fashion-inspired Guozhuang gala. Additionally, grassland market activities such as ICH workshops, local produce exhibitions, food tasting, and music-themed gatherings offer visitors an immersive cultural experience.
The opening ceremony transformed Yuke Grassland into a natural stage, with local herders driving cattle across the plains while 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 have long followed seasonal migration routes in search of water and pasture. 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 tailoring designs, highlighting the blend 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 from Beijing. “My whole family loves the grassland lifestyle in Daofu. It is something you cannot experience in the city.” The festival has attracted numerous visitors eager to experience the charm of grassland culture.
Daofu County, situated in northwestern Sichuan Province with an average summer temperature of around 24°C, boasts a remarkable blend of natural landscapes—including Yala Snow Mountain, Stone Forest Park, Yuke Grassland, alpine meadows, and Tianlong Lake—and cultural heritage such as Kham traditions and the Highland Silk Road. The festival's success underscores the importance of cultural tourism in driving regional economic growth. According to official data, 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 event, now in its seventh edition, continues to promote the region's intangible cultural heritage and nomadic culture while attracting visitors and boosting local economy.
The festival's focus on nomadic culture and ICH exhibitions provides a platform for preserving and promoting traditional practices, offering attendees a unique glimpse into a lifestyle that is rapidly changing. As tourism continues to grow, events like this play a crucial role in sustaining cultural heritage and providing economic benefits to local communities.
