Xi Ujimchin holds white horse festival

Thousands of herdsmen gathered on grassland to attend a white horse cultural festival in Xi Ujimchin (Xi Ujimqin)Banner in Xiliin Gol (Xilin Gol) League, Inner Mongolia autonomous region on July 21.

The traditional iconography of the horse, as a totem, has played a crucial role in Mongolian history and culture.  Interestingly, Ujimchin has gained its fame for raising Mongolian white horses.

Herdsmen demonstrated their horsemanship skills while artists from the Ulanmuchi art troupe gave the audience a spectacular performance.

The festival is sponsored by the people’s government of Xi Ujimchin Banner, China Horse Industry Association, the Horse Culture Commission of China Culture Industry Promotion Association, and photographer associations from Inner Mongolia, Shanxi and Hebei provinces.

Apart from the white horse festival, the same group has organized a series of events including a Mongolian wrestling competition and horse-themed photography contest and exhibition.

Attendees in traditional ethnic Mongolian dress pictured at the opening ceremony of the 5th Xi Ujimchin White Horse Cultural Festival in Xiliin Gol, Inner Mongolia autonomous region on July 21. [Photo/nmgnews.com.cn]

Officials attend the opening ceremony of the 5th Xi Ujimchin White Horse Cultural Festival in Xiliin Gol, Inner Mongolia autonomous region on July 21. [Photo/xwq.gov.cn]