2026 Sichuan Ganzi Mountain Culture & Tourism Festival Highlights Nomadic Heritage in Daofu County

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 visitors eager to experience 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 have historically followed seasonal migration routes for 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 ethnic costume parade showcased pulu—a traditional Tibetan handwoven wool textile—alongside modern designs, highlighting the blend of ancient culture and modern fashion.

“As the scenes of nomadic migration 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, now in its seventh edition, includes eight major events such as the Ganzi 1,000-person ICH livestream showcase and the fashion-inspired Guozhuang gala. Grassland market activities—including ICH workshops, local produce exhibitions, food tasting, and music gatherings—offer visitors an immersive cultural experience.

Daofu County, located in northwestern Sichuan Province, enjoys an average summer temperature of around 24°C. It boasts natural landscapes like Yala Snow Mountain, Stone Forest Park, Yuke Grassland, 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 preserving its unique nomadic culture while integrating modern tourism development. By attracting visitors and generating economic benefits, events like this help sustain the cultural identity of Kham communities and promote cross-cultural understanding.