Kazakhs take to the prairie to celebrate their culture

Kazakh people on horseback race each other to catch sheep in Aksai Kazakh autonomous county, Gansu province on Aug 1. [Photo/Xinhua]

A prairie in Gansu burst into life with a flurry of horse racing, scrambling for sheep, dancing and wrestling on Aug 1, as Kazakh people from Aksai Kazakh autonomous region celebrated their unique culture in unique style.

This year's annual gathering was themed “Passionate Aksai – Kazakh Hospitality”, and attracted many locals and visitors to take part.

The event has become an important grassland gala celebrating the ancient and unique ways of these traditionally nomadic people, and is regularly attended by local farmers and herdsman, as well as visitors wishing to get a closer look at Kazakh culture.

Horses are an important part of Kazakh life with children learning to ride as young as five, therefore the horse racing is immensely popular at the event.

Aksai, with around 10,000 permanent residents, is one of three Kazakh autonomous counties across the country. China is home to some 1.5 million Kazakhs, most of whom inhabit Gansu, Xinjiang and Qinghai.