The 2026 Sichuan Ganzi Mountain Culture & Tourism Festival opened on July 24 at Yuke Grassland in Daofu County, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, drawing visitors from across China to experience the region’s unique nomadic culture. The seven-day event, running through July 26, features a diverse range of activities including nomadic culture performances, intangible cultural heritage (ICH) exhibitions, and folk customs experiences, blending ancient traditions with modern cultural tourism development.
The opening ceremony transformed Yuke Grassland into a natural stage, with local herders driving cattle while carrying traditional black yak-hair tents and urdah—stone-throwing ropes used by Tibetan herders. The scenes recreated the millennia-old nomadic lifestyle of Kham communities, who have historically followed seasonal migration routes. A grand procession of heavy cavalry and Gesar riders in traditional attire galloped across the grassland, followed by a parade showcasing pulu, a traditional Tibetan handwoven wool textile, alongside modern tailoring designs, highlighting the fusion of ancient culture and contemporary 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, now in its seventh edition, includes eight major events such as the Ganzi 1,000-person ICH livestream showcase and a fashion-inspired Guozhuang gala. Parallel activities like ICH workshops, local produce exhibitions, food tasting, and music-themed gatherings offer visitors an immersive cultural experience.
Daofu County, where the event takes place, is located in northwestern Sichuan with an average summer temperature of around 24°C. The county boasts natural attractions such as Yala Snow Mountain, Stone Forest Park, Yuke Grassland, alpine meadows, and Tianlong Lake, alongside cultural heritage including Kham traditions and the Highland Silk Road. From July 2021 to June 2026, Daofu County received 10.4123 million tourists, generating nearly 11.454 billion yuan in tourism revenue, underscoring the economic significance of cultural festivals in driving regional tourism. The festival’s focus on nomadic culture not only preserves traditional practices but also promotes sustainable tourism that benefits local communities.
