"Village Horse Race"

Introduction:

Guizhou's "Village Horse Race", originating in Sandu Shui Autonomous County, Qiannan, is a popular festival rooted in the Shui people’s traditional Duan Festival horse racing. Here, you can witness the rustic passion of local villagers riding native horses, as well as thrilling contests where up to a thousand riders from Inner Mongolia, Xinjiang, and beyond compete with their Ili horses and thoroughbreds. A 14-year-old rider dares to compete for double championships, while seasoned riders vie for the "Horse King" title. Ranging from short-distance sprints to endurance races, nearly a hundred competitions across senior and junior horse divisions take place throughout the year.

This event is far more than a competition. Horse racing is an essential tradition for the Shui people to celebrate festivals, carrying profound ethnic emotions. Today, it thrives at the intersection of sports, tourism, and culture, showcasing both rich cultural heritage and competitive vitality.

Origin Location: 

Sandu Shui Autonomous County, Qiannan Buyi and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province.

Schedule:

 The 2026 races kicked off on January 1 at the Equestrian City in Sandu Shui Autonomous County, with more competitions scheduled to take place throughout the year.

Combined Activities: 

Unlock the "Shui Cultural Discovery Route" after the race. You can visit the Shui Ethnic Museum and experience the art of horsetail embroidery. Let the thrill of horse racing come alive alongside the ethnic customs. The "Village Horse Racing + Village GT" crossover combo is also an option to consider.