Every summer, the grasslands beckon city dwellers seeking an escape. Recently, the Hongyuan Grassland in Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, launched its cultural tourism festival, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in nomadic life.

With August temperatures hovering at just 10°C, the grassland offers an ideal summer retreat. The festival opened with a performance of Hongyuan folk horsemanship, a provincial-level intangible cultural heritage. Since the first generation of practitioners formed a folk horsemanship troupe in 1985, the tradition has been passed down through five generations. Today, riders born after 2000 are breathing new life into the centuries-old art. The troupe preserves 18 classic routines—including "Skyward Gallop," "Flying Handstand," and "Hada Snatch at Full Speed"—while incorporating Tibetan dance into 20 newly choreographed high-difficulty performances, such as "Mounted Acrobat" and "Twin Leaping Steeds." Together, they form a spectacular 38-act performance that captivates audiences with its skill and artistry.

Yaks are at the heart of nomadic culture and a cornerstone of the grassland economy. Festival activities—including milking contests, yak beauty pageants, taming competitions, and calf-riding for children—offer visitors an authentic glimpse into life on the plateau, fostering a deeper appreciation for this vast grassland landscape.