The 2026 Sichuan Ganzi Mountain Culture & Tourism Festival commenced on 24 July at Yuke Grassland in Daofu County, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, China. This year's festival highlights the region's unique nomadic culture through a variety of activities, including performances, exhibitions of intangible cultural heritage (ICH), and folk customs experiences, drawing numerous visitors eager to explore the charm of grassland culture.
The opening ceremony transformed Yuke Grassland into a vibrant stage, where local herders showcased traditional practices such as driving cattle and setting up black yak-hair tents. These scenes vividly depicted the ancient nomadic lifestyle of the Kham communities, who have historically followed seasonal migration routes. The event also featured a grand procession of heavy cavalry and Gesar riders, with participants in traditional attire galloping across the grassland, embodying the heroic spirit of the region.
A parade of ethnic costumes highlighted the fusion of ancient culture and modern fashion, showcasing pulua, a traditional Tibetan handwoven wool textile, alongside contemporary designs. "As the scenes of nomadic migration unfolded, a yearning for a simpler pastoral life welled up within me," remarked Zhang, a visitor from Beijing.
Running until 26 July, the festival includes eight major events such as the Ganzi 1,000-person ICH livestream showcase and the Guozhuang gala. Additionally, grassland market activities, including ICH workshops, local produce exhibitions, and music-themed gatherings, offer visitors an immersive cultural experience.
Daofu County, with its average summer temperature of 24°C, is renowned for its natural landscapes and cultural heritage. From July 2021 to June 2026, the county welcomed over 104 million tourists, generating nearly $1.57 billion (11.454 billion yuan) in tourism revenue
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