The Ulan Butong grasslands of Inner Mongolia recently transformed into a vibrant stage for cultural preservation and economic development during its annual Winter Ice and Snow Photography Festival. Held from January 12-14 in Xiaohongshanzi village, the event attracted over 3,000 visitors and photography enthusiasts from across 10 provincial-level regions, all drawn to witness the spectacular celebration of Mongolian equestrian traditions.
Against a breathtaking backdrop of snow-covered plains, the festival presented an immersive experience into winter nomadic life through meticulously choreographed performances. The opening day featured two riders demonstrating remarkable synchrony while standing upright on galloping horses, capturing the essence of Mongolian horsemanship. The ceremony commenced with traditional singing and dancing, followed by an ancient fire-worship ritual where local herders offered prayers and tributes, maintaining cultural practices passed through generations.
The festival’s visual climax occurred when 120 Mongolian horses thundered across the plains, their hooves kicking up crystalline snow sprays against a landscape dotted with traditional yurts. Accompanied by the haunting melodies of the morin khuur (Mongolian horse-head fiddle), twenty riders in authentic attire galloped past spectators, drawing enthusiastic applause from the captivated audience. Additional events included horseback folk performances staged on the frozen surface of Yeya Lake, creating striking visual compositions against the icy canvas.
Beyond its cultural significance, the festival has emerged as a crucial economic engine for rural revitalization. By strategically integrating equestrian culture with tourism development, the event has generated substantial income opportunities for local residents. Approximately 200 villagers now participate in horseback riding and related tourism services, increasing average annual incomes by approximately 15,000 yuan ($2,142).
Ji Guoyi, Party secretary of Xiaohongshanzi village, emphasized the deep connection between community identity and equestrian heritage: ‘Horses are not only symbols of our grassland but fundamental to local livelihoods. By combining our winter landscape with traditional customs, we create meaningful opportunities for cultural exchange and economic growth.’ The festival, offered free to the public, successfully merged photographic artistry with cultural preservation while establishing a sustainable model for winter tourism development in the region.