Xinchongqing-Chong Daily (Reporter Yan An): Before the vehicle even approached the Tianma Tourism and Culture Park in Zhaosu County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the clear and resonant neighing of horses had already filled the ears. As one steps into the World Famous Horses Garden, several "special" horses immediately capture everyone's attention, drawing people involuntarily closer to them.

Photo taken on September 20, 2025 shows Ili horses cross the river at a wetland park in Zhaosu County, Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China’s Xinjiang. (Photo by Yan An)

On September 20, 2025, the team of "Discovering Beautiful Xinjiang" media exploration event visited Zhaosu County, known as the "Hometown of Ili Horses". During this time, a reporter from Chongqing Daily was able to observe up close how this land has become prosperous through the horse-related industry.

Business Card of Ili Horses

As soon as visitors entered the park, the neighing of horses could be heard continuously. In the distance, Ili horses were galloping freely. They were either chasing and playing with each other or standing still and flicking their tails. The vibrant vitality was overwhelming.

Inside the enclosures, the variety of famous horses is simply dazzling. The Shire horse is massive in build, exuding an imposing presence. The Arabian horse is elegant, with slightly drooping ears. Its gentle demeanor while eating contrasts sharply with its endurance as a "desert athlete." The Thoroughbred horse has a lean and strong physique with smooth muscle lines. It moves with the grace of the wind, fully displaying the beauty of speed.

Photo taken on September 20, 2025 shows the Tianma Tourism and Culture Park in Zhaosu County, Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Photo by Yan An)

“People in Zhaosu have a very special bond with horses,” Kang Zuliang, general manager of the Tianma Tourist and Cultural Park in Zhaosu County, told reporters, revealing the deep connection. As a key stop on the Northern Route of the ancient Silk Road, Zhaosu County has always been an important place for raising and using horses. From the Wusun horses in the Han Dynasty to today’s Ili horses, for thousands of years, horses have been an indispensable part of grassland life.

Zhaosu is the only county in Xinjiang without deserts. With abundant water and lush grass, it is highly suitable for the horse-related industry. Its unique advantages have made the title “Hometown of Ili Horses” more well-known.

A Holistic Growth in the Horse Industry

“Zhaosu has always been committed to developing its economy with a focus on the horse industry, using good-breeding as the basis, horse racing activities as the guiding force, and the integration of different industries as the key point. It continues to strengthen the primary industry, seek breakthroughs in the secondary industry, and inject vitality into the tertiary industry. This promotes rural revitalization and aims to create a national-level base for the horse industry,” Fan Zhenjun, director of the Zhaosu County Horse Industry Development Service Center, said. Relying on the rich resources of horses, Zhaosu has broken through the traditional model of “only breeding horses and selling horses” and built a horse industry system with a deep combination of the primary, secondary and tertiary industries.

In the primary industry, a scientific breeding system has been established. From mating and breeding to daily care, meticulous management is implemented across the board to advance the fine-horse breeding project in the entire area. The improved horses can increase in value by 3,000-5,000 yuan each, which has become tangible wealth for herdsmen.

Photo taken on September 20, 2025 shows a kid rides horse at Tianma Tourism and Culture Park in Zhaosu County, Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China’s Xinjiang. (Photo by Yan An)

On the processing end, horse resources are deeply developed in five major directions: "milk, meat, fat, urine, and blood." Fresh horse milk is processed into nutritious dairy products, while horse meat is turned into uniquely flavored meat products. These products have expanded from the local market to the whole country, significantly increasing their added value and market recognition.

The most eye-catching aspect is the integration of culture and tourism. In the Tianma Tourism and Culture Industry Park, wonderful equestrian performances and grassland riding experiences allow visitors to immerse themselves in horse related culture. Every summer, the scene of Ili Horses crossing the River becomes a popular attraction. A hundred horses gallop through the water, with splashes and manes shining in the sunlight, attracting countless visitors to take photos. Last year, the county received more than 7.6 million visitors, nearly 80 percent of whom came for the horses. With horse themed tourism, catering, accommodation, and souvenir sales have also flourished. The total output value of the horse related industry chain reached 1.423 billion yuan (about 200 million U.S. dollars), truly realizing the goal of “horse leads to prosperity in multiple industries."

Promote Zhaosu's horses to the rest of China

"We must promote Zhaosu's horses to the rest of China," Fan Zhenjun voiced the ambitious vision for the horses of Zhaosu. According to incomplete statistics, in just the past year, nearly 20,000 horses were transported out of Xinjiang from Zhaosu, including high quality Ili horses for sports competitions as well as improved horses suitable for leisure riding. Departing from the grasslands of Zhaosu, they are headed to horse farms, scenic areas, and sports organizations all over the country.

Photo taken on September 20, 2025 shows a staff member cleans and wipes horse at Tianma Tourism and Culture Park in Zhaosu County, Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Photo by Yan An)

The staff carefully checked the health of the horses, preparing ample fodder and water to ensure that each horse would arrive safely at its new home. "These horses not only create value for our customers but also help more people to learn about Zhaosu and remember the 'Tianma' brand," said a person in charge of horse transportation.

On the grassland, famous horses from home and abroad were living together peacefully, and the laughter of tourists could be heard continuously. What Zhaosu delivers is not just horses, but also the charm of the "Hometown of Ili Horses" that can be felt all over the country.