Zhaosu County: A land where ten thousand horses gallop

The Ili River Valley in Xinjiang has long been renowned along the Silk Road for its "Ili horses." Zhaosu County, in particular, enjoys the well-deserved title of "Hometown of Ili Horses in China."

Aerial photo taken on May 29, 2026 shows group of horses forage on the grasslands near the Wetland Park in Zhaosu County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Photo taken on May 28, 2026 shows horses gallop in the river of in the Zhaosu County Wetland Park, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

As a heartland for the preservation of Chinese equestrian culture and a region rich in equine resources, Zhaosu County is integrating key factors to promote the integrated development of its horse industry and revitalize the county's economy.

Photo taken on May 28, 2026 shows tourists experience horseback riding in the Zhaosu County Wetland Park.

Endowed with abundant water and lush grass, Zhaosu County is a place full of vitality wherever you look. In recent years, the county's horse inventory has been on the rise, reaching 122,300 head by the end of 2025.

Aerial photo taken on May 29, 2026 shows horses walk along County Road 758.

Aerial photo taken on May 29, 2026 shows group of horses forage on the grasslands near the Wetland Park in Zhaosu County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Photo taken on May 29, 2026 shows horses forage on the grassland within the Xiata Scenic Area in Zhaosu County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

As the working value of horses has diminished, Zhaosu County has shifted its breeding practices from traditional methods to scientific approaches. By implementing horse breeding improvement programs and targeting demands for leisure riding, equestrian sports, and dual-purpose milk and meat production, the county has solidified the foundation for the development of its horse industry.

Aerial photo taken on May 29, 2026 shows a panoramic view of Zhaosu Horse Farm, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Photo taken on May 29, 2026 shows a horse takes a leisurely stroll at the Zhaosu Horse Farm in Zhaosu County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Photo taken on May 29, 2026 shows staff train horses at Zhaosu Horse Farm in Zhaosu County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Photo taken on May 28, 2026 shows a horse grazes at Tianma Tourism and Cultural Park in Zhaosu County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Zhaosu County is exploring deep processing, ranging from mare's milk and horse meat products to horse oil product series. Generation after generation, people on this frontier land have honed their craftsmanship with dedication, turning the gifts of the grasslands into tangible income.

Photo taken on May 30, 2026 shows a display of horse oil series products is pictured at the Zhaosu County Global Tourism Visitor Service Center in Zhaosu County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Photo taken on May 30, 2026 shows a cold-process horse oil soap.

New business models have been introduced.

Hundreds of events related to Ili horses are held each year, attracting visitors from around the world. The integration of culture and tourism is taking shape, with horse-related activities driving both tourist flow and rural incomes.

Photo taken on January 3, 2026 shows the performance of "Ili horses treading on snow" in Zhaosu County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Aerial photo taken on May 28, 2026 shows tourists watch a performance at the Zhaosu County Wetland Park in Zhaosu County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Photo taken on May 28, 2026 shows tourists watch a performance at the Zhaosu County Wetland Park in Zhaosu County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Photo taken on May 28, 2026 shows members of an equestrian skills team demonstrate horseback techniques to tourists at Tianma Tourism and Cultural Park in Zhaosu County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Photo taken on May 28, 2026 shows performers showcase horseback folk customs for tourists at the Zhaosu County Wetland Park, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Photo taken on May 28, 2026 shows performers showcase Kyz Kuu (a traditional Kazak entertainment) for tourists at the Zhaosu County Wetland Park, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Photo taken on May 29, 2026 shows tourists visit Xiata Scenic Area in Zhaosu County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

As one of the first batch of national demonstration counties for ecological civilization, Zhaosu County boasts a sound ecological environment and rich grassland cultural resources. The county has attracted a growing number of "new villagers" from afar, who have chosen to live here — running homestays, hosting live streams, and experiencing pastoral life.

Aerial photo taken on May 29, 2026 shows a homestay near the Zhaosu County Wetland Park, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Photo taken on May 29, 2026 shows Liu Xin (left) and his wife Zhang Jiayi, a couple from China’s Shanghai who invested in a homestay in Zhaosu County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Prior to the move, the couple had visited Zhaosu multiple times.

A combination photo taken on May 29, 2026 shows a horse-themed resort homestay in Houtuger Village, Chahanwusu Mongolian Township, Zhaosu County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Photo taken on May 29, 2026 shows Qiu Zhaoqi, a social media influencer, gazes at the grassland outside his home in a village of Wuzunbulak Town, Zhaosu County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. This year, he moved with his family to Zhaosu to create short videos about family travel.

Photo taken on May 28, 2026 shows tourists enjoy themselves on the Karkante Grassland in Zhaosu County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

From raising horses well to making good use of them, Zhaosu County has integrated its horse industry with other sectors. As thousands of horses gallop across the land, the county is steadily moving toward a better life for its people.

Aerial photo taken on May 29, 2026 shows Zhaosu County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Photo taken on May 28, 2026 shows a performance at the Zhaosu County Wetland Park in Zhaosu County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Source: Some footage and images provided by The Media Convergence Center of Zhaosu County