Nagqu Horse Racing Festival 2026 | Grand Nomad Carnival on Tibet Northern Grassland

Held every August on the vast Nagqu grasslands of northern Xizang, the Nagqu Qiaqing Horse Racing Festival stands as the grandest nomad cultural carnival and a precious national intangible cultural heritage of China. Dating back more than a thousand years, this time-honored festival originates from ancient Tibetan nomadic civilization and Buddhist cultural traditions. Far more than a horse racing competition, it is a living showcase of authentic Xizang lifestyle, folk customs, and ethnic heritage. During the 12-day grand celebration, the vast grassland comes alive with breathtaking speed horse races, exquisite traditional equestrian performances, and wonderful ethnic sports competitions including stone-lifting and tug-of-war. Local herdsmen dress in splendid traditional costumes, sing and dance to festive melodies, presenting the most genuine, bold and warm pastoral charm of northern Xizang. This iconic event perfectly combines traditional heritage, ethnic customs and modern vitality, attracting countless visitors from all over the world to witness the unique glamour of Xizang’s nomadic culture.