Guizhou's village sports phenomenon takes global stage

Horse racing is a time-honored tradition of the Sui people in Sandu. [Photo/ddcpc website]

As the Year of the Horse approaches, a horse racing event has kicked off in Sandu county, Qiannan Bouyei and Miao autonomous prefecture, Southwest China's Guizhou province.

From Feb 10 to March 3, Sui Cultural Street is hosting a Chinese New Year Goods Festival and Village Horse Racing Lantern Festival, while the Western Horse Racing City will offer parade processions, equestrian stunts, and horse-themed travel photography.

From Feb 20 to 22, highlights will include the National Ethnic Sprint Racing Open, the "Happy Run" on horse trails, and mass folk art performances. Traditional dragon and lion dances, along with carriage parades, will be held across all townships and sub-districts.

Since its launch in 2023, Village Horse Racing has hosted over 150 races, garnered over 1.8 billion views across social media, and been selected as a 2025 Top Chinese Sports Culture Project.

The Western Horse Racing City now operates year-round equestrian shows, leisure riding, educational programs, and photography services. A new integrated resort featuring the Guizhou Village Horse Hotel, Pony Paradise, and non-powered amusement facilities is under construction, with various sections set to open throughout 2026.