The 2026 Sichuan Ganzi Mountain Culture & Tourism Festival officially opened on July 24 at Yuke Grassland in Daofu County, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, China. The festival celebrates the region's rich nomadic heritage through cultural performances, intangible cultural heritage (ICH) showcases, folk traditions, and immersive visitor experiences.

The opening ceremony transformed the grassland into a large open-air stage, where local herders recreated the traditional nomadic lifestyle of the Kham communities. They crossed the grasslands with cattle, carrying black yak-hair tents and urdah, the traditional stone-throwing ropes used by Tibetan herders for managing livestock. The performance reflected the centuries-old seasonal migration practices followed by pastoral communities in search of water and grazing land.

Adding to the spectacle was a grand procession of heavy cavalry and the legendary Gesar riders. Dressed in traditional attire, the riders galloped across the grassland, followed by a colourful parade featuring ethnic costumes made from pulu, the traditional Tibetan handwoven wool textile. The showcase highlighted how traditional craftsmanship continues to inspire contemporary fashion.

Sharing his experience, Mr. Zhang, a visitor from Beijing, said, "As the scenes of nomadic migration gradually unfolded before my eyes, a long-lost yearning for a simpler pastoral life suddenly welled up within me. My whole family loves the grassland lifestyle in Daofu. It is something you cannot experience in the city."

Running until July 26, the festival features eight major events, including the opening ceremony, the Ganzi 1,000-person ICH livestream showcase, and the fashion-inspired Guozhuang gala. Visitors can also explore a variety of grassland market activities such as intangible cultural heritage workshops, local produce exhibitions, regional food tastings, and music-themed leisure gatherings.

Located in northwestern Sichuan Province, Daofu County enjoys an average summer temperature of around 24°C and is known for its scenic landscapes, including Yala Snow Mountain, Stone Forest Park, Yuke Grassland, alpine meadows, and Tianlong Lake. The county is also home to the cultural traditions of the Kham people and the historic Highland Silk Road.

Tourism in Daofu has witnessed steady growth in recent years. Between July 2021 and June 2026, the county welcomed 10.4123 million visitors, generating nearly 11.454 billion yuan in tourism revenue, reflecting its growing appeal as a cultural and nature-based travel destination.