Sandu County in southwest China’s Guizhou Province is holding its “Guizhou Village Horse Racing Games”, featuring thrilling races, equestrian shows and vibrant bonfire celebrations that drew tens of thousands of enthusiastic spectators.
The event kicked off on Friday -- the first day of the five-day May Day holiday and runs through Sunday.
On the opening day alone, the competition featured 106 horses from seven provinces, with 50 jockeys taking part.
Between races, a series of interactive programs kept the spectators engaged, including songs, dances, and guessing games. In addition to watching the races, visitors were able to experience local culture firsthand and enjoy regional cuisine.
"Watching the horse racing on site, I fell the atmosphere is fantastic, and everyone is clearly enthusiastic," said a visitor.
"We really like horseback riding, so we came to see this horse race. It's really great," said another visitor.
Outside the racetrack, additional activities were held in parallel, including a long-table banquet for guests and an evening tour.
On Friday alone, the county welcomed more than 80,000 visitors, generating over 80 million yuan (around 11.7 million U.S. dollars) in tourism-related revenue.
Village horse race adds to May Day holiday vibe in Guizhou
Fuzhou, the capital of southeast China's Fujian Province, launched a cross-strait cultural carnival during the May Day holiday, attracting visitors from both sides of the Taiwan Strait to revel in the festivities.
The carnival unfolded at a historical and cultural block in Lianjiang County, Fuzhou, where an array of performances highlighted local culture and the deep ties across the Strait, serving as a rich cultural feast for holidaymakers.
"Strolling through the ancient streets, with the old buildings on both sides and intangible heritage performances all around, it feels like traveling back in time. It also reminds you that people on both sides of the Strait share the same roots and the same cultural lineage," said Zhang Chuanzhen, a Taiwan compatriot.
In addition to stage performances, the block also featured intangible cultural heritage displays, cultural and creative markets, and hands-on craft experience activities. The immersive and interactive setting invited visitors to explore the history, take in the scenery, and savor the culture.
"We are dedicated to allowing everyone to experience the breadth and depth of Chinese culture, and to strengthen the sense of shared cultural identity across the Strait. Going forward, Lianjiang County will continue to innovate forms of cultural exchanges and build a bridge for heart-to-heart communication between compatriots on both sides of the Strait, especially among the younger generations," said Ren Yong, director of the Lianjiang County Cultural Center.
Fujian holds May Day holiday cultural carnival to entertain visitors across Taiwan Strait
