China's 2026 Equestrian Endurance Riding Competition opened in Fengning Manchu Autonomous County, north China's Hebei Province on Saturday, bringing together professional riders and equestrian enthusiasts from across the country while boosting summer tourism on the grasslands.
More than 200 riders from dozens of equestrian clubs nationwide competed in the 40-km and 80-km endurance races at the Tianma Flight Town (meaning "heavenly horse flying") on the Bashang Grassland, where vast grasslands and summer temperatures averaging around 20 degrees Celsius have made it a popular destination for horse riding and summer getaways.
The competition has also drawn visitors eager to experience equestrian culture and enjoy the cool weather on the grasslands.
In recent years, Fengning authorities have leveraged equestrian events together with grassland cuisine, low-altitude aviation and other tourism offerings to promote integrated development of sports and tourism. The Bashang Grassland receives more than two million visitor arrivals each year.
"We are promoting the integration of sports with tourism, services and consumption. Through such competitions and events, we aim to further integrate sports with the cultural and tourism industries," said Li Qiang, an event organizer.
The event is scheduled to close on Sunday.
Equestrian endurance riding competition opens in north China county
