Traditional Camel Culture in Alashan —— Camel Race

Camel race is a traditional sports competition with a long history. According to documents, Genghis Khan led thousands of troops to conquer Europe and Asia in the 3rd century, including many camel riders. At the same time, camel racing came into being.

The total number of camels in Alashan accounts for two-thirds of the total number of camels in China. In the long-term life and labor practice, Alashan herdsmen, men, women and children, have developed a superb skill of riding horses in summer and camels in winter. When grazing, herders choose their own strong camels and compete with each other in groups of three or five to show the quality of camels. Every wedding banquet, Aobao grand event, temple fair and other important gatherings, herders scattered in the desert meet to drive camels at a gallop, and spontaneous camel racing has become a great pleasure for herders living in the desert.

Every year 165438+ October, Alashan people hold camel culture festival. At that time, experts, scholars and people from all walks of life will come to Alashan to participate in this national sports and cultural activity. The activities mainly include: camel racing, camel throwing, camel fans, camel beauty pageant, camel academic discussion and so on.