Xinjiang's horse industry gallops with culture and tourism integration

This growth has delivered tangible economic benefits at the local level. In Zhaosu county, for example, the industry attracted 9.4 million tourists in 2025, generating tourism revenue of 4.3 billion yuan and increasing per capita income by 11,100 yuan.

These benefits have been achieved thanks to the local horse industry's emphasis on modernization to meet the market demand for specialized horses. Local herders have been empowered to generate income from multiple sources, including horse auctions at racing events and the sale of products like horse milk and meat.

To accelerate these developments, the Xinjiang authority established a five-year partnership with the Hong Kong Jockey Club in July 2025. This collaboration aims to elevate the industry through co-hosted events, systematic breed improvement, professional talent cultivation, and alignment with international standards.

Despite the rapid progress, challenges remain, including insufficient brand influence, a relatively short industrial chain, and limited public participation.