At Friday's grand opening ceremony, local herdsmen, male and female, young and old, were all dressed in colorful ethnic costumes and joyfully expressed their happiness through singing, dancing, and various other festival activities.

According to local officials, with the continuous economic and social development on the plateau, the horse racing festival has been expanded and has become an important annual event for the local people.

Since the district of Nagqu is located 4,500 meters above sea level and is covered with snow for almost half a year, the festival, held in summer, provides a rare gathering opportunity for local people to entertain themselves.

(People's Daily 08/11/2001)