Tibetannet

The horse racing contest [Photo/Tibet Vista travel agency]

Widely celebrated as the grandest cultural feast in Gyantse County, southwest China’s Tibet Autonomous Region, the long-expected annual Gyantse Dama Festival is ready to embrace world-wide guests on Jul. 28, 2015.

The three-day festival will be themed as "achieving Chinese Dream in picturesque heroic city; sharing Dama spirit near the Nyangchu river".

As expected, a series of traditional events will be held, such as horse and yak racing, archery competition, holding stones contest, tug of war, wrestling, etc. One of the highlights would be the live performance of patriotic opera "Glorious development of Gyantse".

All the cultural events aim to explore the historical and cultural values of Gyantse, and showcase its stable development and rich tourism resources.

For world-wide tourists, what can you expect to experience during this grand event?

In addition to the rarely-seen stunt during the horse racing contest and archery skills, Gyantse Dama Festival is a golden chance for outsiders to explore authentic traditions and customs in Gyantse. Hardly can any tourist resist tasting local delicacies, and buying exquisite Tibetan souvenirs, such as Tibetan wool rug and Buddhist beads.

Tourists will find it easy to chat and mingle with hospitable Tibetan nomads and locals. Mostly importantly, the dramatic live performance of patriotic opera will help tourists have a good understanding of what Gyantse looked like in the past and what it will be in the near future.

Cultural Background

"Dama" literally means archery on the horse back. Gyantse Dama Festival boasts a history of 607 years. In 2008, the festival was listed as the national intangible heritage by China’s State Council. Besides, Gyantse, an ancient county, is also notable for its legendary victory against British aggression in 1904.

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Local residents [Photo/Tibet Vista travel agency]