The 2024 Xinjiang Ili Tianma Cultural Tourism Festival opened at Zhaosu County，Ili Kazak autonomous prefecture on Saturday , to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the People's Republic of China and the 70th anniversary of the Ili Kazakh autonomous prefecture.

The opening ceremony was composed of three sections: "Dragon Horse Spirit Shines Across China,""Returning to the Southern Paradise of the North," and "Striding Towards the Future." These performances showcased Zhaosu's natural beauty, cultural heritage, and the significance of "Tianma" culture.

Special guests Wu Jing, Tong Liya, Yu Shi, and Dou Xiao promoted Zhaosu's unique landscapes and cultural stories, emphasising the importance of preserving and promoting horse culture. The ceremony ended with a spectacular "Galloping Horses" performance on the Karkant Grassland, impressing visitors with its grandeur.

The festival, running from late April to early December, includes 21 events, offering a comprehensive tourism experience. Zhaosu county has leveraged its tourism brands to create an innovative, year-round tourism ecosystem, advancing the integration of culture and tourism and enhancing the festival's reputation.

Sui Yang contributed to this story.