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Ethnic festivals blooming in Xinjiang
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CNTV, July 21, 2011
Summertime is definitely the best time to visit the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in Northwest China. Apart from the magnificent natural landscapes, the unique culture, customs and festivals of the minority ethnic groups are the biggest attraction.
The 14th Naadam has turned the Bayanbulak Grassland into a huge playground situated at the foot of Tianshan Mountain. Meaning "Abundant Spring" in Mongolian, Bayanbulak is a great prairie boasting luxuriant verdant grass, numerous flocks of sheep and a variety of plant life, making it the second largest grassland in China.
Naadam, which literally means "Game," is a traditional type of festival in the Mongolian tradition. The three major competitions of the game are Mongolian wrestling, horse racing, and archery.
The manly sports have attracted both local residents and tourists from afar.
Li Jiala, horse racer, said, "I was born on the grassland and grew up on horseback. I'm a big fan of Naadam, and I will be very proud if I win the game!"
Chen Gang, tourist from Beijing, said, "As an urbanite, travelling in Xinjiang is a wonderful experience and I feel I'm in paradise. The landscapes are amazing and I feel like flying on horseback, free as an eagle. I want to stay here longer."
Back in downtown Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Dawaz art is a must-see at the ongoing annual International Grand Bazaar. The word "Dawaz" means "aerial tightrope walking" in the Uygur language. It's an acrobatic performance art with a history of over 1000 years among the major population in Xinjiang.
Holding a 6-meter long pole for balance, the performer makes thrilling movements high in the air with no safety wires along a 20-meter steel cable. Accompanied by the Uygur folk music, the walker sings and dances to the beat on the cable with a diameter of only 3 centimeters, wowing the audience.
As a standard part of the grand bazaar, the Dawaz show will be performed every day during the holiday season.
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