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With the rapid development of the local economy and the tourism industry, the entertainment industry in Urumqi has also been able to prosper. Modern entertainment facilities, such as: bowling alleys, golf courses, billiard hall, nightclubs, dance halls, theaters, bars and cafes can be found throughout Urumqi. However the most unique Urumqi recreational activities are filled with strong ethnic characteristic, these activities include: horse racing, Diaoyang and girl chasing, which can usually be found in the Nanshan Scenic Area. |
Horse Racing
Horse racing is a famous activity favored by many ethnic groups including the: Kazakh, Uygur, Mongolian, Tajik and Kirgiz. Horse racing in this province is usually held during grand festivals, however some mass horse racing conferences are held throughout the year. The main programs are known as Obstacle Horse Racing, Cross-country Horse Racing, Polo Matches, Riding, Shooting, and Dressage. The winning horses will be known as "Baigaiate" (that is the best horse), and the excellent riders are also rewarded too.
Diaoyang
Diaoyang is a traditional sport favored by all nationalities in Xinjiang. The host of the games places a dead sheep at a designated place, issuing the order; all the riders begin to speed towards the sheep together. The rider who grabs the sheep first is supposed to try his best to get to the finish line, while the other riders are supposed to display a variety of techniques to besiege him and rob his sheep. The first one who takes the sheep to the finish line will be the winner and he is supposed to grill the lamb on the spot, and invite other riders to share it, in accordance with the local customs.
Girl Chasing
Girl chasing is a quite interesting local equestrian sport which is generally held in summer on the open grasslands. In this sport, young men and women are supposed to ride by each other’s side. Boys can confess their love to the girl and the girl cannot get angry. When the girl takes a fancy to a particular young man, on the return path she can ride after the man and beat him with whips, (of course, not really whip). However if the girl does not take a fancy to the young man who provoked her before, she can take severe revenge on the man.
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