Qinghai Yak-Milking Competition Celebrates Pastoral Heritage and Ecological Conservation

Dragon Media News Desk

A traditional yak-milking competition organised by Jokor Village in Gangcha County, Qinghai Province, has highlighted the region’s pastoral heritage, ecological resources and community traditions. Known as the “Hundred Tents, Thousand Female Yaks” competition, the event has become a platform for celebrating the distinctive culture of herding communities around Qinghai Lake.

The competition brings together traditional livestock practices, cultural performances and community participation while promoting the conservation of intangible cultural heritage. It also draws attention to the relationship between pastoral livelihoods and the ecological environment surrounding Qinghai Lake.

The event has continued to expand in scale and improve in quality, providing a broader platform for presenting local pastoral traditions and encouraging the preservation of skills and practices passed down through generations. Organisers regard it as an opportunity to connect cultural heritage with the development of pastoral industries, recreational activities and community life.

Beyond the competition itself, the gathering reflects efforts to strengthen community bonds, promote ethnic unity and support the continued development of the region’s cultural traditions. Through a selection of photographs from this year’s event, visitors can experience the distinctive atmosphere of the competition and the enduring pastoral culture of Qinghai Lake.