Across China: Changing role of Tibetan horses reflects region's modernization

Competitors warm up before a horse race in Lhasa, capital of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, Feb. 7, 2019. Since 1990, horses have been drifting away from plateau life, as most villages are connected to modern road networks these days. In some places, however, horses have regained their status as a mode of transport. Gyumey Dorje lives at the foot of Mt. Gang Rinpoche, a sacred mountain for Tibetans and a hot tourist attraction. There, villagers offer tourists services such as horseback riding or transferring goods up and down the mountain. "The horse is no common livestock," said Ngawang Tenzin from the local culture authority. "The changing status of horses reflects the development of Tibet." (Xinhua/Purbu Zhaxi)