The Galloping Heart of Kham: Maoya Grand Prairie and the World's Highest Racecourse

The Kingdom of the "Golden Horse"

1.Located in the core area of the Maoya: Grand Prairie in Litang County, Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, the Maoya Grand Prairie Racecourse is a place where the earth meets the sky. Situated at an astounding altitude of approximately 4,200 meters, it is widely revered as the "World's Highest Altitude Racecourse". Unlike typical manicured tracks, this racecourse is a vast, open stretch of flat highland meadow, roughly 1 kilometer wide and several kilometers long, naturally formed within the embrace of the mountains. It lies about 30 kilometers from the Litang county seat, accessible via the G227 national highway, and sits against the magnificent backdrop of the Genyen Holy Mountain and rolling seas of clouds. This is not just a sporting venue; it is the spiritual home of the "Golden Horse" (Litang) culture and the stage for the Khampa people's most passionate expression of freedom and bravery.

A Spectacle of Speed and Heritage

2.The racecourse is the heart of the famous: Litang August 1st International Horse Racing Festival, a tradition that dates back to the 1950s but has roots deep in the ancient history of the region. Historically, the Maoya Prairie was a vital summer pasture for Khampa tribes and a resting point for caravans on the Tea Horse Road crossing the Haizi Mountain pass. Today, during the festival, the prairie transforms into a city of tents. Thousands of herdsmen and visitors gather, setting up white tents that dot the green grass like mushrooms. The air fills with the thunder of hooves as riders dressed in traditional Khampa attire—often adorned with fox fur robes, coral belts, and silver ornaments—compete in events such as speed racing, endurance tests, and the thrilling horsemanship archery, where riders shoot targets while galloping at full speed,.

The Legend of King Gesar

The cultural significance of the racecourse runs deep, intertwined with the epic of King Gesar. Legend has it that the Maoya Prairie was a battlefield where King Gesar fought demons and held horse races to select generals or celebrate victories. The racecourse is seen as a place of blessing and protection, where the spirit of the hero lingers. The local Muya Tibetans, known for their bravery and horsemanship, view racing not just as a sport but as a tribute to their ancestors and a prayer for the tribe's prosperity. During festivals, the atmosphere is electric with the sound of "Xianzi" (string instrument) music and the rhythmic stomping of the Guozhuang dance (a National Intangible Cultural Heritage), where men and women dance in concentric circles, celebrating love and life on the plateau.

A Photographer's Paradise

For visitors and photographers, the Maoya Grand Prairie Racecourse offers a visual feast that blends "Highland Aesthetics" with raw action.

• 3.The Landscape: In summer (June to August), the prairie is a boundless ocean of green, carpeted with wildflowers in yellow, red, and purple,. The flat terrain allows for 360-degree views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks.
• 4.The Action: Capturing the dust flying behind galloping horses, the vibrant colors of the riders' silk shirts snapping in the wind, and the intense focus of an archer mid-shot provides unparalleled photographic opportunities.
• 5.The Atmosphere: The contrast between the intense competition and the serene backdrop of the holy mountains creates a unique tension and beauty found nowhere else on earth.

Whether you are witnessing the "Prince of the Grassland" being crowned or simply standing amidst the sea of flowers under the deep blue plateau sky, the Maoya Grand Prairie Racecourse offers a profound connection to the wild, enduring spirit of the Tibetan people.