In Pics: Female rider gallops across the Pamir-Xinhua

Gulayisa Dihan (R) walks around the field with three boys after the 5,000-meter speed horse race during the Spring Tourism Series Activities in Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, March 23, 2025. "Let's applaud the county's first-ever female rider!" The announcer cheered as 22-year-old Gulayisa Dihan crossed the finish line of the 5,000-meter speed horse race third in her group.

During the Spring Tourism Series Activities hosted by Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County this year, the female rider was greeted by applause from both tourists and locals.

Taxkorgan, located at the eastern foothills of the Pamir Plateau in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, is a land of sprawling pastures where horse racing is a cherished folk sport. It's now integrated into the county's cultural tourism industry, showcased as dynamic performances to energize rural development.

For Gulayisa, horse racing runs in her blood: her grandfather, father, and eldest brother are all celebrated riders in the region. " Nothing is impossible! I hope more local girls will join me in the future." Gulayisa says with bright determination. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)

Gulayisa Dihan (R) is learned from her cousin after the 5,000-meter speed horse race during the Spring Tourism Series Activities in Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, March 23, 2025. "Let's applaud the county's first-ever female rider!" The announcer cheered as 22-year-old Gulayisa Dihan crossed the finish line of the 5,000-meter speed horse race third in her group.

During the Spring Tourism Series Activities hosted by Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County this year, the female rider was greeted by applause from both tourists and locals.

Gulayisa Dihan (L) competes in the 5,000-meter speed horse race during the Spring Tourism Series Activities in Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, March 23, 2025. "Let's applaud the county's first-ever female rider!" The announcer cheered as 22-year-old Gulayisa Dihan crossed the finish line of the 5,000-meter speed horse race third in her group.

During the Spring Tourism Series Activities hosted by Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County this year, the female rider was greeted by applause from both tourists and locals.

Gulayisa Dihan takes a break after the 5,000-meter speed horse race during the Spring Tourism Series Activities in Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, March 23, 2025. "Let's applaud the county's first-ever female rider!" The announcer cheered as 22-year-old Gulayisa Dihan crossed the finish line of the 5,000-meter speed horse race third in her group.

During the Spring Tourism Series Activities hosted by Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County this year, the female rider was greeted by applause from both tourists and locals.

Gulayisa Dihan (2nd L) competes in the 5,000-meter speed horse race during the Spring Tourism Series Activities in Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, March 23, 2025. "Let's applaud the county's first-ever female rider!" The announcer cheered as 22-year-old Gulayisa Dihan crossed the finish line of the 5,000-meter speed horse race third in her group.

During the Spring Tourism Series Activities hosted by Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County this year, the female rider was greeted by applause from both tourists and locals.

Gulayisa Dihan trains her horse in Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, March 21, 2025. "Let's applaud the county's first-ever female rider!" The announcer cheered as 22-year-old Gulayisa Dihan crossed the finish line of the 5,000-meter speed horse race third in her group.

During the Spring Tourism Series Activities hosted by Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County this year, the female rider was greeted by applause from both tourists and locals.

Gulayisa Dihan competes during the 5,000-meter speed horse race during the Spring Tourism Series Activities in Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, March 23, 2025. "Let's applaud the county's first-ever female rider!" The announcer cheered as 22-year-old Gulayisa Dihan crossed the finish line of the 5,000-meter speed horse race third in her group.

During the Spring Tourism Series Activities hosted by Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County this year, the female rider was greeted by applause from both tourists and locals.

Gulayisa Dihan (L) talks with her mother at home in Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, March 21, 2025. "Let's applaud the county's first-ever female rider!" The announcer cheered as 22-year-old Gulayisa Dihan crossed the finish line of the 5,000-meter speed horse race third in her group.

During the Spring Tourism Series Activities hosted by Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County this year, the female rider was greeted by applause from both tourists and locals.

Gulayisa Dihan combs her horse in Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, March 21, 2025. "Let's applaud the county's first-ever female rider!" The announcer cheered as 22-year-old Gulayisa Dihan crossed the finish line of the 5,000-meter speed horse race third in her group.

During the Spring Tourism Series Activities hosted by Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County this year, the female rider was greeted by applause from both tourists and locals.

Gulayisa Dihan (R) and her brother take care of a horse at home in Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, March 21, 2025. "Let's applaud the county's first-ever female rider!" The announcer cheered as 22-year-old Gulayisa Dihan crossed the finish line of the 5,000-meter speed horse race third in her group.

During the Spring Tourism Series Activities hosted by Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County this year, the female rider was greeted by applause from both tourists and locals.

Gulayisa Dihan participates in the opening ceremony of the Spring Tourism Series Activities in Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, March 23, 2025. "Let's applaud the county's first-ever female rider!" The announcer cheered as 22-year-old Gulayisa Dihan crossed the finish line of the 5,000-meter speed horse race third in her group.

During the Spring Tourism Series Activities hosted by Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County this year, the female rider was greeted by applause from both tourists and locals.

Gulayisa Dihan warms up before the 5,000-meter speed horse race during the Spring Tourism Series Activities in Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, March 23, 2025. "Let's applaud the county's first-ever female rider!" The announcer cheered as 22-year-old Gulayisa Dihan crossed the finish line of the 5,000-meter speed horse race third in her group.

During the Spring Tourism Series Activities hosted by Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County this year, the female rider was greeted by applause from both tourists and locals.

Gulayisa Dihan (R) and her father prepare before training her horse in Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, March 21, 2025. "Let's applaud the county's first-ever female rider!" The announcer cheered as 22-year-old Gulayisa Dihan crossed the finish line of the 5,000-meter speed horse race third in her group.

During the Spring Tourism Series Activities hosted by Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County this year, the female rider was greeted by applause from both tourists and locals.

Gulayisa Dihan walks around the field after the 5,000-meter speed horse race during the Spring Tourism Series Activities in Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, March 23, 2025. "Let's applaud the county's first-ever female rider!" The announcer cheered as 22-year-old Gulayisa Dihan crossed the finish line of the 5,000-meter speed horse race third in her group.

During the Spring Tourism Series Activities hosted by Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County this year, the female rider was greeted by applause from both tourists and locals.

Gulayisa Dihan (L) and her father welcome guests at home in Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, March 21, 2025. "Let's applaud the county's first-ever female rider!" The announcer cheered as 22-year-old Gulayisa Dihan crossed the finish line of the 5,000-meter speed horse race third in her group.

During the Spring Tourism Series Activities hosted by Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County this year, the female rider was greeted by applause from both tourists and locals.