The Paomapai celebration in Xiadongzhai village, Shanxi province, is a centuries-old bareback horse-riding tradition dating back to the late Eastern Han Dynasty. Originally a military practice for urgent courier rides without saddles, it has evolved into a cultural event symbolizing good fortune and community spirit. This year, 45-year-old Dong Jinxiang led the event for the first time, continuing a lineage of riders who honor this heritage by riding horses without saddles or stirrups.

Recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2021 and inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2024, Paomapai is celebrated with strict adherence to ancient customs. The event features ritual preparations like leveling the paths with ash and sand, inspections by “lamp officials,” and lively performances including drum troupes and traditional dances, all contributing to a vibrant festival atmosphere that connects the community to its historic roots.