Xinjiang’s horse industry is rapidly advancing by integrating with cultural and tourism sectors to boost rural development and ethnic unity. The region, which has the largest horse population in China, has established a comprehensive industry encompassing breeding, racing, culture, and tourism, according to experts from Xinjiang Agricultural University and the Xinjiang Horse Industry Association.

In 2024, the total output value of Xinjiang’s horse industry reached 16.95 billion yuan ($2.5 billion), with horse racing events experiencing over 230 percent growth since 2018. Additionally, the Ili Kazak autonomous prefecture’s Ili Horse breed now dominates more than 60 percent of China’s domestic sports horse market, highlighting the region’s significant role in the national equine sector.