Nestled at the end of the Hexi Corridor lies the Kazak autonomous county of Aksay. This county of Jiuquan, Gansu province offers a rich tapestry of Kazak ethnic traditions, from vibrant clothing and distinctive cuisine to captivating entertainment.

Traditional clothing

The traditional Kazak style felt hat [Photo provided to jiuquan.gogansu.com]

Kazak clothing, mostly handmade, is crafted from animal skins, livestock fur, and various fabrics. The attire is known for its bright and varied colors, each hue symbolizing auspiciousness and blessings.

Culinary delights

Milk and meat form the cornerstone of Kazak cuisine, complemented by a variety of cooked wheaten foods. On the dining table, guests are treated to boiled lamb, air-dried meat, horse sausage, oil cakes and dried curd, all cherished staples of the Kazak diet.

Traditional accommodation

The yurt, the traditional dwelling of the Kazaks [Photo provided to jiuquan.gogansu.com]

Yurts, the traditional dwellings of the Kazaks, have been recorded in poetry as early as 100 BC. These portable structures not only safeguarded the lives of the Kazaks throughout history but also preserved their cultural heritage.

Cultural entertainment

Horseback riders compete in the girls' chases activity. [Photo provided to jiuquan.gogansu.com]

Kazak entertainment includes a variety of traditional sports and games -- girls' chases (young women pursue their crushes on horseback), horse wrestling and sheep grabbing, a game developed from the need to capture sheep on horseback when wolves approached. All the activities showcase the strength, wisdom and skills of the participants.

Intangible cultural heritage

Aksay Kazak people perform the "Black Walking Horse" folk dance for visitors. [Photo provided to jiuquan.gogansu.com]

The "Black Walking Horse" is the most representative folk dance of the Aksay Kazaks. Dancers mimic the movements of horses—walking, running, and jumping, and use body language to depict the nomadic life of the Kazaks.

"Aken Playing and Singing," a widely practiced ancient art, takes center stage each year during a time when all vegetation is in luxuriant growth. Akens, or folk singers, from all over the county gather to play the tamboura and showcase their singing talents in a celebration of Kazak culture.

Aksay Kazak autonomous county stands as a vibrant testament to the rich traditions and cultural heritage of the Kazak people, presenting to visitors an immersive experience in their unique way of life.