Chengdu to host high-level China Equestrian Festival

The 2013 China Equestrian Festival will be held in Chengdu, Sichuan province, from November 9 to 12.

As the most influential equestrian event in Western China, the festival aims to promote Chengdu's equestrian sector, with first-class race tracks and other related facilities that can accommodate thousands of spectators, said Xie Chao, secretary of the CPC Chengdu, Wenjiang district.

Wenjiang hosted the 2011 and 2012 China Equestrian Festival. Based on previous experiences, preparations for this year's festival are well underway, he said.

A series of contests, including a barrel race, the China Equestrian Event, a national horse racing championship final, the Sichuan Barrel Racing event and the Chengdu Youth Equestrian Skills Competition will be held, said Li Nianxi, deputy secretary-general of the Chinese Equestrian Association (CEA).

There will also be a grand opening ceremony, an equestrian carnival and interactive cultural activities, Li said.

Wenjiang district, famous for its sports industry and leisure travel, is trying to build the largest sports town in Western China, featuring international sporting events, special sports activities and sports leisure tourism.