In Altay, a region in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, over one million livestock have successfully arrived at the spring-autumn transition pastures this April. This annual migration is a testament to the region’s rich nomadic heritage and its pivotal role in China’s animal husbandry.
Since late March, herders have been guiding their cattle and sheep away from the harsh winter pastures. They traverse established livestock routes toward more temperate grazing lands, ensuring the well-being of their herds. The sight of thousands of animals moving across vast landscapes forms a striking spectacle that embodies the rhythm of life on the steppe.
This time-honored tradition not only sustains the livelihoods of local herders but also preserves the enduring legacy of nomadic culture in Xinjiang. The migration highlights the harmonious relationship between people and nature, and the commitment to maintaining age-old practices in a modern world.
