Hainan (Qinghai) Festivals And Activities

The festivals of Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture（海南藏族自治州） reflect the unique charm of the land south of Qinghai Lake（青海湖）. Compared with the vast and remote atmosphere of Haixi Prefecture（海西蒙古族藏族自治州） and the high-altitude Tibetan cultural landscape of Yushu（玉树藏族自治州）, Hainan Prefecture combines the sacred lake scenery of Qinghai Lake, the rich Amdo Tibetan culture, and the pastoral beauty of the Yellow River valley into a series of colorful traditional celebrations.

Throughout the year, Hainan Prefecture hosts a variety of ethnic festivals, grassland competitions, cultural exhibitions, and tourism events. These activities not only showcase Tibetan traditions such as horse racing, Tibetan singing, Guozhuang dance, and handicrafts but also combine modern tourism experiences including photography festivals, cultural markets, agricultural product exhibitions, and ecological tourism activities.

The best time to experience Hainan’s festivals is generally from June to September, when the grasslands are green, the weather is pleasant, and large-scale ethnic celebrations are concentrated. Visitors can experience traditional Tibetan nomadic culture, taste highland cuisine, enjoy folk performances, and participate in local celebrations around Qinghai Lake and the Yellow River valley.

Summer Festivals: Grassland Competitions and Cultural Celebrations

“Clear Yellow River” Hainan Cultural Tourism Series Events

The “Clear Yellow River” Hainan Cultural Tourism Series（“清清黄河”海南行全域文旅系列活动） has become one of the most important annual tourism events in Hainan Prefecture. Usually held from late July to August, the event connects different counties across the prefecture and integrates ethnic culture, ecological tourism, sports competitions, and local product exhibitions.

The main venue is usually located in Gonghe County（共和县）, where visitors can experience major events such as the Qinghai Lake Cup Horse Racing Festival（青海湖杯赛马会） and Tibetan Zhamunie Singing Competition（藏族扎木念弹唱大赛）. Traditional grassland competitions include horse racing, walking horse performances, yak racing, livestock selection contests, and tent decoration competitions.

During the festival, visitors can also explore agricultural and cultural tourism markets featuring yak yogurt, highland agricultural products, handicrafts, and local specialties. The combination of traditional Tibetan culture and modern tourism creates one of the most representative summer experiences in Hainan Prefecture.

Gonghe County Qinghai Lake Cup Horse Racing Festival

The Qinghai Lake Cup Horse Racing Festival（青海湖杯赛马会） is one of the most attractive traditional events in Hainan Prefecture. Held in the grasslands around Gonghe County（共和县）, the festival brings together Tibetan riders, local herders, and visitors.

Horse racing, yak racing, traditional riding performances, Tibetan costume displays, and folk music create a spectacular highland cultural atmosphere. The event reflects the deep connection between Tibetan communities and nomadic traditions.

Tibetan Zhamunie Singing Competition

The Tibetan Zhamunie Singing Competition（藏族扎木念弹唱大赛） showcases one of the most distinctive musical traditions of Tibetan culture. The Zhamunie, a traditional Tibetan string instrument, accompanies singers performing ancient melodies and pastoral songs.

The competition allows visitors to experience authentic Tibetan music and understand the cultural heritage of the Amdo Tibetan region.

Guide County “Sairdun” Folk Culture Tourism Festival

The “Sairdun” Folk Culture Tourism Festival（“赛尔旦”民俗文化旅游季） is held in Sen Duo Town（森多镇）, Guide County（贵南县） during August.

The festival recreates traditional Tibetan pastoral life through activities such as horse racing, sandbag lifting competitions, Tibetan folk singing, traditional milking demonstrations, rope-making workshops, and Guozhuang bonfire dancing.

It is an excellent opportunity for travelers to experience local Tibetan customs beyond sightseeing.

Winter Festivals: Tibetan New Year and Traditional Folk Celebrations

Although summer is the main festival season, winter festivals in Hainan Prefecture also offer rich cultural experiences.

Tibetan New Year Celebration

The Tibetan New Year（藏历新年） is one of the most important traditional festivals for Tibetan communities. Before the Tibetan New Year, Hainan Prefecture usually organizes cultural performances combining traditional and modern arts.

Programs include Guozhuang dance, Tibetan folk songs, Zhamunie performances, traditional costume shows, folk music, and intangible cultural heritage exhibitions. The celebrations highlight ethnic unity and cultural inheritance.

Gonghe County Lantern Festival Celebration

During the Lantern Festival（元宵节）, Gonghe County（共和县） organizes cultural performances around Qinghai Lake Square（青海湖广场）.

The celebration usually includes evening performances, fireworks, and large-scale Guozhuang dancing. Local residents and visitors gather around bonfires wearing traditional costumes, creating a lively plateau festival atmosphere.

Guide County Dragon Boat Festival Folk Activities

During the Dragon Boat Festival（端午节）, Guide County（贵德县） holds traditional cultural activities in Hexi Town（河西镇）.

Visitors can participate in making rice dumplings, preparing local snacks, hanging mugwort, making traditional sachets, and experiencing local folk customs. These activities demonstrate the cultural integration between Tibetan, Han, and other ethnic communities.

Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture Festival Travel Guide

The best festival travel period is July and August, when the grasslands are green and major ethnic celebrations take place. Travelers planning to attend horse racing festivals or large cultural events should reserve accommodation early, especially around Qinghai Lake, Gonghe County, and Guide County.

For transportation, festival venues are widely distributed across the prefecture. Self-driving and private charter tours are the most convenient ways to combine festivals with sightseeing. Popular combinations include:

Xining（西宁） → Riyue Mountain（日月山） → Qinghai Lake（青海湖） → Gonghe County（共和县） → Longyang Gorge（龙羊峡） → Guide County（贵德县）

During festivals, visitors should respect local customs, avoid entering restricted grassland areas, and follow local arrangements when photographing religious ceremonies or traditional activities.

Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture Festival Events List

Festival Tours with Yaso Trip

Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture offers travelers a unique opportunity to combine Qinghai Lake scenery, Tibetan culture, grassland experiences, and local festivals. A festival-focused journey can be designed around major events such as the Qinghai Lake Horse Racing Festival, Tibetan music competitions, Guide Yellow River cultural activities, and traditional Tibetan celebrations, creating a deeper experience of the “Sacred Lake South” region.