Winter attractions

Hunting with eagles

In January, Xinyuan county in the Ily Kazak autonomous prefecture hosted the biggest eagle competition in China. More than 40 herdsmen participated in the competition.

Hunting with eagles is a part of the Kazak herdsmen's traditions. They hunt for rabbits or foxes on horseback using eagles they've trained for years. The hunts normally are carried out in the winter, when the herdsmen can see the tracks of the animals on the snow.