Shandong sheep fighting tournament gets hearts racing

A sheep fighting tournament was recently held by folks in Juancheng county – in Heze city, in East China's Shandong province – at a venue in Chazhuang village, in Shiji town, attracting hundreds of thrilled spectators and participants.

The competition started at 10 am, with nearly 100 male sheep numbered and paired up to fight each other on the stage.

Responding to the shouts of their owners, the sheep butted each other powerfully head-on with their foreheads and horns, making a loud banging sound. The scene was exhilarating and the audience wildly cheered and applauded during the bouts.

Opponents square off during a sheep fighting bout in Juanching county. [Photo by Li Qianqian for chinadaily.com.cn]

Sheep fighting is an ancient folk custom in the southwestern part of Shandong province that dates back to the Three Kingdoms (220-280) period. It is a common activity in the rural areas of Juancheng county on festive days – and it also carries the good wishes and prayers of locals for good weather and a good harvest.

The recent competition not only entertained the local folks, but was also said to help promote the development of the breeding industry there.

"Juancheng county will continue to explore cultural resources, build cultural display platforms and hold more folk activities close to the lives of the people, to help the cultural revitalization of the countryside," an official said. (Edited by Fan Yuanyuan)