Across China: Horse racing vitalizes ancient village in north China

TAIYUAN, Feb. 8 (Xinhua) -- One day after the Lantern Festival, residents in Xiadongzhai Village, north China's Shanxi Province, had quick breakfasts before assembling for a long-anticipated occasion.

The horse racing festival, held on the 16th day of the first month of the Chinese lunar calendar in the village, is a Spring Festival custom with a history of over 1,800 years. It has also been listed as a national