An idyllic stage

Zhang, 42, joined the Ulan Muqir of Horqin Right Wing Middle Banner in 1997 as a dancer. Like Guo, he was influenced and inspired by his family to become a member of the troupe.

"My uncle was a dancer with the art troupe and I decided to become a dancer like him after watching his performance when I was 7 years old. The dance piece was very happy and fast-paced. I couldn't help imitating my uncle's movements back then," recalls Zhang.

The history of Ulan Muqir dates back to the Sonid Right Banner in Xilin Gol League, where the first Ulan Muqir troupe was formed on June 17, 1957. Now, there are 75 Ulan Muqir troupes in Inner Mongolia, bringing 7,000 performances to audiences in the region each year.

In 2017, performers of the Sonid Right Banner Ulan Muqir troupe wrote to President Xi Jinping, reviewing its history during the past six decades, as well as expressing their commitment to the development of the troupe. In the letter that Xi wrote back, he called on its members to preserve the tradition of Ulan Muqir and promote artistic innovation.

"In the new era, I hope you can carry forward the fine tradition of Ulan Muqir, and keep on serving the herdsmen," Xi wrote in the letter.