Alxa Camels

Alxa Camels

　　Hometown of Camels — The Alxa Plateau

　　Alxa camels live in the Alxa League region of Inner Mongolia and are renowned for their tall and sturdy build. Their unique double humps make them exceptionally large, with adult male Alxa camels weighing between 600–750 kilograms. Their body height can reach up to 3.5 meters, and their humps can stand about 2.5 meters tall. They are strong and full of stamina, often used for cargo transport and border patrol, earning them the title "ships of the desert."

　　　　The Alxa Bactrian camel is internationally and domestically acclaimed for its strong adaptability and suitability for survival in desert grasslands.

　　The central production area of the Alxa Bactrian camel is located on the Alxa Plateau in western Inner Mongolia. As an ancient and primitive breed, the Alxa Bactrian camel enjoys the reputation of being the “ship of the desert.” Over the course of long-term evolution, it has developed unique physiological functions and adaptability, making it a precious resource for future bio-genetic engineering. For instance, the regulatory function of red blood cells in its blood for maintaining internal water balance, and its ability to adapt to extreme heat or cold through controlled variations in body temperature within a certain range, are traits not found in other domestic animals. These features hold tremendous development value for future biotechnology. Once this breed becomes extinct, these genetic traits will be lost forever.

　　　　Camels are livestock that integrate multiple economic traits such as producing down, meat, milk, and leather, as well as serving transport and tourism purposes, thus holding high economic value. Alxa Royal Camel Wool is world-renowned and has won the American Amica Corporation’s Quality Camel Wool Award for three consecutive years. Camel humps and camel hooves are both delicacies at state banquets. In 2002, the Alxa Bactrian camel was included in the national list of 78 protected livestock and poultry breeds by China’s Ministry of Agriculture.

　　Camel racing is a traditional sport with a long history. According to historical records, during the 13th century when Genghis Khan led his armies across Europe and Asia, many soldiers rode camels. At the same time, camel racing activities also emerged.

　　　　Alxa camels account for two-thirds of the total number of camels in China. Through long-term life and labor practices, Alxa herders, regardless of age or gender, have all mastered excellent riding skills—horseback riding in summer and camel riding in winter. While herding, locals often form small groups and race their strongest camels for fun, showcasing the quality of their camels. On important occasions such as weddings, Oboo gatherings, and temple fairs, herders scattered across the desert gather and race their camels at high speed. Spontaneous camel races have become a major source of joy for the desert-dwelling herding communities.

　　　　Every November, the people of Alxa host a Camel Culture Festival, attracting scholars, experts, and visitors from far and wide to participate in this national sports and cultural event. Activities include camel racing, camel wrestling, camel fan-fanning contests, camel beauty pageants, and academic seminars on camels.