Nanjing is home to nearly 200 place names that include the character for "horse" — a fascinating clue to the city's long-standing bond with these powerful animals.

In this video, Daniela, a student from Moldova studying at Nanjing University of the Arts, travels to Maqun sub-district to explore Nanjing's unique equestrian heritage.

The story begins more than 600 years ago, when Zhu Yuanzhang, the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), established royal horse ranches in the area. Fast forward to today, and the legacy lives on. Modern equestrian venues and international racecourses have revitalized the city's horse culture, blending tradition with sport, leisure, and urban development.

Through Daniela's eyes, viewers are invited to explore how the spirit of the horse still gallops through Nanjing's streets, place names, and living culture — a remarkable thread connecting past and present.