Madoi, China
Tibetan nomads are trading in their horses for motorcycles, The New York Times reported this week. Shepherds say the bikes are cheaper and faster than horses, and are just as effective for herding sheep and yaks. Chinese-made motorcycles cost only $600 new and as little as $50 used. “The shocks are important to them,” said motorcycle salesman Qu Jiang of his nomad buyers. “If they are riding across the grasslands, the bike doesn’t shake.”
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.
Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.