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Chinese fanciers compete for fame and fortune
Pigeon racing is taking off in China. Eight thousand of the birds were launched into the winter sky in the northern province of Hebei last month, one of many long-distance races that promises fame and fortune. Pigeons have been raised in China since at least the 17th century. But lately the ranks of fans have increased. The Chinese Pigeon Association has around 400,000 members, dwarfing the number in Belgium, where the sport first started. Zhao Zhiqiang raises and trains pigeons in a chicken coop on his parents’ roof. Look for strong wings, a healthy build, and bright eyes. “The eyes are the window to their souls. The sparkle in their eyes shows how healthy and intelligent the birds are,” he said. Chinese breeders have a reputation for their passion for pigeons. But Zhao says there is also a financial angle. “If we successfully breed a good carrier pigeon, it will be very expensive. It will be worth a lot of money,” he said. Bids flew at a recent auction in Beijing. A racing champion pigeon sold for more than $ 750,000. For breeders like Mr. Ying, who bought six birds at the event, money is not an obstacle. “I am in love with pigeons. That’s it, in a nutshell. Pigeons are the first thing in my heart. My wife and my children are second and third,” he said. The recent surge in enthusiasm for pigeons has raised prices. A breeder made headlines last month when he spent $ 1.9 million for this pigeon, called “New Kim”, at an auction in Belgium. Besides the cost of the birds, there is also the maintenance. A fancier in Shanghai, Mr. Yu, spends more than $ 30,000 a year on his flock of 500. It’s all worth it, he says. One of his pigeons, “Little Ancestor”, flew in first place in the recent race in Hebei province. “This pigeon broke the record in national competition. It is unprecedented for a young pigeon to fly again in a single day.” A feat, he said, that still brings him joy.
