Feng Wanli has got used to people snapping pictures of him astride his horse.

The 29-year-old businessman regularly rides with friends through the streets of Chengdu, capital of Sichuan province, attracting much attention from passers-by.

He has had Zhizunbao, a half-thoroughbred horse, since 2013. He's had a hard time taming the powerful animal, but he says riding is much healthier than his previous hobby: playing computer games. "I've not caught a cold since I began riding," he says.

However, his new hobby is far from cheap. He says he has spent more than 100,000 yuan ($15,300; 13,500 euros) in the past three years, including on a saddle, boots and stable fees.

With a horse, "you have to follow the rules", he says. "Don't panic if the horse does, and never walk behind the animal because it can kick if it hears something but can't see it."

Feng chats with his equine pal.

Zhizunbao enjoys an apple.

Feng Wanli trains his horse, Zhizunbao, on the bank of Minjiang River in Chengdu, capital of the southwestern province of Sichuan. Lyu Jia / For China Daily

Feng and his friends gallop next to Minjiang River.

(China Daily Africa Weekly 05/20/2016 page4)