Visit Xilingol for the annual Naadam Festival

Nomads ride into the opening ceremony of the Naadam Festival in Xilingol League, Inner Mongolia yesterday.  Photos by Xinhua

In many travelers’ minds, Inner Mongolia conjures images of vast grasslands, lakes and one of the most famous warriors of all time, Genghis Khan.

Although the famed first great khan of the Mongol Empire died in 1227, his legendary pursuits continue to reverberate across this beautiful land. According to some historical accounts, in the early 13th century, after Genghis Khan defeated his enemies and ruled over the Mongol tribes, he held the first Naadam as a celebratory event.

In 2010, Naadam was added to the UNESCO’s List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The 34th Naadam Festival of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region began yesterday in the grasslands of Xilingol League, attracting nearly 100,000 locals and tourists from across the country.

“Naadam,” a Mongolian term meaning “entertainment and games,” is a traditional festival celebrated by people of the Mongolian ethnic group in China. This annual event held during the peak harvest season, features a variety of activities such as horse racing, wrestling, archery, board games, and song and dance performances that reflect the rich ethnic heritage of the local people.

Performers during the opening ceremony of the Naadam Festival in Xilingol League, Inner Mongolia yesterday.

This year, the organizers have aimed to enhance visitor engagement and interaction by making tourists the central focus of the opening ceremony. Special slots have been reserved for visitors to join the opening parade, making them an integral part of the festivities.

The main venue at the Naadam Cultural Theme Park in Xilinhot City will feature traditional Xilingol cuisine, games and various other attractions.

Today and tomorrow, 8-km, 12-km and 24-km horse races will be held at the Xiritala Grassland Tourist Resort southeast of Xilinhot. Between July 26 and 28, a music festival will be held east of the Madu Cultural and Commercial Plaza in Xilinhot, featuring singers and bands such as Tengger, Shui Mu Nian Hua, and Hanggai.

More than 10 medical emergency points are set up, staffed by professional rescue teams and 300 volunteers, to ensure a safe and memorable experience for all participants in the grasslands fun events.

With average temperatures at around 21 degrees Celsius in summer, Xilingol League beckons with fun activities as well as such historical sites as the site of Xanadu, and such stunning landscapes as Duolun Lake.