The Naadam Festival, a major festival for the Mongolian, Evenki and Daur peoples mainly living in Inner Mongolia, is in full swing across the northern grasslands. Men and women, young and old, have gathered to participate in sports competitions, entertainment activities and trade fairs.
Herdsmen compete in a horse race held in Hinggan League, Inner Mongolia. /CFP
Generally held in July and August when livestock are plump and grass is lush, the Naadam Festival was officially set by the founder of the Mongol Empire Genghis Khan around 800 years ago to celebrate harvest and show off athletic prowess. Naadam means entertainment and games in the Mongolian language, thus, during the annual Naadam, various sports games are the most exciting activities.
Two men compete in a wrestling match held in Hinggan League, northeast Inner Mongolia. /CFP
During the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), horse racing, archery and wrestling were the three skills that each Mongolian man had to master. Over hundreds of years of development, they have become the "three manly games" these days; however, aside from wrestling that only males are allowed to participate in, the other two sports have no age or sex limits. To enrich the grand gathering, track and field sports, tug-of-war, ball games, polo, and Mongolian chess have gradually been added to the competition items.
A woman takes part in an archery contest during the Naadam Festival held in Hinggan League, Inner Mongolia. /CFP
When night falls, bonfire parties kick off with people sitting in a circle, enjoying meat and milk tea, and singing and dancing to the music of horse-head string instruments, which are an important symbol of Mongolian culture.
The Naadam Festival was included in the national intangible heritage list in 2006 and draws many tourists to join the joy each year.
Riders perform a stunt on horseback during the Naadam Festival held in Xilin Gol League, Inner Mongolia. /CFP