The annual Ice and Snow Naadam of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region kicked off in Hulun Buir on Sunday.
The word "Naadam" means entertainment and games in the Mongolian language. Besides the winter Naadam, people in Inner Mongolia also hold the Naadam fair every summer, which is a traditional grand meeting to celebrate a good harvest.
The 20th Ice and Snow Naadam of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region opens in Hulun Buir on December 17, 2023. /CFP
The theme of this year's Ice and Snow Naadam is "Welcome the 14th National Winter Games and meet the Naadam." Although temperatures dropped to below minus 30 degrees Celsius during the day, the Naadam venue was full of joy. Thousands of tourists from various parts of the country as well those from Russia, Mongolia and Malaysia gathered around the bonfire to join in the singing and dancing.
The 20th Ice and Snow Naadam of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region opens in Hulun Buir on December 17, 2023. /CFP
In additionto the traditional sports such as wrestling, archery and horse racing, modern ice and snow sports such as motor racing and intangible cultural heritage exhibitions will also be held during this year's event, offering tourists the chance to experience the charm of winter sports and local ethnic culture.
The event will last for around 30 days until January next year.
The 20th Ice and Snow Naadam of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region opens in Hulun Buir on December 17, 2023. /CFP