<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-07-19/Grassland-spirit-shines-as-Naadam-festival-opens-in-Inner-Mongolia-1F8u2mNBzEs/img/618ef252ccbc4d2182b5214cb0ecfdf6/618ef252ccbc4d2182b5214cb0ecfdf6.png'Participants perform on horseback during the opening ceremony of the 35th Naadam Festival in Xilin Gol League, north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, July 19, 2025. /CGTN
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-07-19/Grassland-spirit-shines-as-Naadam-festival-opens-in-Inner-Mongolia-1F8u2mNBzEs/img/618ef252ccbc4d2182b5214cb0ecfdf6/618ef252ccbc4d2182b5214cb0ecfdf6.png'Participants perform on horseback during the opening ceremony of the 35th Naadam Festival in Xilin Gol League, north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, July 19, 2025. /CGTN
As summer brings lush grasslands and thriving livestock to north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, the 35th Naadam Festival opened on July 19 in Xilin Gol League.
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-07-19/Grassland-spirit-shines-as-Naadam-festival-opens-in-Inner-Mongolia-1F8u2mNBzEs/img/97c42b67576944909695688cf452c4ba/97c42b67576944909695688cf452c4ba.png' alt='Traditional Mongolian-style wrestlers are seen during the opening ceremony of the 35th Naadam Festival in Xilin Gol League, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, July 19, 2025. /CGTN'
Named “Naadam,” meaning “entertainment and games” in Mongolian, the festival is a vibrant celebration of nomadic culture, featuring horse racing, wrestling, archery, music and dance. Listed as a national intangible cultural heritage item in 2006, Naadam has evolved into a major cultural and tourism event that draws visitors from across China.
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-07-19/Grassland-spirit-shines-as-Naadam-festival-opens-in-Inner-Mongolia-1F8u2mNBzEs/img/1d483dd378dc441bb116ecce33fc8dcd/1d483dd378dc441bb116ecce33fc8dcd.png'Artists perform during the opening ceremony of the 35th Naadam Festival in Xilin Gol League, north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, July 19, 2025. /CGTN
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-07-19/Grassland-spirit-shines-as-Naadam-festival-opens-in-Inner-Mongolia-1F8u2mNBzEs/img/1d483dd378dc441bb116ecce33fc8dcd/1d483dd378dc441bb116ecce33fc8dcd.png'Artists perform during the opening ceremony of the 35th Naadam Festival in Xilin Gol League, north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, July 19, 2025. /CGTN
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-07-19/Grassland-spirit-shines-as-Naadam-festival-opens-in-Inner-Mongolia-1F8u2mNBzEs/img/1d483dd378dc441bb116ecce33fc8dcd/1d483dd378dc441bb116ecce33fc8dcd.png'Artists perform during the opening ceremony of the 35th Naadam Festival in Xilin Gol League, north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, July 19, 2025. /CGTN
This year’s festival offers an immersive blend of tradition and modern flair. Visitors can explore 18 themed zones showcasing Mongolian sports, heritage crafts, grassland photo opportunities and family-friendly camping. Free shuttle buses, 300 volunteers and all-day cultural performances help ensure a smooth and engaging experience.
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-07-19/Grassland-spirit-shines-as-Naadam-festival-opens-in-Inner-Mongolia-1F8u2mNBzEs/img/825b87ef7ca442e48437bceeaafe1e20/825b87ef7ca442e48437bceeaafe1e20.png' alt='The opening ceremony of the 35th Naadam Festival takes place in Xilin Gol League, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, July 19, 2025. /CGTN'
Tourists are welcomed with free “care kits” containing sun protection and travel guides. Over 1 million yuan (over $139,000) in food vouchers are being distributed via the Chinese version of TikTok to promote local cuisine, while top scenic spots across Xilin Gol League are offering half-price admission from July 18 to 21.
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-07-19/Grassland-spirit-shines-as-Naadam-festival-opens-in-Inner-Mongolia-1F8u2mNBzEs/img/da76d41e040a402a9b60594afd352339/da76d41e040a402a9b60594afd352339.png'The opening ceremony of the 35th Naadam Festival takes place in Xilin Gol League, north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, July 19, 2025. /CGTN
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-07-19/Grassland-spirit-shines-as-Naadam-festival-opens-in-Inner-Mongolia-1F8u2mNBzEs/img/da76d41e040a402a9b60594afd352339/da76d41e040a402a9b60594afd352339.png'The opening ceremony of the 35th Naadam Festival takes place in Xilin Gol League, north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, July 19, 2025. /CGTN
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-07-19/Grassland-spirit-shines-as-Naadam-festival-opens-in-Inner-Mongolia-1F8u2mNBzEs/img/da76d41e040a402a9b60594afd352339/da76d41e040a402a9b60594afd352339.png'The opening ceremony of the 35th Naadam Festival takes place in Xilin Gol League, north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, July 19, 2025. /CGTN
