Performers dance during a press conference for the 8th China Hohhot Ethnic Cultural Tourism Activities held in Beijing, June 28. [Photo/northnews]

The 8th China Hohhot Ethnic Cultural Tourism Activities is set to open in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia autonomous region on July 13, according to a press conference held in Beijing on June 28.

The China Hohhot Ethnic Cultural Tourism Activities, launched in 2011, have helped put the city on the map and serve as a national gala of ethnic culture.

The local government has given its enthusiastic support to the event, with the aim of boosting the city's image.

This year, the event will feature folk performances, film screenings and travel photography exhibitions, with the aim of expanding the city's influence and helping improve its cultural status.

A performance of ethnic vocal pieces to celebrate the 40th anniversary of China's reform and opening-up policy is expected to be a highlight of the event.

The working committee will organize five shows to perform 85 pieces from 33 ethnic groups during the event, according to Zhong Yanxiong, deputy director of the publicity office at the State Ethnic Affairs Commission.

The series of activities are expected to promote greater national unity in ethnic areas and play a positive role in pushing forward the common development of ethnic groups.

The cultural activities will last until the end of September.

Wang Jiping, vice-mayor of Hohhot also attended the conference.