The 8th China Hohhot Ethnic Cultural Tourism Activities kick off with Ulan Muqir Art Troupes on the Prairie, an ethnic Mongolian dance, in Hohhot, capital of Inner Mongolia autonomous region, July 13. [Photo/nmgnews]

The opening ceremony of the 8th China Hohhot Ethnic Cultural Tourism Activities was held at Inner Mongolia Bureau of National Art Troupes in Hohhot, capital of Inner Mongolia autonomous region on July 13.

The event is organized by the State Ethnic Affairs Commission (SEAC), Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People's Republic of China, and the government of Inner Mongolia autonomous region, with the aim of playing a positive role in pushing forward the common development of ethnic groups.

The China Hohhot Ethnic Cultural Tourism Activities has been used to display the very best of ethnic culture since 2011, and it also acts as an important tool for integrating the Belt and Road Initiative with ethnic minorities, said Feng Yuzhen, mayor of Hohhot, speaking at the ceremony.

Folk performances, photography exhibitions and film shows will help promote the event, offering a cultural fest to ethnic groups across the country, he added.

The event will last 79 days.

Performers play traditional Mongolian musical instruments during the opening ceremony of the 8th China Hohhot Ethnic Cultural Tourism Activities in Hohhot, capital of Inner Mongolia autonomous region, July 13. [Photo/nmgnews]