Featuring a vibrant range of cultural traditions, the opening ceremony of the Branch Field of the Equestrian Events of the 11th Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities of China kicked off in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia autonomous region on July 12.

Carrying a theme of “Hand in hand, the Chinese nation marching forward in a new era”, the cultural performances started bathed in the applause of 6,000 audience members and presented a diverse landscape of ethnic minorities unified in the spirit of friendly competition and showing off their regional characteristics. 

The traditional Andai dance showcased the hospitality of the Mongolian ethnic group, welcoming visitors from across the nation for the equestrian event in Hohhot. A total of nine delegations from Hebei, Shanxi, Henan, Yunnan and other provinces and autonomous regions attended the opening ceremony. About 305 athletes, 365 horses and 13 camels are set to compete in speed racing, horseback riding and performance programs during the series, which ends on July 17.

Guo Weiping, deputy director of the State Nationalities Affairs Commission, announced the opening of the equestrian events. Bu Xiaolin, chairwoman of the Inner Mongolia autonomous region delivered the finish line flag — which symbolizes struggle and fair competition — to the chief referee. Feng Yuzhen, mayor of Hohhot, made a welcoming speech and Zhengzhou Mayor Wang Xinwei delivered a congratulatory speech on behalf of the Executive Committee of the 11th Games.

The 11th National Ethnic Games is scheduled to run in Zhenghou, Henan province from Sept 8 to 16. 

(Jiang Sisi also contributed to the story)

The opening ceremony of the Branch Field of the Equestrian Events of the 11th Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities of China is held in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia autonomous region, on July 12. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The traditional Andai Dance showcases the hospitality of the Mongolian ethnic group. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]