A desert-themed collective wedding gathered 56 couples representing China’s diverse ethnic people took place in Naiman Banner, Tongliao on Sept 1, bringing festivity and romance to Baogutu desert scenic spot.

Dressed with unique ethnic costumes, couples from Yunnan, Guizhou and Sichuan provinces respectively demonstrated folk tradition and culture at the site. Some couples planted trees in the local desert areas to show their effort in controlling sand and protecting the environment.

The event was part of the first “Camel Bell on Silk Road” International Photo Festival 2018, and photographers from home and abroad witnessed the ceremony.

This is the largest and most beautiful desert in northeastern China. It’s the cradle of cross-country auto rally competitions and is recognized as the first place to host three Mongolian sports arts including Bohk, horse racing and Mongolian archery.

Here, tourists can view mysterious sand tunes, clean lakes, camel parades and experience specialties and off-road vehicles.

In recent years, Naiman Banner has vigorously developed local desert tourism to attract tourists through diverse folk activities and sports events. The local government has driven desert weddings as a tourism brand to introduce investment and business to serve for the poverty alleviation project.

Couples gather at Baogutu desert scenic spot in Naiman Banner, Inner Mongolia autonomous region on Sept 1, 2018. [Photo/ln.qq.com]

A couple holds hada, a piece of silk cloth used as a greeting gift among the Tibetan and Mongolian ethnic groups, to attend the desert-theme group wedding in Naiman Banner, Inner Mongolia autonomous region on Sept 1, 2018. [Photo/ln.qq.com]