Zheng Futian, vice chairman of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Regional Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, announces the opening of the rhododendron festival in Arxan on May 19. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

Blooming rhododendrons are adding more luster to the mountains and forests across Arxan, which is located on the Sino-Mongolian border in Hinggan League, Inner Mongolia autonomous region.

A rhododendron festival kicked off in the border city on the morning of May 19 to mark China Tourism Day. It is just one activity among many held in celebration of Inner Mongolia's flower tourism season.

Li He, mayor of Arxan, addressed the opening ceremony, saying the event is aimed at encouraging people to participate in the city's various cultural and tourism activities to enrich their spiritual life and boost the development of the local culture and tourism industry. A slew of policies and measures meant to benefit the public are expected to be announced during the festival and an assortment of activities, such as hiking and a photography competition, will be announced in the following days.

At the opening ceremony, government officials awarded free tickets for tourist attractions to public service role models such as teachers and sanitation workers to honor their contribution to the city's development.

Local products are on display during the rhododendron festival in Arxan, Inner Mongolia on May 19. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]