Visitors show enthusiasm for music and dance performances of Inner Mongolia at the opening ceremony of the rhododendron festival in Arxan on May 19. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

To showcase the colorful culture of Inner Mongolia, performances featuring the region's distinct music and dance styles, as well as unique products from Arxan and neighboring areas, were displayed on the sidelines of the ceremony.

More than 1,800 visitors from Beijing, Jilin, and Liaoning participated in the rhododendron festival in Arxan from May 17-18.

In order to provide a boost to the tourism industry, cities across Inner Mongolia have been holding festivals for a variety of different flower seasons and in recent days have launched more than 200 preferential policies to attract tourists.

According to the local government, cities throughout the autonomous region issued over 162,000 coupons, vouchers, and tickets for scenic spots on China Tourism Day, valued at more than 5.65 million yuan ($815,240).

During her speech at the opening ceremony, Zhu Liping, an inspector from the Culture and Tourism Bureau of Inner Mongolia, said that policies and measure for tourism development should be innovative and sustainable. She stressed the importance of protecting and developing resources, building brands, and improving services to create a better environment for tourists.

Zhu Liping, an inspector from the Culture and Tourism Bureau of Inner Mongolia, gives a speech at the opening ceremony of the rhododendron festival in Arxan on May 19. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]