A grand opening ceremony for the Nadam festival in Hinggan League is held on Aug 9. [Photo provided to goinnermongolia.com.cn]

On the afternoon of Aug 9, the Nadam festival in Hinggan League in North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region kicked off with great fanfare.

The festival attracted over 220,000 visitors from across the country, as well as foreign friends from 22 countries including Ethiopia, Kenya, Japan, Malaysia, and Singapore.

A horse-riding performance is staged during the opening ceremony of the Nadam festival in Hinggan League on Aug 9. [Photo provided to goinnermongolia.com.cn]

A man flashes his horse-riding skills during the opening ceremony of the Nadam festival in Hinggan League on Aug 9. [Photo provided to goinnermongolia.com.cn]

Compared to previous events, this year's festival not only features traditional events but also new highlights such as a 3,000-meter Mongolian horse race for women, traditional wrestling and international wrestling mixed events, adding more excitement.

During the festival, there will also be 20 sub-events such as the Grassland Music Festival, Inner Mongolia Grassland Marathon Invitational Race, and a camping activity, showcasing the unique charm of Hinggan League from the ecological, cultural, and tourism perspectives.

A woman aims for her target during an archery competition at the Nadam festival in Hinggan League on Aug 9. [Photo provided to goinnermongolia.com.cn]