Artistic performances are staged at the opening ceremony of the 21st Zhaojun Culture Festival in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, on Oct 1. [Photo/Hohhot Daily]

The 21st Zhaojun Culture Festival's opening ceremony was held on Oct 1 in Hohhot, the capital city of North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region, according to local media reports.

This year's Zhaojun Culture Festival hosted activities in 10 categories, including artistic performances, film exhibitions, e-sports events and intangible cultural heritage exhibitions. 

A food and culture week opens in Monishan town on Oct 2, as part of the 21st Zhaojun Culture Festival activities. [Photo/northnews.cn]

The activities were held at city landmarks such as the Zhaojun Museum, Chilechuan Grassland and Monishan town. 

Compared with previous sessions, this year's Zhaojun Culture Festival combined traditional culture, ethnic culture and pop-culture elements. A series of fun, fitness-focused activities were also held, including the Chilechuan grassland cross-country races and night running. 

A themed photography exhibition is currently on show at the festival and will run until Oct 15. 

Children dressed in Mongolian costumes are photographed at the culture festival, Oct 1. [Photo/people.com.cn]