The opening ceremony for the Xiliin Gol Nadam is held in Xiliinhot, Xiliin Gol League, North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region, on Aug 3, according to local media reports. [Photo/xinhuanet.com]

The opening ceremony for the Xiliin Gol Nadam was held in Xiliinhot, Xiliin Gol League, North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region, on Aug 3.

The event was sponsored by the administrative office of Xiliin Gol League and will run from Aug 3 to Oct 10 in celebration of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

At the opening ceremony, an art troupe of over 2,200 people and more than 200 horses put on some traditional Mongolian performances.

At the end of the opening ceremony, torchbearers representing 13 Banners and cities throughout Inner Mongolia finished the Nadam torch relay and lit the fire cauldron, marking the start of the Xiliin Gol Nadam.

A group of people in traditional Mongolian clothing participate in a folk performance on Aug 3. [Photo/xinhuanet.com]

According to local authorities, the event, which includes the Nadam Festival, is focused on showcasing traditional cultures, natural scenery, ethnic minority clothing, and special cuisines from throughout Xilin Gol League.

During the two-month event, the main venue will hold a regional Bokh competition, a traditional Mongolian archery competition, and the 2019 Inner Mongolian Music Festival.

Sub-venues of the event will hold traditional archery, horse racing, and Mongolian chess competitions, as well as cultural activities such as the Ulan Muqir Art Festival, the International Grassland Marathon, the Mongolian Clothing and Costume Competition, an exhibition on intangible culture heritage items.