The 2021 Kangbashi Hot Air Balloon Festival kicks off in Kangbashi district, Ordos on July 24. [Photo/ordosnews.com]

The 2021 Kangbashi Hot Air Balloon Festival commenced in Kangbashi district, Ordos city, North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region, on July 24.

This year's festival is sponsored by Inner Mongolia Kangbashi Cultural Industry Investment Group Co and organized by Inner Mongolia Liujun Culture and Art Co. It will last for nine days and ends on Aug 1.

People prepare to fly hot air balloons in Kangbashi district, Ordos on July 24. [Photo/ordosnews.com]

Hot air balloons are ready for takeoff at the 2021 Kangbashi Hot Air Balloon Festival on July 24. [Photo/ordosnews.com]

In addition to competitions among professional players from the country's top hot air balloon clubs, there will also be a series of cultural experience activities, such as hot air balloon mooring.

Tourists enjoy the 2021 Kangbashi Hot Air Balloon Festival. [Photo/ordosnews.com]