Hebei roasted lamb contest blends history, tourism

The aroma of roasted lamb filled the air around the scenic Kulun Nur Lake in Guyuan county, Zhangjiakou, North China's Hebei province, as the three-day 3rd Nationwide Roasted Lamb Conference concluded on Sunday.

The event drew over 100 teams from Beijing and Tianjin, Hebei and Shanxi provinces, and the Inner Mongolia autonomous region, according to the organizers.

They competed fiercely before expert and public judges, vying for top honors based on the perfect crispness, tenderness, and flavor of their whole roasted lambs.

Beyond the competition, the conference featured a bustling cultural market showcasing local specialties and crafts.

A significant highlight was the launch of the distinctive "400-km Journey from Dadu to Shangdu".

Participants traveled from Beijing's Yuan Dadu (Great Capital) Park to Kulun Nur Lake, switching vehicles for horses to traverse the grasslands towards Inner Mongolia and retrace ancient imperial routes.

Visitors also enjoyed diverse cultural performances, including large-scale water shows and equestrian dramas.

This annual event, now a major cultural-tourism draw for Northern China, aligns with Hebei's push to boost weekend tourism and the nighttime economy.

It effectively blends culinary heritage with travel experiences.

According to local authorities, the festivities at the Kulun Nur Lake resort will continue for two months, further attracting tourists and energizing the local economy.