Tradition meets modern thrills

On July 19, the 35th Inner Mongolia Grassland Naadam Festival opened in Xiliin Gol League in pouring rain, joined by performers and competitors from across the region. Despite the fresh experience for many tourists who were drenched in the downpour and trudging in the mud while random horses strolled by, rainfall is considered auspicious on the grassland, symbolizing robust growth for the grass and the livestock.

The opening ceremony featured over 1,000 herders marching around a circular arena, accompanied by 512 professional wrestlers in traditional Mongolian costumes, bare-chested to show their strength and confidence. Traditional Mongolian musical forms such as khoomei (throat singing), urtiin duu (long song) and morin khuur (horse-headed fiddle), as well as classic folk songs and dances, were also highlighted.