Winter means Nadam Fair - and a whole bunch of fun

Reporter's log | Tang Zhe

Winter in Hulunbuir has a personality of its own. From Zalantun to Hailar to Manzhouli, a journey can feel like riding in a fairyland, with mists hanging over the cities and snow sculptures decorating the streets as the temperature dipped below -40 C some nights.

Though Hulunbuir's renowned grasslands were covered by snow, my trip in the extreme cold provided a unique experience, especially for someone who lives in the south.

It was a shame my winter trip did not coincide with Hulunbuir's Winter Nadam Fair. Otherwise, I could have had a deeper understanding of the region's distinct characteristics and ethnic groups, including the Ewenki, Mongolian, Russian and Daur people.

Nadam, meaning entertainment or recreation in Mongolian, originated in the early 13th century and is a popular festival that includes wrestling, horse racing and archery.

As our car drove through the snow, undoubtedly a sea of green in summer, some Mongolian yurts appeared before our eyes along with some camels. This is where the Nadam games are held every December.

In a warm Mongolian yurt, Tumen, an Ewenki actor and director, told us there are several Nadams throughout the year. Apart from those held by county or city governments, residents also invited their friends and neighbors to participate in mini-Nadams.

In 2008, Tumen was invited by the government of Hulunbuir to help promote the winter Nadam, which led to the birth of the first opening ceremony of the games.

The ceremony, featuring folk performances, has since become an annual routine with the ethnic groups dressing up in traditional costumes.

The competition normally lasts for two or three days and almost all the families in the region are represented in it.

We were only able to see the colorful event through pictures, but that has left me wanting to come back.