The 1st China-Mongolia Snow and Ice Festival got off to a frosty start at the Naadam Culture Industry Park in Darhan Muminggan banner, near the city of Baotou, Inner Mongolia on Jan 10, 2016, for a 50-day celebration of nomadic culture.

This unique brand of winter enjoyment follows the Naadam Festival in summer, to give tourists a look at this culture that has developed harmoniously with nature in this arid and semiarid area over thousands of years. Inner Mongolia is one of only five major nomadic areas in the world, with a vast area of grasslands, such as Xilin Gol, Hulunbiur, and Harqin and this part of Asia's most typical steppe.

On the opening day, visitors flocked to the theme park where they found park ice and snow sculptures here and there and an exciting ice skating and skiing area that attracted many people to look or play and a snow and ice river. The most special thing was the look at the morning grazing, milking of cows, the dairy food, and Baiyan lamb, or trying on some traditional ethnic clothing and taking a camel ride on the snow like a real herdsman.

Su De, vice-head of Darhan Muminggan banner, addressed the gathering by saying that the local government regards this activity as an opportunity to make best use of the unique nomadic culture as a tourism resource and to continue the nomadic culture.

Queuing up to ride the ice slide. [Photo/Guo Jing from Chinanews.com]

Ice and snow sculptures. [Photo/Guo Jing from Chinanews.com]