On Aug 28, the Third Countryside Tourism Festival in Arun Banner and the Herdsman Tribe scenic spot in  Greater Hinggan Mountains opened in Hulunbuir League, Inner Mongolia autonomous region.

Regional and local officials announce the opening of the Third Countryside Tourism Festival in Arun Banner, Hulunbuir League, on Aug 28. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

Regional and local officials, plus thousands of residents and tourists attended the opening ceremony of the electrifying festival held at the scenic spot, and many renowned Inner Mongolian ethnic singers and dancers performed on the stage.

The festival intends to utilize the natural landscape to encourage tourism, and let more people come to enjoy the breathtaking scenery, experience ethnic culture and enjoy the fresh air.

During the opening ceremony, Guo Rongqin, the head of the regional husbandry department awarded the banner a plaque for being a National Demonstration County on Countryside Tourism.

As a vital part of Hulunbuir’s tourism, Arun Banner has presented an excellent example for other local counties, and due to abundant natural resources and advanced modern facilities, it has successfully gained attention from across the nation, said Utoya, the director of the Hulunbuir Tourism Bureau.

Hosts, dancers and singers pose at the ending of the festival gala, on Aug 28. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

Located in Northeast China, Arun Banner has promoted Mongolian-style tourism including folk customs, grasslands, ethnic sports, local cuisine, and husbandry. It has established many scenic spots such as Xiaoqizi reservoir. Some of them have been recognized as national-level pilot sites.

The Herdsman Tribe, occupying 6.66 million square meters (666 hectares), is a comprehensive tourist zone that mixes sightseeing, entertainment, leisure, sports and interaction with locals. During the festival, it will host a series of activities such as camping, hot spring bathing in the forest, cycling, and many other exciting activities.

Cyclists at the cycling contest held in Arun Banner, Inner Mongolia autonomous region. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]