A conference promoting the history and folk culture of Baotou, Inner Mongolia autonomous region, was held in the city’s Donghe district May 21, according to Baotou Evening News.

Relying on the significant historical and cultural resources of Baotou, Donghe district aims to dig into Baotou’s traditional culture this year, aggressively developing cultural projects.

Donghe plans to build several key culture and tourism projects, including a hot spring resort, a pastoral scenic area and a park highlighting the history of the city.

As the cradle of Inner Mongolia’s industry, Donghe district is striving for transformation through developing its cultural tourism, aviation, big data, and other emerging industries.

Donghe has produced several nationally renowned artists, including folk artist Fan Liu, singer Ma Yutao, painter Liu Dawei, and erhu player Tian Zaili.

Donghe now boasts 44 cultural relic protection units at all levels, nine festival brands, two cultural blocks, five cultural venues, 48 registered mass arts groups and 40 rural cultural institutes.

Baotou dough modeling is a traditional folk art originating in Shanxi province. It uses glutinous rice dough modeled by hand and simple tools then painted with different colors. Dough painting has been listed among Baotou's cultural heritage since June 2012. [Photo/Baotou Evening News]