A fan in an SUV waves a team flag on her way from Hohhot to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Moscow June 14. [Photo/hhhtnews.com.cn] 

A “World Cup” carnival was held in Hohhot, capital of Inner Mongolia autonomous region, June 14, with thousands of locals celebrating the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Hosted by the Sports Bureau of Inner Mongolia and Hohhot People’s Municipal Government, the carnival was organized by the region’s Sports Lottery Management Center, along with other bureaus, centers and companies. Football games, themed road shows, a food festival, a lottery, and cheerleading performances were among the activities on offer.

A highlight of the carnival saw 11 SUVs embark for Moscow, an 11,256-kilometer, 19-day journey through three countries. The drivers will deliver Hohhot football fans’ greetings to World Cup players and supporters.

Team leader Bai Dongfeng explained that more than 30 participants would join with football fans from over 20 Chinese cities, completing the trip by attending two World Cup matches and enjoying a friendly match of their own with local fans in Moscow. 

One carnival attendee expressed his hope that the Chinese football team would qualify for the next FIFA World Cup.