The city of Arxan in North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region unveiled its 14th ice and snow festival on Dec 21.

The 14th Arxan ice and snow festival is launched in the city's ice-snow sculpture park on Dec 21. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

A series of colorful activities were held during the festival's three-day launch ceremony.

A snow football match began at the ceremony on Dec 21. The competitors were four teams from the Arxan, Dongcheng and Huairou districts of Beijing, and the Chongli district of Hebei's Zhangjiakou.

On Dec 22, the fourth ice and snow sports season for people with disabilities was launched as part of the event, which also included a marathon held on the afternoon of the same day, the first ever held in Arxan. About 1,000 runners from around the country took part in full, half or mini marathon in the snow-covered city.

A winter tourism resources promotion conference, a local specialties exhibition and a traditional Mongolian ritual were also held during the event.

Arxan has an ice period of around seven months a year, which makes it a good destination for winter entertainment and recreation. The 14th ice and snow festival will last until next March.

An ice sculpture says "Arxan welcomes you". [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]