A performance is captured during the Spring Festival gala staged by Darhan Muminggan Joint Banner in Baotou, North China’s Inner Mongolia autonomous region on Jan 24. The gala, which gathers local artists from the banner, has been fully recorded and will be shown on Baotou TV channels during the Spring Festival holiday period. [Photo/Baotou Daily]

Sacrificial rites are held at Darhan Muminggan Joint Banner in Baotou, North China’s Inner Mongolia autonomous region on Jan 23. The day marked the 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month, which is Fire Day in Mongolian culture, also known as the Fire Worship Festival, which originates from the traditional worship of fire practiced by ancient Mongolians. Fire is thought to represent purity and to symbolize gods. It is one of the oldest and most important sacrificial rites for Mongolian people. [Photo/Baotou Daily]