The 14th Rare Stone Cultural Tourism Festival began on July 16 in the Bayan Obo mining district in Baotou, North China’s Inner Mongolia autonomous region.

The event is expected to attract companies and stone dealers from across China, who will bring with them not only a variety of stones, but also their in-depth experience, expertise, and knowledge of the market. The annual event is scheduled to run for roughly one month.

Bayan Obo (a Monglian term roughly translated as “rich mountain”) is a mining district abundant in mineral resources.

Earlier in 2005, the Bayan Obo mining district built the first Rare Stone Exhibition Hall in the city of Baotou. The exhibition hall covers an area of nearly 200 square meters. More than 200 pieces of art made from rare stones donated by collectors are being exhibited there.

Due to its abundant and unique resources, the district has managed to hold 13 sessions of the rare stone cultural tourism festival.

A visitor admires rare stones on display at the 14th Rare Stone Cultural Tourism Festival, which began on July 16 in the Bayan Obo mining district, Baotou, North China’s Inner Mongolia autonomous region. [Photo/Baotou Daily]