People perform on stage. [Photo/Baotou news network]

The opening ceremony of the ninth Cultural Tourism Festival of Darhan Muminggan Joint Banner and the 32nd Naadam – a traditional festival of the Mongolia ethnic group featuring wrestling, archery and horseracing competitions – were held in Baotou on the evening of Aug 1.

"This year's Naadam features theatrical performances, sports competitions, sightseeing tours, economic and trade negotiations and other activities, and fully demonstrates the great achievements of Darhan Muminggan Joint Banner in the 70 years since its establishment," said the relevant person in charge of the events.

The opening ceremony was divided into an entrance ceremony and cultural performances. "The opening ceremony is very exciting and the scene is very grand. I am looking forward to the following competitions," said Zhang Jianing, a tourist from Wuhai city in Inner Mongolia autonomous region, after watching the ceremony.

The events will last for a week, and in addition to the opening ceremony, a series of cultural activities will be held during the opening of the Cultural Tourism Festival, including a special performance for bands, an electronic music festival, and Huangmei Opera – one of five types of Chinese operas. Naadam's traditional sports, such as horse racing, archery and grassland soccer invitational tournaments will also be held.