Inner Mongolia kicks off equestrianism and horseracing festival

On Aug 18, the Third Inner Mongolia Equestrianism Festival alongside the Twentieth Jirem Horseracing Festival began in Tongliao, Inner Mongolia autonomous region.

Horsemen race in an arena as part of the Twentieth Zhelimu Horseracing Festival in Tongliao, Inner Mongolian autonomous region. [Photo by Chao Lu/nmgnews.com]

Regional and local officials along with thousands of residents and tourists attended the opening ceremony of the festival, and Inner Mongolian ethnic singers and dancers performed on the stage.

The equestrianism festival has attracted 32 teams, 77 contestants, and 250 horses from across the nation. The competition includes 1000-meter and 3000-meter horseraces, along with equestrian shows and dressage. In addition, all these events have been separated into two groups, thoroughbred horses and Mongolian horses.

The horsemanship festival will be spread across nine arenas in the banners and counties around Tongliao and will last for three days.

"It's a breakthrough and innovative event because it will be hosted in nine arenas around Tongliao, which will reduce traffic jams and crowded accommodations during the festival," said Tan Zhijun, head of Tongliao's Tourism Bureau.

A contestant shoots an arrow from horseback during the Third Inner Mongolia Equestrianism Festival in Tongliao, Inner Mongolian autonomous region, on Aug 18. [Photo/cri.cn]

"It's the first time for me to watch live horseracing contests, and the moment the racehorses and riders dashed across the finish line left my heart racing," said Dong Xiaonan, a tourist from Beijing. "Despite this being my first time visiting Tongliao, I am enchanted by its pastoral customs and native traditions."

During the three-day festival, Tongliao will also host other events like Mongolian wrestling, Mongolian ethnic archery, and a Mongol costumes exhibition.

Integrating sports events, local tourism, and ethnic customs, festival organizers hope to present a unique spectacle for tourists.

Two horsemen perform dressage in an arena during the Third Inner Mongolia Equestrianism Festival in Tongliao, Inner Mongolian autonomous region, on Aug 18. [Photo/cri.cn]