Winter sports carnival to debut in Inner Mongolia capital

HOHHOT, China - A series of winter sports events featuring ethnic Mongolian culture will debut late December in Hohhot, capital of northern China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, local sports officials said on Saturday.

Hohhot, located in the midwest area of the region, has less natural snow than the region's many other parts.

Unlike the eastern areas of Inner Mongolia, where local people and governments often host winter Nadaam fairs for fun and tourism booming, Hohhot seldom organized ice and snow sports events in winter. Local sports authorities look to make a change this year.

"We have prepared for long this year to host the city's first winter sports carnival, making ice and snow artificially as well as constructing several venues," said Shi Rong'en, director of Hohhot sports bureau.

"We hope to better meet citizens' growing needs for winter sports facilities and activities to keep fit," Shi added.

The carnival, slated for December 23 and lasting to February next year, will feature horse and camel riding on snow, "Bokh" or Mongolian wrestling and archery trainings and competitions, local sports officials said.

Participants can also ski, skate and play hockey as well as view ice sculptures and ethnic custom exhibition.

Winter in Hohhot is long and harsh, with temperatures typically ranging from -5 to -30 degrees Celsius.