July 22 – As midsummer rains revive the lush grasslands of Inner Mongolia, the 35th Naadam Fair unfolds in Xilingol League, celebrating tradition, culture, and community under expansive blue skies.

Opening Ceremony of the 35th Grassland Naadam Fair of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region

As traditional Inner Mongolian ballads blend with dynamic dances and the resonant melodies of the morin khuur (horsehead fiddle), the grasslands of Xilingol transform into a vibrant open-air stage. A procession of 1,200 horsemen bearing the national flag, followed by 512 Inner Mongolian wrestlers advancing with eagle-like poise, sets the festive tone, turning the grassland into a space of joyful music, movement, and celebration.

“Naadam,” meaning “games” or “recreation” in Mongolian, is a traditional festival celebrated in Inner Mongolia. Its central events; wrestling, horsemanship, and archery are known as the “Three Manly Skills” and remain popular among locals and visitors alike.

Wu Enqi, Deputy Director of the Culture, Sports, Tourism, Radio, and Television Bureau of East Ujimqin Banner, explained that these skills were essential for ancient Mongolian men, rooted in daily life and survival. Though originally practiced for battlefield readiness, they have since become ceremonial highlights of the Naadam Fair in times of peace.

Lei Jie, a visitor from Suzhou, remarked, “Every moment in Xilingol felt magical, but nothing matched the visual impact when masculine Inner Mongolian wrestlers stepped into the arena at the Naadam Fair.”

The wrestling event, known as Bökh, symbolizes sturdiness, solidarity, and persistence. Victors wear a Jiangga—a silk neckpiece adorned with rainbow-colored strands that mark each triumph. The number of strands reflects a wrestler’s record of victories.

According to Sun Haitao, a cultural researcher in Xilingol League, Naadam holds profound significance across the region, often compared to the Olympics in its cultural weight. In recent years, the festival has evolved beyond its traditional format to become a more diverse cultural tourism platform – combining heritage, sport, and economic development to reflect modern sensibilities.

This year’s Naadam Fair features 18 specially curated zones. Alongside traditional showcases such as the “Three Manly Skills” and intangible cultural heritage exhibitions, visitors can also engage in contemporary experiences like grassland photography in folk attire, family camping, horseback riding, and a stamp-collecting activity. These additions allow guests to not only observe but also actively participate in the cultural richness of the grasslands.

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