The Inner Mongolia autonomous region's Hulunbuir celebrates the Winter Naadam Festival with performances. (XU LIN / CHINA DAILY)

HOHHOT - The Naadam festival, featuring desert-based sports events, kicked off on Monday in Naiman Banner, Tongliao City, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.

The three-day festival, that features horse racing, camel racing, archery, Mongolian wrestling and other events, attracted hundreds of participants from around the region.

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Tourists can participate in a photo contest, enjoy traditional singing and dancing programs as well as discover Mongolian cuisine during the festival.

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Naiman Banner, located on the edge of the Horqin Sandy Land, also China's largest sandy area, has organized three Naadam festivals of this kind.