The Hulunbuir grass lands in North China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region were overrun with locals and tourists for the traditional Nadam Fair, held on August 17.

The usually silent grasslands were thronged with festive crowds that came to participate in and enjoy the varied and intense competitions.

In Mongolian, "nadam" means "play" or "entertainment."

It is said that Genghis Khan, a Mongolian monarch who succeeded in conquering vast areas of Asia and establishing a unified regime in 1209, held "Nadams" regularly to keep his soldiers fit and happy.

Now, 700 years later, Nadam has grown into the most famous traditional festival in the region.

Mongolian herders travel from neighbouring areas to take part in the annual fair which is generally held during the harvest season in August and September.

Wrestling, archery and horse-racing are the three main sporting attractions.

Rooted in the mists of antiquity, the three events once served as official tests of male courage and expertise. They maintain a similar function today and are extremely popular among Mongolian men on the grasslands.

Local people of the Hulunbuir League were in a more joyful mood in this year's Nadam as they also celebrated the league's push to become a city.

Local performing troupes presented a number of shows featuring the folk culture of ethnic groups living in the region.

The dairy cow competition added an interesting touch to the traditional festival. Dozens of cows competed in the milk production event.

( China Daily August 30, 2002)