Nadam Fair, Inner Mongolia
内蒙古那达慕 · Xilingol, Inner Mongolia, China
Held on the summer grasslands, Nadam centres on the "three manly skills" of horse racing, wrestling and archery, with Mongolian song, dance, dress and grassland food.
Know before you go
- Touching the offerings
- entering the competition grounds or horse tracks without permission
- startling the horses
This article is Not yet verified. Please check official announcements for prices, opening hours and dates.
Stories & people
Stories & people
History
From the Great Khan's Assembly to Nadam
In 1206, when Genghis Khan was elected Great Khan, he gathered the tribes for military reviews, worship and contests. During the Yuan and Ming dynasties, horse racing, wrestling and archery gradually settled into the fixed format of Nadam, and in the Qing dynasty Nadam became an officially organised event.
Source: China Highlights: Inner Mongolian Naadam Grassland Festival
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
"Nadam" means "games" or "entertainment" in Mongolian. It grew out of the horse races, wrestling and archery held after the aobao (ovoo) rite, in which people prayed for safety and a good harvest before ceremonial stone cairns; these three contests are known as the "three manly skills". Nadam is on China's national intangible cultural heritage list. Besides the three manly skills, today's Nadam offers Mongolian dress, song and dance, grassland foods such as lamb and dairy products, intangible-heritage crafts and folk games. The 36th Inner Mongolia Tourism Nadam opened in Xilingol League on July 18, 2026, under the theme "Explore Inner Mongolia, Experience Nadam", with more than 20 interactive experiences, and ran until the end of August.
Local customs
- Watch horse racing, bökh wrestling and archery
- enjoy Mongolian dress, song and dance
- try lamb and dairy products
- join intangible-heritage crafts and folk games
Etiquette & taboos
Etiquette & taboos
Don’t DON'T
- Touching the offerings
- entering the competition grounds or horse tracks without permission
- startling the horses
Locals appreciate DO
- Find out the viewing areas for each contest in advance
- take your seat as directed
- remain solemn at the aobao rite
Plan your visit
Practical info
| 2027 dates | July 15 – August 31, 2027 |
|---|
Travel tips
- Nadam festivals across Inner Mongolia are mostly held in summer, between July and August, with schedules announced each year (the 36th edition opened in Xilingol League on July 18, 2026, and ran until the end of August). Xilinhot is the transport hub of Xilingol League, and getting to venues on the grasslands usually means hiring a car or taking a shuttle
- temperatures swing widely between day and night, so bring sun protection and warm layers. Tickets and transport arrangements are subject to official announcements.
2027 schedule
Nadam in 2027 is expected to take place from mid-to-late July into August, with exact dates pending official announcement.
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