4 Facts about the Naadam Festival
- “Naadam” in Mongolian means “three games.” The main event of the festival is three sports games, wrestling, horse racing, archery.
- Different parts of Inner Mongolia have different traditions when it comes to the celebration of Naadam Festival.
- There’s sometimes a fourth game in Inner Mongolia called “Khadag throwing.” “Khadag” is a silk scarf with culture significance. The game is to throw it towards a target.
- Tickets are required for ceremonies in Mongolia, but not for the events and games in Inner Mongolia.
What is the Naadam Festival?
Naadam Festival is a traditional holiday in Mongolia and Inner Mongolia, China. It is also known as the “Three Games of Men” or “Three Manly Sports.” Despite its name, there’s actually no limit on age or gender of the participants for all sporting events except for wrestling, which is only for male athletes.
The festival has over 2,000 years of history. It was originally held in preparation of war, as the tribes in Mongolia had raids on each other frequently.
Naadam Festival is one of the most major events in Mongolian culture. During the festival, Mongolia sees its largest gathering of crowds, with 21 provinces all getting time off for celebration. It is a time to get together with family and friends.
The festival is also significant for preservation and promotion of Mongolian traditions and values. In 2010, Naadam Festival was inscribed onto UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
When is the Naadam Festival 2025?
Naadam Festival is celebrated across Mongolia and Inner Mongolia. Different regions have different dates for their events. The festival usually begins on the fourth day of the sixth lunar month according to the Mongolian (Tibetan) calendar, so the exact dates are not fixed every year. The festival celebration lasts from 3 to 7 days depending on local customs.
For reference, the Summer Naadam Festival on Xilamuren Grassland is typically in late July or early August. And the official dates for Naadam Festival 2025 in Mongolia are around July 11-15. The dates of different regions generally fall between June and August. The event holders will announce them a month or two ahead of time.
The History of Naadam Festival – Why is it Celebrated?
This trio of sports events, archery, horse riding, and wrestling has been around in the life of the Mongols for thousands of years. They were critical skills for local nomads and soldiers.
Some evidence suggests that the history of Naadam Festival can be traced back to the great ruler himself, Genghis Khan. According to some historical accounts, in the early 13th century, after Genghis Khan defeated his enemies and gained control over the Mongol tribes, he held the three games for celebration.
In 1921, Naadam Festival was officially declared as an annual national holiday in Mongolia.
Featured Activities of the Naadam Festival
Horse Racing
As a major highlight of Naadam Festivals, horse racing in Mongolian culture might not be what you expect. Riders of the game are always children, boys or girls, from 6 to 12 years old. The race is long distance ranging from 9.3 to 18.6 miles (15 to 30 kilometers). The competition is very intense, as riders might fall off their horses.
The winning horses and their trainers receive most of the credit as opposed to the riders. At the end of the race, you’ll see the crowd rushes to gather around the winning horse, because the sweat of the winning horse is considered to bring good luck and happiness.
Archery
In a game of archery during Naadam Festival, women draw 20 arrows at a 66-yard (60-meter) target and men draw 40 arrows at an 82-yard (75-meter) target. Participants compete with traditional bows and arrows. Their skills are impressive to watch because the target is very small from a great distance.
Wrestling
Wrestling is the most popular event at Naadam Festival. There’s no weight category to the traditional game. The rule is simple: throwing your opponent to the ground. Whoever touches the ground first with any part of his body other than his feet loses. You’ll see the wrestlers in traditional costumes with embroidered blue pants, heavy boots, and a red velvet hat.
Other Cultural Activities
Apart from the three major games, there are other cultural activities that you shouldn’t miss at Naadam Festival, including aobao sacrificing, track and field competitions, tug-of-war contests, Mongolian chess matches, traditional folk music and dance performances, bonfire parties, and trading of goods.
There will also be vendors and markets popping up outside the game venues. In between the games, you should definitely grab some local food like a khuushuur, a round deep-fried meat dumpling that is the unofficial snack of Naadam.
Best Places to Witness Naadam Festival in Inner Mongolia
Xilamuren Grassland
Xilamuren Grassland is a beautiful vast grassland near Hohhot, the capital city of Inner Mongolia. There is a large scaled Naadam Festival held each summer typically from late July to early August. Summer is the best time for Inner Mongolia tours to visit the grassland because the weather is nice, and the grass will be dotted with colorful wildflowers.
Enjoy the three major games as well as folk performances and local cuisine. You are welcome to spend a night in a yurt and experience the nomad lifestyle.
Nearby attractions include Dazhao Temple and Zhaojun Tomb.
Hulunbuir Grassland
Hulunbuir Grassland is in northeastern Inner Mongolia. It is considered one of the most beautiful and well-preserved grasslands in China.
Hulunbuir Grassland hosts a Naadam Festival every summer usually in mid-July. You’ll experience the culture and customs of the Mongols, Ewenkis, and Daurs. It is a perfect place for a Naadam Festival tour with a boundless grassland, lakes, forests, and wetlands.
Nearby attractions include the border city of Manzhouli and the Russian-style town of Erguna.
Xilingol Grassland
Xilingol Grassland is in the central part of Inner Mongolia. It’s another venue that holds a Naadam Festival every summer, typically in late July or early August. Apart from the exciting games, you’ll see colorful costumes and dances of the Mongols and participate in bonfire parties.
Nearby attractions include Xilinhot City and the Genghis Khan Mausoleum.
Alxa League
If you travel to Inner Mongolia in the winter, don’t be worried that you’ll miss out on the Naadam Festival.
Alxa League, in western Inner Mongolia might be a bit remote, but it hosts a Naadam Festival every winter, usually in late December. You’ll be a lucky audience to ice and snow sports such as ice hockey, ice skating, and snow polo. The area also has interesting and rare terrains such as deserts, oases, mountains, and rock formations.
Plan your Naadam Festival tours now with China Xian Tour. We can help you with a customized tour to Inner Mongolia. Here is a recommended tour: 4 Days Inner Mongolia Naadam Festival & Hulunbuir Tour
