Kaihe Fish Festival held in Hohhot

Judges mark the dishes presented at the Yellow River Kaife Fish Festival held in Togtoh county, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia autonomous region on March 18. [Photo/hhhtnews]

The first Yellow River Kaife Fish Festival was held in Togtoh county, Inner Mongolia autonomous region on March 18.

Kaihe fish, which come out when ice thaws on the Yellow River, is considered to be a delicacy after being dormant most of the winter.

Activities held during the festival included cultural performances, exhibitions of agricultural products and theatrical performances.

“It's a great way to combine traditional culture with sports and entertainment activities in order to build a cultural tourism brand,” said Kang Zhaopeng, deputy director of the culture, sports, radio and television bureau in Togtoh county. 

For years, the county has been committed to developing rural tourism on the basis of its abundant tourist attractions.

Remarkable achievements have been made under the regional-growth strategy. More than 66 farmhouses in the county are now involved in the rural tourism sector. In 2017, they received 477,400 guests, generating annual revenues of 51 million yuan ($8.1 million).

“We aim to build the fish festival into a cultural tourism brand along with the grape festival and culture festival held during the autumn. And we plan to organize a fishing festival in winter,” said Fu Feiping, director of the tourism bureau at Togtoh county.

The Kaihe Fish Festival is also expected to help the county to develop its culture, tourist attractions and economy.

“We plan to develop rural tourism so as to help people lift themselves out of poverty and protect our beautiful countryside. The strategy is expected to drive rural revitalization,” said Fu.

The festival concluded on March 31.

Chefs cook a fish dish during the Yellow River Kaife Fish Festival held in Togtoh county, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia autonomous region on March 18. [Photo/hhhtnews]