Aobao ritual attracts tourists to Hohhot

Visitors tie blue hadas, ceremonial silk scarfs, to Huhe Aobao in Hohhot, North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region, July 28. [Photo/people.cn]

An aobao worshipping ritual was held at the Chilechuan Culture Tourism Park in Hohhot, North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region, on July 28, drawing crowds of visitors from across the country to pray for a peaceful life and a good harvest.

An aobao means a pile of stones in the Mongolian language. It is decorated with colorful ribbons and is widely worshiped in Inner Mongolia. As a traditional custom, whenever an ethnic Mongolian passes an aobao, he or she will stop to pray, and add a new stone to it or leave an offering.

Traditional Mongolian culture is a key element of developing the tourism park and we hope that the custom of worshipping at an aobao will help tourists better understand the customs of Inner Mongolia, said Li Yanhong, a worker at Chilechuan Culture Tourism Park.

It is the first time that the worshipping ritual at Huhe Aobao has been held in summer, Li noted.

As one of the 72 distinctive aobao in Inner Mongolia, Huhe Aobao is usually worshiped on December 23 of the Lunar Calendar every year. 

Visitors spread milk and circle around the Huhe aobao in Hohhhot, North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region. [Photo/people.com.cn]

Offerings are provided at the aobao worshipping ritual held in Hohhot, North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region, July 28. [Photo/people.cn]