The 2025 Alxa Camel Super League kicked off on Saturday in Alxa League, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, a new addition to the region's winter tourism offerings.
The Camel Super League, running from December 2025 to March 2026 across three locations in Alxa, features a variety of events, including camel relay races, long-distance races, camel polo, and archery on camel back, alongside traditional skill competitions and a camel beauty pageant.
The opening ceremony and the first round of competitions attracted 24 teams, with over a thousand camels competing.
"I've been participating in competitions with camels since I was a child, and this competition is the first formal one for this two-year-old calf. Overall, it performed quite well today," said a participant.
Alxa League boasts a camel population of 174,000, representing approximately one-third of the national total. The local government has been prioritizing a strategy combining sports, cultural activities and tourism, with the camel race being one of the events.
The colorful activities are expected to bring diverse winter tourism experience for visitors.
"This is my first time watching this competition, and I got up close to the camels. They are incredibly strong and impressive. The lamb here is also delicious. So I feel this trip is very rewarding," said a tourist.
Camel 'Super League' kicks off in China's Inner Mongolia
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday that the issue of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz is a spillover effect of the current conflicts, noting the Strait of Hormuz remains unstable if the war doesn't end.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks in a phone conversation with Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud.
The Saudi Arabian foreign minister briefed Wang on the latest developments of the Middle East situation, saying the war in Iran has caused severe impacts on countries in the region and the world at large.
Saudi Arabia attaches importance to China's important role in international affairs, and values high-level strategic cooperation with China, he said, adding that the kingdom is ready to further enhance consultation and coordination with China on platforms including the United Nations, to jointly push for the de-escalation of the situation and an end to the conflict.
Wang noted that the prolonged war in Iran, which has lasted for over a month, has caused enormous casualties and losses, and undermined the security and stability of Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries, over which China expressed concerns.
Wang said China and Pakistan recently jointly issued a five-point initiative for restoring peace and stability in the Gulf and Middle East region, which includes safeguarding the sovereignty and security of the Gulf states, stopping attacks on civilians and non-military targets, and ensuring the security of shipping lanes.
Wang said the top priority is to focus on cessation of hostilities. Actions by the UN Security Council should avoid escalating confrontations and should not legitimize unauthorized military operations; otherwise, it will lead to endless trouble, with small and medium-sized countries being the first to bear the brunt, he added.
Wang noted that China appreciates Saudi Arabia's commitment to promoting peace and ceasefire, and stands ready to work with Saudi Arabia to make efforts for the early restoration of regional peace.
Chinese FM says Strait of Hormuz remains unstable if war doesn't end
