Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, attends the opening ceremony of the 12th National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities of China, and declares the Games open in Sanya, South China's Hainan province, Nov 22, 2024. The Games opened here on Friday night. [Xinhua/Rao Aimin]

SANYA -- The 12th National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities of China opened on Friday night in Sanya, the coastal city of Hainan province.

Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, officially declared the Games open.

Nearly 7,000 athletes representing 35 delegations across China will compete in 18 sports and three demonstration sports during the nine-day event, which will conclude on Nov 30.

All equestrian competitions have already been held in July in Zhaosu, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region.

As the 35 delegations entered the stadium, they were accompanied by brief performances highlighting distinctive local and ethnic characteristics. These displays set the stage for an opening ceremony celebrating the rich cultures of China's 56 ethnic groups.

The event was first held in 1953, when nearly 400 athletes from 13 ethnic groups competed in Tianjin's inaugural edition. Twenty-nine years later, the second edition was held in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia autonomous region.

The coconut tree climbing race, a newly added event in this year's games, originates from the traditional labor of local ethnic communities, who climbed trees to harvest coconuts on the tropical island. Combining rich entertainment with competitiveness, this sport is to debut in the Games.

The tournament aims to foster harmony and cultural integration among China's 56 ethnic groups by showcasing a variety of traditional sports, providing a platform for athletes to compete, exchange cultures, and celebrate their diverse heritage and skills. 

Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, meets with members of the organizing committee of the 12th National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities of China and representatives of delegations and athletes prior to the opening ceremony of the Games in Sanya, South China's Hainan province, Nov 22, 2024. The Games opened here on Friday night. Wang Huning attended the opening ceremony of the Games. [Xinhua/Rao Aimin]