Nadam Fair
Yellow River runs through the Ordos Plateau along its northern bend. Descendents of the famous Genghis Khan, people here are cattle herders. With the population thinly distributed over a vast grassland, it is not easy for people to come together to meet each other. Frequently fairs are held so that people can trade their goods. As in all fairs, entertainment is provided, giving them an air of festivity. The Nadam Fair is held every autumn after harvest so that the herders can trade their cattle for grain and other living essentials. Many exciting events also take place, like horseracing and wrestling, as well as singing and dancing.
The child below is waiting anxiously for the arrival of her friends.
Speaking of Genghis Khan (who ruled from 1206 to 1227), do you know that there is a mausoleum in honor of him located in the Ordos Plateau? It is not clear where was Genghis Khan actually buried, as it was customary to label several burial places so as to confuse the tomb thieves. The one shown below is a modern reconstruction. It is built in the shape of a Mongolian yurt. Inside the main hall there is a statue of Genghis Khan and the coffins of his three wives.
The following story comes from the same source these illustrations are taken: "It is said when Genghis Khan led his army to this area he was so fascinated by the beautiful mountains, clear waters and fertile grassland that the whip in his hand dropped to the ground without his knowledge, so he told his people to bury him at the very place after he died. Later on, he died of illness in the Liupan Mountains, and his army planned to transport the coffin to the capital. On the way, however, they had to pass through the grasslands, and as they reached the spot at which his whip dropped, the carriage wheels suddenly stuck in the mud. People and horses from five tribes couldn't get it out, no matter how hard they tried. They thus buried him on the spot." Believe it, or not.
Picture source: Loess Plateau, compiled by the Integrated Scientific Research Team of Loess Plateau of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Science Press, Beijing, 1991; 中国科学院黄土高原综合科学考察队编，《黄土高原》，科学出版社，1991年。