Some moments such as female horseback competitors picking up hada scarves at full gallop and archers swiftly and decisively drawing their bows and releasing the arrows were quickly captured and circulated widely online.

Although many competitions and cultural experience activities were delayed and postponed due to the rain, the enthusiasm remained. According to Inner Mongolia's department of culture and tourism, the main venue of the Naadam festival received more than 200,000 visits as of the morning of July 21, generating revenue exceeding 60 million yuan ($8.4 million), a 40 percent growth year-on-year.

He Mingjian, director of the Xiliin Gol League's bureau of culture, sports, tourism, radio and television, says the league will continue to host Naadam events through August, blending traditional and modern attractions like music festivals and motor races to appeal to all generations.