HOHHOT, China, Jan. 1 (Xinhua) -- An international camel racing featuring folk customs and traditional sports events kicked off Monday on the grasslands of Urad Rear Banner, Bayannur City, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.

Hundreds of camel riders from Bayannur, Ordos and Baotou cities of China's Inner Mongolia as well as Mongolia paraded on the grasslands for the audience during the opening ceremony.

They will participate in a series of events including 2,000m and 4,000m camel races, camel polo games, camelback archery matches and others for the three-day competitions.

Organizers also hold a camel-themed art show, a photo exhibition and folk singing and dancing performances alongside.

Known as a "camel town," Urad Rear Banner has more than 50,000 camels.