Balloons soar into the sky as the opening ceremony takes place for the sports games. [Photo provided to gojilin.gov.cn]

Excitement and anticipation filled the air, as the much-anticipated eighth National Minority Traditional Sports Meeting in Jilin Province officially opened on May 29 in Baishan city, located in Northeast China's Jilin province.

Athletes from various ethnic groups across the province gathered by the Hunjiang River to celebrate the grand event, which runs to May 30.

The games, hosted by the Jilin Provincial Government – and organized by the Jilin Provincial Ethnic Affairs Commission and the Baishan municipal government – feature 14 events.

Attendees dress in folk costumes during the opening ceremony. [Photo provided to gojilin.gov.cn]

These include competitive sports like board jumping, crossbow shooting, tug-of-war, traditional wrestling, martial arts and more.

There are also demonstration events such as top spinning and traditional archery.

In all, 11 delegations from across the province are participating, including representatives from cities and the Changbai Mountain Protection and Development Management Committee – with over 1,100 athletes and coaches involved.

The sports meet is said to be a celebration of cultural exchanges, showcasing the unity and friendship among Jilin's ethnic groups.

It is also a celebration of cultural heritage, demonstrating the achievements of creating a shared spiritual home for all ethnicities in the province.

A lively artistic performance takes to the stage during the opening ceremony. [Photo provided to gojilin.gov.cn]