The 4th Orgon (Oroqen) Ice and Snow Yisaren Ritual commenced in Orgon Autonomous Banner of Hulunbuir on Dec 26. Featuring a series of shamanic customs and rarely-seen nomadic rituals; the distinctive gala will last until March 2018. 

Orgon Autonomous Banner is located in the northeast of Hulunbuir on the west bank of the Nen River. With a total area covering 59,800 square kilometers, it is the largest county in Hulunbuir, and was also the first ethnic autonomous banner recognized in China. 

There are 87.3 million mu (58,200 square kilometers) of forest in the banner, accounting for 97.2 percent of the total area. It's covered with an assortment of forest categories including larches, white birches, oaks, willows, bushes and hazels. For generations, the natural environment has imbued the locals with a rich and unique society and culture. 

Due to their unique geographical environment, people living in Orgon have formed their unique skills and model of production due to being a long-term hunter-gatherer society. The forest hunting culture of the Orgon people is heavily reflected in their local economy, entertainment, folk music, unique customs and religion. 

A group performs at the opening ceremony of the 4th Orgon Ice and Snow Yisaren Ritual in Orgon Autonomous Banner, Inner Mongolia autonomous region on Dec 26. [Photo/Xinhua]