Hohhot has launched an ambitious citywide New Year celebration under the thematic banner ‘Hohhot is so HOT,’ marking one of the most comprehensive cultural events in the city’s recent history. Running from December 27, 2025, to January 3, 2026, the festival represents a groundbreaking fusion of cultural, sporting, tourism, and commercial activities designed to attract both domestic and international visitors.
The celebration features the notable return of the Winter Olympics spin-off mascot ‘Madundun’ alongside the debut of two new mascots—’Xiyangyang’ and ‘Lerongrong’—inspired by the Chinese white dolphin. These characters serve as cultural ambassadors throughout the multi-day festivities.
Organizers have introduced three meticulously designed thematic routes to enhance visitor experience: a 6.2-kilometer historical and cultural axis connecting nine significant sites including Dazhao Square; a modern cultural axis of equal length running along Silk Road Avenue and encompassing seven cultural landmarks such as the Hohhot Sculpture Museum; and a 4.2-kilometer trendy route focusing on commercial hubs like MixC to engage younger demographics.
The programming includes five distinctive experiential categories emphasizing ‘the trendiest, the most fireworks, the most technological, the most fashionable, and the most rock and roll’ elements. Key venues host specialized events: Daheihe Military Cultural Park presents its fifth Happy Ice and Snow Festival featuring ice sculptures, traditional iron flower performances, penguin parades, and local cuisine; Chuluchuan grassland offers spectacular song and dance performances complemented by drone shows and fireworks displays; Yili Health Valley provides immersive technology-health integration experiences; MixC shopping area leads fashion trends with creative photography installations and DJ music parties; while the National Northern Football Training Base hosts Zheng Jun’s ‘The Road of Joy’ concert.
The city government emphasizes that these activities are designed to preserve Hohhot’s rich cultural heritage while incorporating contemporary elements, creating an inclusive celebration that caters to diverse age groups and interests.