HOHHOT, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- At dusk, after tending to his sheep, 46-year-old herdsman Altansang heads straight to volleyball training -- an activity he looks forward to every day.

"It makes me feel much healthier, and is a great way to socialize across the vast grassland," Altansang said, recalling the monotony of previously sitting idle after work.

In Altansang's hometown of Angsu Township in Otog Front Banner in the city of Ordos, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, many herders have taken up the sport. Among a permanent population of just under 8,000, more than 5,000 residents actively play volleyball.

Angsu herdsmen's volleyball passion soared since 2018, when Ma Hugjiltuu, who is now 59, installed a makeshift volleyball net outside his house and gathered neighbors to form teams. The field may have been simple, but it quickly attracted interested participants.

As more herders joined, Ma Hugjiltuu improved the facilities -- lights were installed and artificial turf was laid. In 2020, he had built an indoor volleyball court, embracing his role as a coach and team leader and establishing a volleyball committee to organize regular matches.

"The court has become a magnet for players near and far across the Otog Front Banner, with some herders traveling over 100 kilometers just for a game," Ma Hugjiltuu said, adding that each player pays just 8 yuan (around 1.11 U.S. dollars) for three to four hours of play each evening.

Recognizing the growing appeal of volleyball, the Otog Front Banner government has invested in upgrading sports infrastructure, with the banner now boasting 336 outdoor courts and 22 gymnasiums.

The banner's volleyball enthusiasm has transcended local boundaries, inviting players across China to participate in volleyball matches. In 2024 alone, over 700 tournaments were held, drawing tourists and sports fans alike to Otog Front Banner.

The volleyball matches in Otog Front Banner are often accompanied by cultural activities. Mongolian song and dance performances were shown before matches kicked off. Around the courts, stalls offer traditional handicrafts, costumes and local specialties, creating a vibrant cultural experience for visitors.

The government has explored five tourist routes, six folk culture experience zones and over 20 tourism products to boost tourism in the volleyball heat.

Data show that since July last year, the area has received 214,000 visits, a 24.4 percent increase compared with the previous year, and generated tourism revenue of 410 million yuan, increasing 22.6 percent year on year.

The economic impact has been transformative for locals. Uyingaa, a herdswoman from Otog Front Banner, once relied on a limited and unpredictable income from traditional animal husbandry. Now, her income has multiplied.

Capitalizing on the influx of tourists, she operates a bed and breakfast, crafts Mongolian-style souvenirs and prepares milk-based delicacies. Her home has become a popular destination for visitors seeking to experience grassland culture.

"Volleyball has not only brought us economic development but also introduced a novel, fun and healthy lifestyle to us," said Tumenjirgal, an official with the Otog Front Banner. Enditem

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