Xi writes to traveling troupe in Inner Mongolia

BEIJING -- President Xi Jinping wrote to a troupe of Ulan Muqir (Red Bud Troupe) that travels around North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region, Tuesday, calling on them to promote literary and artistic innovation and continue producing excellent works.

"I hope you can carry forward the fine tradition of Ulan Muqir, put down roots, and serve the herdsmen," Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, said in the letter.

Ulan Muqir is the Mongolian name for a traveling troupe that goes from one grazing site to another, performing for the herdsmen in some of China's most remote areas. Since it was formed in 1957, generations of performers have played for the herdsmen, putting down roots in the prairie.