Chifeng, a prefecture-level city in southeastern Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China, is a culturally rich and historically significant hub known as the “Gateway to the Grasslands.” Located approximately 400 km northeast of Beijing and 250 km southeast of Hohhot, the regional capital, Chifeng lies at the confluence of the Xiliao and Yin rivers, blending vast grasslands with rugged mountains. With a population of 4,035,967 as of the 2020 census (1,094,970 in its urban core), Chifeng spans 90,021 km², making it one of Inner Mongolia’s largest cities by area. Renowned for its Hongshan Culture relics, Mongolian heritage, and natural attractions like the Wulanbutong Grassland, Chifeng is a key center for tourism, agriculture, and light industry.
Chifeng is situated in the transitional zone between the Inner
Mongolian Plateau and the Northeast China Plain, with diverse
topography: 50% grasslands, 30% mountains, and 20% plains. The Greater
Khingan Mountains border the northeast, while the Yinshan Mountains lie
to the west. The Xiliao River and its tributaries, like the Laoha,
support agriculture and create scenic valleys. Chifeng administers three
districts (Hongshan, Songshan, and Yuanbaoshan), seven banners (Ar
Horqin, Bairin Left, Bairin Right, Hexigten, Ongniud, Kalaqin, and
Aohan), and two counties (Ningcheng and Linxi), encompassing 149 towns,
1,177 villages, and 208 communities.
Chifeng has a cold,
semi-arid to continental climate (Köppen BSk/Dwb), with significant
seasonal variations:
Summer (June–August): Warm and moderately
humid, with temperatures averaging 20–25°C (68–77°F). July brings most
of the annual 350–450 mm precipitation, often in short showers,
supporting lush grasslands.
Winter (December–February): Cold and dry,
with temperatures dropping to -15°C to -25°C (5°F to -13°F). Snowfall is
light, but winds from the Mongolian Plateau can be harsh.
Spring and
Autumn: Short and mild, with April–May and September–October ideal for
tourism. Spring dust storms from nearby deserts are a concern, while
autumn offers vibrant grasslands and clear skies. Chifeng’s air quality
is generally good, benefiting from its low industrial density and vast
green spaces. Grasslands and wetlands, like those in Wulanbutong,
support biodiversity, including rare species like the red-crowned crane.
Chifeng’s history spans over 8,000 years, rooted in its role as a
cradle of early Chinese civilization and a Mongolian stronghold:
Prehistoric Period: Chifeng is home to the Hongshan Culture (4700–2900
BC), one of China’s earliest Neolithic cultures, known for jade carvings
(e.g., pig-dragons), proto-cities, and sacrificial altars. The
Xinglongwa and Yushushan sites are among the oldest archaeological finds
in Northeast Asia.
Ancient Period: During the Warring States Period
(475–221 BC), Chifeng was part of the Yan state, contested by nomadic
tribes like the Donghu. The Han Dynasty (206 BC–220 AD) established
settlements, using the area for trade and defense.
Liao and Jin
Dynasties: The Liao Dynasty (907–1125), founded by the Khitan, made
Chifeng a regional center, with Buddhist temples and fortifications. The
Jin Dynasty (1115–1234) further developed it as a trade hub linking the
steppe and China.
Yuan and Ming Dynasties: The Yuan Dynasty
(1271–1368) integrated Chifeng into Mongol administration, naming it
Ulanhad (“Red Mountain” in Mongolian, hence Chifeng in Chinese). The
Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) fortified it against Mongol raids, establishing
banners to manage nomadic tribes.
Qing Dynasty (1644–1912): Chifeng
grew as a trade hub for furs, livestock, and grains, with the Qing
organizing it into banners like Ongniud and Kalaqin. The city was a key
stop on the Tea Road to Russia.
Republican Era and Japanese
Occupation: In the early 20th century, Chifeng was a commercial center.
During the Japanese occupation (1937–1945), it was part of the puppet
state of Mengjiang, suffering resource extraction and cultural
suppression.
Post-WWII and Communist Era: Post-1949, Chifeng was
incorporated into Inner Mongolia, with agricultural and light industrial
development under the First Five-Year Plan (1953–1957). The discovery of
Hongshan Culture relics in the 1980s elevated its archaeological
significance.
Modern Era: Chifeng has grown into a tourism and
cultural hub, leveraging its Hongshan heritage and grasslands. Its role
in the China-Mongolia-Russia Economic Corridor enhances trade, while
sustainability efforts address desertification.
Chifeng’s economy is driven by agriculture, tourism, and light
industry, with a growing focus on sustainability:
Agriculture:
Chifeng’s fertile plains and grasslands produce 3 million tons of grain
annually, including millet, corn, and buckwheat. Aohan Banner is famous
for its millet, recognized as a UNESCO Globally Important Agricultural
Heritage System. Ningcheng is known for apples and pears, while
livestock (sheep, cattle, horses) supports dairy and meat industries.
Tourism: Chifeng’s Hongshan Culture sites, grasslands like Wulanbutong,
and geological parks like Arshihaty draw 12 million visitors annually,
generating 25 billion CNY. The Naadam Festival and cultural tourism are
key drivers.
Light Industry: Key sectors include:
Food Processing:
Factories process grains, dairy, and fruits, with brands like Chifeng
Millet gaining national recognition.
Textiles and Cashmere: Chifeng
produces cashmere and wool, leveraging Inner Mongolia’s livestock
resources.
Mining: Small-scale coal, gold, and copper mining occurs
in Hexigten and Bairin Left Banner, though less dominant than in Baotou
or Wuhai.
Renewable Energy: Chifeng is a leader in wind and solar
power, with Hexigten Banner hosting large wind farms contributing 10% to
Inner Mongolia’s renewable energy.
Trade: Chifeng’s proximity to
Mongolia and Russia supports trade in agricultural goods, livestock, and
minerals. The Chifeng Border Economic Cooperation Zone facilitates
exports.
Economic Data: In 2022, Chifeng’s GDP was 255.1 billion CNY,
with services (45%), agriculture (30%), and industry (25%) as key
sectors. Urban per-capita disposable income was 32,000 CNY, reflecting
moderate prosperity.
Challenges: Desertification and overgrazing
threaten grasslands, while reliance on agriculture poses economic risks.
Renewable energy and tourism development are mitigating these issues.
Chifeng’s culture is a vibrant tapestry of Mongolian nomadic
traditions, Hongshan archaeological heritage, and multi-ethnic
influences:
Hongshan Culture: Chifeng is the epicenter of the
Hongshan Culture, with jade artifacts and ceremonial sites like
Niuheliang symbolizing early Chinese spirituality. The Chifeng Museum
showcases these relics, drawing global researchers.
Mongolian
Heritage: Mongols (20% of the population) dominate rural banners,
preserving traditions like throat singing, horse racing, and Naadam
festivals. The Mongolian language and script are widely used, especially
in Kalaqin and Ar Horqin.
Ethnic Diversity: Han Chinese (75%) coexist
with Mongols, Hui, Manchu, and Daur minorities. Hui communities
contribute Islamic cuisine and mosques, while Manchu traditions add
historical depth.
Festivals: Key events include:
Naadam Festival
(July): A Mongolian celebration with wrestling, horse racing, and
archery, held in Wulanbutong Grassland.
Chifeng Hongshan Culture
Festival (September): Showcases archaeological sites, jade exhibitions,
and cultural performances.
Aohan Millet Festival (October):
Celebrates the region’s millet heritage with tastings and agricultural
fairs.
Education: Chifeng University offers programs in Mongolian
studies, agriculture, and tourism. Vocational colleges train workers for
food processing and cultural preservation.
Cuisine: Chifeng’s cuisine
emphasizes Mongolian and agricultural flavors, including roast lamb,
milk tea, buckwheat noodles, and millet porridge. Hui specialties like
beef kebabs and Han-style dumplings add variety. Night markets, like
Hongshan Night Market, offer local snacks and crafts.
Community:
Chifeng’s residents are proud of their cultural and natural heritage,
with parks like Yulongshahu hosting social activities like throat
singing, dancing, and kite-flying.
Chifeng’s attractions blend archaeological significance, Mongolian
culture, and natural beauty:
Hongshan Culture National
Archaeological Park (Niuheliang):
A UNESCO-nominated site in
Lingyuan, featuring Hongshan Culture (4700–2900 BC) relics like jade
pig-dragons, a goddess temple, and sacrificial altars. The site offers
insights into early Chinese civilization.
Visitor Tips: Entry ¥60;
guided tours recommended. Allocate 2–3 hours.
Wulanbutong
Grassland:
A 4A-rated grassland in Hexigten Banner, known for its
rolling hills, wildflowers, and Mongolian yurts. It’s a prime spot for
horse riding, Naadam Festival activities, and historical reenactments of
Qing Dynasty battles.
Highlights: Entry ¥80; overnight yurt stays
enhance the experience.
Chifeng Museum:
Located in Hongshan
District, this museum showcases Hongshan Culture artifacts, Mongolian
relics, and regional history. Its jade and pottery exhibits are
world-class.
Access: Free entry with ID; allocate 1–2 hours.
Arshihaty Stone Forest:
A UNESCO Global Geopark in Hexigten Banner,
featuring granite formations shaped by volcanic and glacial activity.
Hiking trails and panoramic views make it a geological wonder.
Visitor Tips: Entry ¥100; visit in autumn for vibrant scenery.
Yulongshahu Scenic Area:
A desert lake in Ongniud Banner, surrounded
by sand dunes and grasslands. Activities include camel rides, sand
sledding, and cultural performances.
Activities: Entry ¥70; ideal for
adventure seekers.
Dari Lake:
A high-altitude lake in Hexigten
Banner, part of the Dali Volcanic Scenic Area, known for its clear
waters and volcanic craters. It’s a haven for birdwatching and
eco-tourism.
Highlights: Entry ¥50; bring binoculars for wildlife.
Kalaqin Palace Museum:
A historical site in Kalaqin Banner,
preserving the Qing-era palace of the Kalaqin Mongol princes. It
features Mongolian architecture and artifacts.
Access: Entry ¥40;
check for cultural performances.
Chifeng is a key transport hub in southeastern Inner Mongolia:
Air: Chifeng Yulong Airport, 20 km from downtown, serves domestic
flights to Beijing (1 hour), Hohhot (1 hour), Shanghai, and Xi’an.
Shuttles and taxis connect to the city center (30 minutes, ¥20).
Rail: Chifeng Railway Station offers high-speed trains to Beijing (3
hours, ¥200), Shenyang (2.5 hours, ¥150), and Hohhot (3 hours). Regular
trains serve Ulaanbaatar and smaller cities.
Road: The G16
Dandong–Xilinhot Expressway and G45 Daguang Expressway link Chifeng to
Beijing, Shenyang, and Hohhot. Long-distance buses from Chifeng Bus
Terminal connect to regional destinations (Hohhot, 4 hours; Beijing, 6
hours).
Local Transport: Buses (¥1–2) and taxis (¥7 base fare) cover
the urban core. Bike-sharing suits flat areas like Hongshan. Car rentals
are recommended for rural banners.
Chifeng is balancing its agricultural and cultural strengths with
modern development:
Urban Development: Hongshan District features
modern malls, like Wanda Plaza, hotels, and riverside developments along
the Xiliao River. The Chifeng High-Tech Industrial Zone supports light
industry and renewables.
Sustainability: Reforestation, grassland
restoration, and wind farms combat desertification. Chifeng’s UNESCO
Geopark status promotes eco-tourism and conservation.
Hospitality:
Hotels range from budget chains like Jinjiang Inn (¥100–150/night) to
upscale options like Chifeng International Hotel (¥400/night).
Restaurants serve Mongolian hotpot, millet dishes, and Hui kebabs, with
Hongshan Night Market offering street food.
Nightlife and Shopping:
Xiliao Road and Songshan Commercial Street are shopping hubs, with night
markets selling Mongolian crafts, jade, and snacks. Bars and teahouses
host throat singing and live music.
Community Engagement: Chifeng’s
Mongolian and archaeological identity fosters a proud community, with
events like Naadam and the Hongshan Culture Festival promoting cultural
unity.
Best Time to Visit: Summer (June–August) for Naadam and lush
grasslands; autumn (September–October) for foliage and festivals.
Spring suits archaeological visits; winter is cold but
budget-friendly.
Getting Around: Use buses or taxis for urban
travel; rent a car for Wulanbutong or Arshihaty. Book grassland
tours and yurt stays in advance.
Cultural Etiquette: Respect
Mongolian customs, like accepting milk tea in yurts, and avoid
touching sacred sites. Basic Mandarin or Mongolian is useful;
English is limited. Carry ID for museum entry.
Packing: Light
clothing for summer, layers for spring/autumn, and heavy coats for
winter. Comfortable shoes suit grasslands and stone forests; bring
sunscreen, hats, and dust masks for spring.
Safety: Chifeng is
safe, with low crime rates. Exercise caution during dust storms and
follow grassland tour guidelines.