Tongliao, a prefecture-level city in eastern Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China, is a vital agricultural and cultural hub known as the “Breadbasket of Inner Mongolia” and a center of Mongolian heritage. Located approximately 500 km northeast of Beijing and 250 km east of Chifeng, Tongliao lies in the Horqin Grasslands, along the Xiliao River. With a population of 2,873,168 as of the 2020 census (540,338 in its urban core), Tongliao spans 58,824 km², making it one of Inner Mongolia’s largest cities by area. Renowned for its vast grasslands, Mongolian traditions, and agricultural output, Tongliao is famous for sites like the Daqinggou Nature Reserve, cultural landmarks such as the Zhurihe Grassland, and its role in grain and livestock production.
Tongliao is situated in the Horqin Grasslands, a transitional zone
between the Inner Mongolian Plateau and the Northeast China Plain. Its
terrain is predominantly flat grasslands (70%), with low hills (20%) and
sandy areas (10%) shaped by the Horqin Sandy Land. The Xiliao River and
its tributaries, like the Jiaolai, support agriculture and create scenic
wetlands. Forest coverage is low at 15%, but grasslands and nature
reserves enhance biodiversity. Tongliao administers one district
(Horqin), one county (Hure Banner), and six banners (Horqin Left Middle,
Horqin Left Rear, Kailu, Jarud, Naiman, and Zhalute), plus one
county-level city (Holingol), encompassing 126 towns, 1,177 villages,
and 208 communities.
Tongliao has a cold, semi-arid to
continental climate (Köppen BSk/Dwb), with distinct seasonal variations:
Summer (June–August): Warm and moderately humid, with temperatures
averaging 22–27°C (72–81°F). July brings most of the annual 350–400 mm
precipitation, supporting lush grasslands but sometimes causing floods.
Winter (December–February): Harsh 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 create severe wind chills.
Spring and Autumn: Short
and mild, with April–May and September–October ideal for tourism. Spring
dust storms from the Horqin Sandy Land are common, while autumn offers
vibrant grasslands and clear skies. Tongliao’s air quality is generally
good, benefiting from its agricultural focus and low industrial density.
Grasslands and wetlands, like those in Daqinggou, support biodiversity,
including migratory birds and rare flora.
Tongliao’s history is deeply rooted in its Mongolian nomadic
traditions and agricultural significance:
Prehistoric Period:
Archaeological evidence indicates human activity from the Neolithic
period, with ties to the Hongshan Culture (4700–2900 BC). The Horqin
Grasslands were home to early nomadic tribes like the Donghu.
Ancient
Period: During the Warring States Period (475–221 BC), the region was
contested by the Yan state and nomadic groups. The Han Dynasty (206
BC–220 AD) established trade outposts, linking the area to the Silk
Road.
Liao and Yuan Dynasties: The Liao Dynasty (907–1125) integrated
Tongliao into Khitan administration, while the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368)
made it a key grazing and trade hub, naming it after the Horqin Mongols.
The name “Tongliao” derives from the Liao River and its role as a
liaison point.
Ming and Qing Dynasties: The Ming Dynasty (1368–1644)
managed the region through alliances with Mongol tribes, while the Qing
Dynasty (1644–1912) organized it into Horqin banners (e.g., Horqin Left
Middle). Tongliao became a center for livestock trade and agriculture,
with the Xiliao River facilitating commerce.
Republican Era and
Japanese Occupation: In the early 20th century, Tongliao was a rural hub
for grains and livestock. During the Japanese occupation (1937–1945), it
was part of the puppet state of Mengjiang, with railways developed for
resource extraction.
Post-WWII and Communist Era: Post-1949, Tongliao
was incorporated into Inner Mongolia, with agricultural modernization
under the First Five-Year Plan (1953–1957). The city became a grain and
livestock powerhouse, with light industries like food processing
emerging. The Horqin Grasslands were partially reclaimed for farming,
though overgrazing led to desertification concerns.
Modern Era:
Tongliao has grown into a major agricultural and tourism center,
leveraging its Mongolian heritage and grasslands. Efforts to combat
desertification and promote renewable energy reflect its commitment to
sustainability, while its role in the China-Mongolia-Russia Economic
Corridor boosts trade.
Tongliao’s economy is anchored by agriculture, with significant
contributions from tourism, light industry, and renewable energy:
Agriculture: Known as the “Breadbasket of Inner Mongolia,” Tongliao
produces 4 million tons of grain annually, including corn, millet, and
sorghum. Kailu County is a national leader in corn production, while
Naiman Banner is famous for buckwheat. Livestock (cattle, sheep, horses)
supports dairy and meat industries, with Horqin beef renowned for its
quality.
Tourism: Grassland attractions like Zhurihe and Daqinggou
Nature Reserve draw 6 million visitors annually, generating 10 billion
CNY. The Naadam Festival and Mongolian cultural tourism are key drivers.
Light Industry: Key sectors include:
Food Processing: Factories
process grains, dairy, and meat, with brands like Horqin Beef and
Tongliao Millet gaining national recognition.
Textiles and Cashmere:
Tongliao produces wool and cashmere, leveraging the region’s livestock
resources.
Chemicals: Small-scale production of fertilizers and
plastics supports agriculture.
Renewable Energy: Tongliao is a leader
in wind power, with Jarud Banner hosting large wind farms contributing
12% to Inner Mongolia’s renewable energy. Solar projects are also
expanding.
Mining: Limited coal and oil shale mining occurs in
Holingol, though less significant than in Baotou or Wuhai.
Trade:
Tongliao’s proximity to Mongolia and Russia supports trade in
agricultural goods, livestock, and energy. The Tongliao Border Economic
Cooperation Zone facilitates exports.
Economic Data: In 2022,
Tongliao’s GDP was 162.4 billion CNY, with agriculture (40%), services
(35%), and industry (25%) as key sectors. Urban per-capita disposable
income was 28,000 CNY, reflecting moderate prosperity.
Challenges:
Desertification from overgrazing and farming threatens the Horqin
Grasslands, while reliance on agriculture poses economic risks.
Reforestation, sustainable farming, and tourism development are
addressing these issues.
Tongliao’s culture is a vibrant celebration of Mongolian nomadic
traditions, agricultural heritage, and multi-ethnic influences:
Mongolian Heritage: Mongols (45% of the population) dominate,
particularly in banners like Horqin Left Middle, preserving traditions
like throat singing, horse racing, and Naadam festivals. The Mongolian
language and script are widely used, with cultural centers promoting
literature and music.
Agricultural Identity: Tongliao’s role as a
grain and livestock hub shapes its culture, with festivals celebrating
corn, buckwheat, and Horqin beef.
Ethnic Diversity: Han Chinese (50%)
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 Zhurihe Grassland.
Tongliao Corn Festival
(September): Showcases Kailu’s corn harvest with tastings, agricultural
fairs, and cultural performances.
Horqin Grassland Culture Festival
(August): Features Mongolian music, dance, and yurt experiences.
Education: Tongliao hosts Inner Mongolia University for Nationalities, a
leading institution for Mongolian studies, agriculture, and medicine.
Vocational colleges train workers for food processing and tourism.
Cuisine: Tongliao’s cuisine emphasizes Mongolian and agricultural
flavors, including roast lamb, milk tea, buckwheat noodles, and Horqin
beef hotpot. Hui specialties like lamb kebabs and Han-style dumplings
add variety. Night markets, like Horqin Night Market, offer local snacks
and crafts.
Community: Tongliao’s residents are proud of their
nomadic and agricultural roots, with grasslands and parks like Xiliao
River Park hosting social activities like throat singing, dancing, and
kite-flying.
Tongliao’s attractions blend Mongolian culture, natural beauty,
and historical landmarks:
Daqinggou Nature Reserve:
A
4A-rated ecological park in Horqin Left Middle Banner, featuring a
rare temperate broad-leaved forest in a sandy valley. It offers
hiking, birdwatching, and stunning autumn foliage.
Visitor Tips:
Entry ¥60; visit in October for vibrant colors. Bring binoculars for
wildlife.
Zhurihe Grassland:
A vast grassland in Horqin
Left Rear Banner, known for its Mongolian yurts, horse riding, and
Naadam Festival activities. It’s a cultural hub with performances of
throat singing and archery.
Highlights: Entry ¥50; overnight yurt
stays recommended.
Tongliao Museum:
Located in Horqin
District, this museum showcases Mongolian history, Horqin culture,
and archaeological relics, including Hongshan Culture artifacts and
Qing-era banners.
Access: Free entry with ID; allocate 1–2 hours.
Horqin Grassland Scenic Area:
A sprawling area in Naiman
Banner with rolling hills, lakes, and traditional Mongolian
villages. Activities include camel rides, cultural performances, and
grassland camping.
Activities: Entry ¥70; ideal for cultural
immersion.
Xiliao River Park:
An urban park in Horqin
District along the Xiliao River, with walkways, gardens, and scenic
views. It’s popular for picnics, boating, and evening strolls.
Highlights: Free entry; visit during festivals for events.
Kunduleng Temple:
A 17th-century Mongolian Buddhist temple in
Jarud Banner, featuring ornate architecture and religious artifacts.
It hosts Buddhist ceremonies and cultural festivals.
Visitor
Tips: Entry ¥30; respect religious customs.
Holingol Wetland
Park:
A wetland reserve in Holingol City, home to migratory birds
like red-crowned cranes and rare flora. Boardwalks and observation
towers make it ideal for eco-tourism.
Activities: Entry ¥40;
bring binoculars for birdwatching.
Tongliao is a key transport hub in eastern Inner Mongolia:
Air: Tongliao Airport, 15 km from downtown, serves domestic flights to
Beijing (1.5 hours), Hohhot (1 hour), Shanghai, and Harbin. Shuttles and
taxis connect to the city center (25 minutes, ¥15).
Rail: Tongliao
Railway Station offers high-speed trains to Beijing (4 hours, ¥250),
Shenyang (2 hours, ¥100), and Hohhot (4 hours). Regular trains serve
Ulaanbaatar and smaller cities like Chifeng.
Road: The G25
Changchun–Shenzhen Expressway and G45 Daguang Expressway link Tongliao
to Shenyang, Chifeng, and Beijing. Long-distance buses from Tongliao Bus
Terminal connect to regional destinations (Shenyang, 3 hours; Beijing, 7
hours).
Local Transport: Buses (¥1–2) and taxis (¥7 base fare) cover
the urban core. Bike-sharing suits flat areas like Horqin. Car rentals
are recommended for rural banners.
Tongliao is balancing its agricultural dominance with tourism and
sustainability:
Urban Development: Horqin District features
modern malls, like Tongliao Wanda, hotels, and riverside developments
along the Xiliao River. The Tongliao Economic and Technological
Development Zone supports light industry and renewables.
Sustainability: Reforestation, grassland restoration, and wind farms
combat desertification in the Horqin Sandy Land. Tongliao’s designation
as a National Agricultural Demonstration Zone promotes sustainable
farming.
Hospitality: Hotels range from budget chains like Hanting
Hotel (¥100–150/night) to upscale options like Tongliao International
Hotel (¥350/night). Restaurants serve Mongolian hotpot, buckwheat
dishes, and Hui kebabs, with Horqin Night Market offering street food.
Nightlife and Shopping: Xiliao Road and Kailu Commercial Street are
shopping hubs, with night markets selling Mongolian crafts, millet
products, and snacks. Bars and teahouses host throat singing and live
music.
Community Engagement: Tongliao’s Mongolian and agricultural
identity fosters a proud community, with events like Naadam and the Corn
Festival promoting cultural and economic unity.
Best Time to Visit: Summer (June–August) for Naadam and lush
grasslands; autumn (September–October) for foliage and festivals. Spring
suits nature reserves; winter is cold but budget-friendly.
Getting
Around: Use buses or taxis for urban travel; rent a car for Zhurihe or
Daqinggou. 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 reserves; bring sunscreen,
hats, and dust masks for spring.
Safety: Tongliao is safe, with low
crime rates. Exercise caution during dust storms and follow grassland
tour guidelines.