Inner Mongolia

Inner Mongolia, officially the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, is a special area in China. It shares a long border with the country of Mongolia and a small part of its border touches Russia. The capital city is Hohhot, and other important cities include Baotou, Chifeng, Tongliao, and Ordos.

The region was created in 1947 from several older areas of China. It is the third largest region in China, covering about 1,200,000 km², which is 12% of all of China's land. Inner Mongolia has a population of over 24 million people, with Han Chinese being the largest group. However, it is also home to more than 4 million Mongols, the largest Mongol population in the world, even larger than in the country of Mongolia itself.

Inner Mongolia is quite developed economically. In 2022, its economy was strong, with a yearly income per person of about US$14,343, ranking eighth in China. While Mandarin is the official language, many people in the region also use and write Mongolian in the traditional Mongolian script.

Etymology

In Chinese, the region is called "Inner Mongolia". The words "Inner" and "Outer" come from old Manchu words. Inner Mongolia is different from Outer Mongolia, a term used by past governments to describe what is now the country of Mongolia and a region in Russia called Tuva. The word "Inner" refers to families who were given special titles by leaders a long time ago and lived in southern Mongolia.

Some people outside of China, especially in Mongolia and some groups in the West, call the area "Southern Mongolia" instead. However, no government uses this name officially.

History

See also: History of Mongolia

Much of what we know about the history of the Mongolian Plateau comes from old Chinese records. Before the Mongols rose to power in the 1300s, the land that is now central and western Inner Mongolia changed hands between Chinese farmers in the south and groups like the Xiongnu, Xianbei, Khitan, Jurchen, Tujue, and nomadic Mongols in the north. Eastern Inner Mongolia was mostly controlled by different Tungusic and Mongol tribes.

Early history

See also: Han dynasty in Inner Asia and Tang dynasty in Inner Asia

Ancient grave markers called Slab Grave cultural monuments are found across Mongolia, Inner Mongolia, and parts of China and Russia. Mongolian scholars believe this culture was linked to the Proto-Mongols.

During the Zhou dynasty, central and western Inner Mongolia was home to nomadic groups like the Loufan, Linhu, and Dí, while eastern Inner Mongolia had the Donghu people. During the Warring States period, King Wuling of the state of Zhao pushed into the region, creating the Yunzhong Commandery near modern Hohhot and building a wall through the area. After Qin Shi Huang united China, his general Meng Tian drove out the Xiongnu and added the old Zhao wall to the Great Wall of China.

In the Western Han dynasty, Emperor Wu sent General Wei Qing to take back the Hetao region from the Xiongnu. He built settlements there for defense. Eastern Inner Mongolia was controlled by the Xianbei during this time.

Mongol and Ming periods

Main articles: Mongol Empire, Mongolia under Yuan rule, Northern Yuan, and Ming dynasty in Inner Asia

After Genghis Khan united the Mongol tribes in 1206 and started the Mongol Empire, the Tangut Western Xia empire was conquered in 1227, and the Jurchen Jin dynasty fell in 1234. In 1271, Kublai Khan established the Yuan dynasty, with his summer capital Shangdu near present-day Dolonnor. The Ongud and Khunggirad peoples lived in the area of what is now Inner Mongolia. After the Yuan dynasty ended, the Ming dynasty took control and rebuilt the Great Wall of China. The Ming set up three groups of Mongols called the Three Guards in Inner Mongolia.

Qing period

Main article: Mongolia under Qing rule

The eastern Mongol tribes intermarried and formed alliances with the Jurchen tribes until Nurhaci, the founder of the new Jin dynasty, took control in 1593. The Manchus gained control of the Inner Mongolian tribes in 1635. They invaded Ming China in 1644, starting the Qing dynasty. Under the Qing, different parts of the Mongolian Plateau were governed in various ways.

The Inner Mongolian Chahar leader Ligdan Khan opposed the Qing until his death in 1634. His son Ejei Khan surrendered to the Qing. Later, Ejei Khan's brother Abunai revolted but was defeated. The Chahar Mongols were placed under direct control of the Qing Emperor.

Republic of China and the Second World War periods

Outer Mongolia became independent from the Qing dynasty in 1911. Although many Inner Mongolian banners recognized the Bogd Khan as the supreme ruler, internal conflicts prevented full reunification. The Republic of China reorganized Inner Mongolia into several provinces.

During the Second World War, Japan invaded parts of China, including areas in Inner Mongolia. In 1937, Mongolian Prince Demchugdongrub declared independence for parts of Inner Mongolia as Mengjiang, with support from Japan. However, resistance movements fought against the Japanese. Since 1945, Inner Mongolia has remained part of China.

People's Republic of China

The Communist movement grew in Inner Mongolia during the Japanese period. After World War II, the Chinese Communists, with Soviet support, established the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in 1947. The region was expanded over the next decade to include most areas with large Mongol populations.

During a later political movement, many people in Inner Mongolia faced tough times. In the early 2000s, large mineral discoveries, like coal and rare earth metals, helped the region's economy grow quickly. However, this growth also brought pollution and challenges, including tensions over resources and development.

Geography

Further information: Agulugou Formation

Inner Mongolia is a big part of North China that stretches far north and west. It shares borders with eight other areas of China and also touches Mongolia and a small part of Russia. The land is mostly a high, flat area covered with loose soil and sand. In the north, there are forests with many different kinds of trees, while the south has grassy lands where people often raise animals.

Because of its shape, Inner Mongolia has very different weather throughout the year. Winters are long, cold, and dry, sometimes with strong winds. Spring can bring big, dusty storms. Summers are warm and can be humid, while autumns are short and cool. The area also faces problems with desert-like conditions and sandstorms, which can hurt farming.

Administrative divisions

For a more comprehensive list, see List of administrative divisions of Inner Mongolia and List of township-level divisions of Inner Mongolia.

See also: List of cities in China

Inner Mongolia is divided into twelve prefecture-level divisions. These divisions are further split into 102 smaller areas, including districts, cities, counties, and special groups called banners. These smaller areas are then divided into even more tiny communities, making up the local structure of the region.

Economy

In Inner Mongolia, people grow crops like wheat in river valleys. In drier grassland areas, herding animals such as goats and sheep has been a traditional way to live. Forestry and hunting are also important in the Greater Khingan mountains in the east. Recently, growing grapes and making wine has become more common in the Wuhai area.

Mining is a big part of Inner Mongolia's economy. The region has lots of important resources such as coal, cashmere, natural gas, and rare-earth elements. It also has large amounts of niobium, zirconium, and beryllium. Inner Mongolia is a major coal producer, with plans to increase its output significantly. The area also has strong winds, making it great for wind parks to generate electricity.

Transport

Railway

Inner Mongolia has many important railway lines that connect it to other parts of China and nearby countries. Some of these railways include the Beijing–Baotou railway, Baotou–Lanzhou railway, Beijing–Tongliao railway, Harbin–Manzhouli railway, Jiayuguan–Ceke railway, Jining–Tongliao railway, Linhe–Ceke railway, Nenjiang–Greater Khingan Forest railway, and Tongliao–Ranghulu railway.

There is also a list of stations on the Jingbao railway available, which includes many stops in the region [List of stations on Jingbao railway].

Government and politics

Main article: Politics of Inner Mongolia

See also: List of provincial leaders of the People's Republic of China

Inner Mongolia has some special rules that let it make its own decisions about things like money and jobs, but it still follows the big rules of China. The leader of Inner Mongolia, called the Chairman, is always from the Mongolian ethnic group. This leader works closely with another important person from the Communist Party who comes from somewhere else in China.

The job of Chairman switches between two Mongolian groups, the Khorchin Mongols in the east and the Tumed Mongols in the west. This tradition has been kept since a big change in China called the Cultural Revolution. Some family members, like Ulanhu, Buhe, and Bu Xiaolin, have been important leaders in Inner Mongolia for a long time.

Demographics

Main articles: Mongols § Subgroups, Mongols in China, and List of ethnic groups in China

When Inner Mongolia was created in 1947, most people were Han Chinese, making up 83.6% of the population. Mongols were 14.8%. By 2020, Han Chinese made up 78.7% of the population. Many Han Chinese moved to the area starting in the 1700s, encouraged by rulers at the time. They mostly live near the Yellow River and in towns.

Mongols are the second largest group, making up about 17.7% of the population. They speak many different Mongolian languages. Other groups living in the area include Manchus, Tungusic people, Oroqen, Evenks, Hui, and Koreans. Many Mongols used to move with their animals but now live in homes. Some still follow the old ways. Educated Mongols often move to big cities.

Many Mongols marry people from other groups, especially in cities. This has been common for a long time.

Language and culture

See also: Culture of Mongolia, Music of Mongolia, Music of Inner Mongolia, and Mongolian language in Inner Mongolia

The Mongolian language is spoken by many people in Inner Mongolia, though its use has changed a lot over time. In the past, fewer people used it, but there have been times when it came back into use. Even today, many people still feel connected to their Mongolian heritage. In cities, many people speak Chinese, but they still see themselves as Mongolian.

Signs, shops, and government papers in Inner Mongolia are written in both Mongolian and Chinese. There are also Mongolian TV channels. People in Inner Mongolia enjoy traditional arts, like music and dancing that celebrate their history as nomads. Their food includes dairy products and special dishes like hand-held lamb. Some famous food brands from the area started with making dairy and ice cream.

Religion

Main article: Religion in Inner Mongolia

Many people in Inner Mongolia honor the sky and sacred places called ovoo or aobao. This tradition is very important to them.

Some people follow Tibetan Buddhism, which is a type of Buddhism that many also practice in nearby areas. A smaller number of people believe in Christianity, follow Chinese ancestral traditions, or practice Islam. There are also special temples where people honor Genghis Khan, seeing him as a great hero and ancestor.

Tourism

In the capital city Hohhot, you can visit several interesting places. The Da Zhao Temple is a beautiful Buddhist temple built in 1580. It has a special silver statue of Buddha, along with detailed carvings and colorful murals. Another temple, called Five-pagoda Temple, was built in 1727 and has a unique design. The Residence of Gurun Princess Kejing shows off the grand style of homes from the Qing dynasty.

Elsewhere in Inner Mongolia, there are wide-open spaces to explore. In Baotou, Saihantala offers a taste of life on the grasslands with yurts and fun activities. The Mausoleum of Genghis Khan in Ordos City is an important historical site. The Bashang Grasslands near Beijing are perfect for experiencing the quiet countryside. The Arshihaty Stone Forest in Hexigten Global Geopark shows amazing rock shapes formed by nature. At Xiangshawan in the Gobi Desert, visitors can enjoy sandy hills and ride camels.

There are also many old ruins and historic spots. You can see remains of ancient cities built centuries ago, like Zhongjing and Shangjing. The tablets of Juyan, old wooden and bamboo writings from a long time ago, were found in the Gobi Desert. The ruins of Shangdu, a summer home for leaders many years ago, are also a fascinating place to visit.

One special place is the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the west of Inner Mongolia. It was China's first space launch site, opened in 1958, and has sent up many important missions. While some parts are restricted, there is a visitor center open to the public. Inner Mongolia is also where two space landing sites are located.

Education

Colleges and universities

See also: List of universities and colleges in Inner Mongolia

Language policy and protest

Main article: 2020 Inner Mongolia protests

In the past, schools in Inner Mongolia were allowed to teach in the Mongolian language. This changed during a difficult time called the Cultural Revolution, but teaching in Mongolian started again later. In 2020, the Chinese government made a new rule. This rule said that Chinese would slowly replace Mongolian as the language used to teach some subjects in schools. Because of this rule, many Mongolian people in China gathered to show that they were unhappy with the change.

Image gallery

Here are some beautiful places and important historical sites from Inner Mongolia:

• Ulaanbutan grassland
• Inner Mongolian grassland
• Helan Mountains scenery
• Khitan people cooking. Fresco from the Liao dynasty (907–1125) tomb in Aohan Banner
• Fresco from the Liao dynasty (907–1125) tomb at Baoshan, Ar Horqin Banner
• Honorary tomb of Wang Zhaojun (born c. 50BC) in Hohhot
• Remains of the city Khara-Khoto built in 1032. Located in Ejin Banner, Alxa League
• Maidari Juu temple fortress (美岱召; měidài zhào) built by Altan Khan in 1575 near Baotou
• Newly built arch in front of the Maidari Juu temple fortress (1575)
• Dazhao temple (also called Ikh Zuu) built by Altan Khan in 1579
• Five Pagoda temple (1727) in Hohhot
• Badekar Monastery (1749) near Baotou, Inner Mongolia. Called Badgar Zuu in Mongolian
• Badain Jaran temple (1868) in Alxa Right Banner, western Inner Mongolia
• Alxa Western Monastery (Alshaa Baruun Hiid) built in 1756
• Genghis Khan Mausoleum (1954) in Ejin Horo Banner
• Genghis Khan Mausoleum (1954)