The Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region is located in the northern border areas of China, stretching in a narrow strip from northeast to southwest, bordering Russia and the Republic of Mongolia. Its population consists of Mongols, Han Chinese, Hui, Manchus, Daur, Koreans, Evenki, and Oroqen.
The autonomous region is characterized by its topographical elevation, mostly situated on the Inner Mongolian Plateau, the second highest plateau in China after the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, reaching 1,000 meters above sea level.
Inner Mongolia impresses with its diverse landscapes. In addition to grasslands, it is crisscrossed by mountains and characterized by desert landscapes in the north and northwest, with a historical significance dating back to the era of the Silk Road.
Historically, Inner Mongolia was the homeland of various nomadic pastoralist tribes, including the Tatars, Kitans, Mongols, and Jurchens (an ancient Manchurian people). In the 12th century, Temujin, later known as Genghis Khan, united the Mongolian tribes of both the inner and outer Mongolian Plateau, establishing a powerful empire and founding the Yuan Dynasty (1279-1368). Since the Ming Dynasty, Inner Mongolia has maintained close ties with the Sinocentric power. During the Qing Dynasty, it was divided into ordinary Chinese provinces. In 1947, Inner Mongolia was declared an Autonomous Region of China.
Inner Mongolia boasts a unique culture, picturesque steppe landscapes, mysterious primeval forests in the Daxing'anling Mountains, the Yellow River with its powerful currents, the magnificent gorges of the Singing Sands, numerous fascinating lakes and hot springs, along with many other attractions.
Hohhot is the capital of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Its approximately 2.3 million residents are mostly of Mongolian, Han, Hui, Manchu, Daur, and Korean nationalities.
Hohhot boasts a long history and hosts numerous valuable antiquities. Within the city, you can find the Five-Pagoda Temple and other ancient buildings. In the southern suburb lies the Mausoleum of Concubine Zhaojun, famous in history. In the eastern suburb stands a pagoda for storing Buddhist scriptures. Also worth visiting is the Dazhao Monastery, the largest architectural structure in Hohhot.
The airport is located approximately 14 kilometers from the city center and is one of the key airports in northern China. It underwent renovations in 2007 and added another terminal. Currently, it serves 26 domestic destinations and offers international flights to Ulan Bator, Thailand, Korea, and Russia. Due to rapid urban expansion engulfing the airport, a supplementary airport, Hohhot Shengle International Airport, was built farther away from the city.
A shuttle bus service is available for passengers, and it is connected to Metro Line 1.
This airport is under construction with expected passenger numbers reaching up to 28 million by 2030. It is planned to be connected to Hohhot Metro's Line 4. Cultural symbols of local Mongolian culture will be incorporated into the terminal design.
