Hohhot - what kind of city is this? Hohhot: Genghis Khan's stake Latest holiday reviews

The next and last Chinese city on this trip was Hohhot, the administrative center of the Inner Mongolia province. We did not expect anything supernatural from it, but the city turned out to be very interesting and large.
First of all, we visited the National Museum of Inner Mongolia, which is located on the eastern outskirts of the city (the intersection of Xinhua east and 2nd Ring streets). The museum building is very beautiful and new, the museum itself is large and interesting, and most importantly, completely free. You can get from the center to the museum by numerous city buses (fare 1 CNY), you need to go to the Bo Wu Yuan stop. The three floors of the museum reflect the course of Inner Mongolia's history and in addition display many elements of flora and fauna. Many additional rooms tell about the evolution of technology and household items, dinosaurs and some kind of war. Everything was done very vividly and beautifully, so it’s worth visiting the museum. It made an even greater impression on us than the National Museum of China in Beijing. A quick inspection will take at least half an hour, a detailed inspection will take the whole day.

By all indications, Hohhot is a city that is currently experiencing a large influx of population. Even by Chinese standards, there are a lot of construction projects here and everything is being built on a grand scale, entire blocks of houses are being built on the outskirts, and shopping malls are in the center. Although, despite all the civilization bonuses from the Chinese government, the people still show dissatisfaction. So one day we were riding a bus along the central street of the city and witnessed a traffic blockage. Traffic in both directions on the main street of the city was blocked by some young people with a banner. This all happened right in front of our bus, so we had a good overview of everything that was happening. A couple of minutes later, several police patrols arrived, but they did not try to influence the situation in any way, but simply stood and calmly talked with people. After about fifteen minutes, demonstrators began to let public transport pass, and eventually, probably cars too. The reasons for the rally were not clear to us at that time, but it was not coordinated with the authorities and despite this, no one dispersed them by force. In the evening, the girl we stayed with said that it was most likely students or applicants who were not given credit for some exams who were protesting.

In the center of the city there is a large Muslim quarter, there are several beautiful mosques and one ancient mosque built in 1636. All the houses in this quarter are also decorated in oriental style, so the city looks very oriental. There are also plenty of parks and places for walking here.

In general, the Inner Mongolia province, or more precisely the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, is one of the largest regions of the country, but most of it is endless steppes. V.M. borders Mongolia and the Trans-Baikal Territory of Russia, so for many travelers coming to China for the first time from these regions, it becomes the calling card of China, but in fact it is very different from the rest of the country. Yes, the towns here are also large and civilized, but they are located very far from each other. The population density is low compared to the rest of China, there is no duplication of road signs in English, they are all duplicated in Mongolian, which is written in a strange vertical script, somewhat reminiscent of Arabic script, and not Cyrillic, as someone might think. The Cyrillic alphabet is used in Mongolia itself, but only since 1956; earlier there was such an old Mongolian script there too. Among the residents of V.M., Mongols occupy a fairly large percentage and therefore in many cities, including Hohhot, one can see signs of their culture and traditions, for example, yurts.

Hitchhiking in V.M. is good, the police don’t try to stop you from the autobahn here, and cars stop quickly. You can also meet people who know Russian here, especially in Hohhot, where we met not only people who know Russian, but also Russians themselves, in the form of Kalmyks who study here.

Having visited Hohhot, we headed towards the border with Mongolia, along the way capturing another city, Ulantsab, which turned out to be large and also very interesting, but we didn’t find anything outstanding there and therefore spent very little time.

Hohhot- a city in northern China, the administrative center of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, the economic and cultural center of the region.

Hohhot is the administrative center of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.

The city has few historical and tourist sites.

Attractions

Dazhao Temple(Dazhao) is a major center of Tibetan Buddhism. Ancient Hohhot arose around this temple. The entire ensemble stretches from south to north and consists of the main gate, the palace of the Heavenly King, the Hall of Insight, the Hall of Canons, the Buddha Hall, a building of nine rooms and eastern and western side buildings. Currently, Dazhao is the largest and best preserved temple of wooden structure in Hohhot.

Monastery of Five Pagodas is a monument to the Qing Empire. The height of the monastery, built of brick, is 16.5 m. It consists of three parts: the base, the vajra pedestal and five graceful pagodas. Engraved on the back wall of the temple is a diagram of the six metapsychotic circles, a diagram of Sumeru and an astrological chart in Mongolian. The map with explanations in Mongolian is unique and of high scientific value.

Tomb of Wang Zhaojun is located 9 km south of Hohhot. The grave dates back to the Han era. It is a mound, 33 m high, with a base area of ​​13,000 sq.m. The grave was overgrown with dense greenery, for which it received the name “green grave”.

Great Mosque(1639) - the oldest and largest Muslim building in the city. Its appearance features a traditional Arabic dome and elegant carvings. In Hohhot, it is also worth visiting the Inner Mongolia Museum with a collection of household items and works of art of Mongolian nomads.

Xylithu Zhao(Xilitu Zhao) is the largest Buddhist temple in the city and the main site of Buddhism in Inner Mongolia.

Last changes: 11/17/2009

Story

Since the Ming Dynasty, the Chinese began to settle here, who gave this place the name Guihua. In the 16th century (around 1580), Altan Khan founded the Mongolian city of Hohehot (which translates into Russian as “blue city” or “blue city”), which soon became important political, commercial, religious (Tibetan Buddhism) and cultural center.

City name: Hohhot (“Dairy Capital of China”)

Location: Hohhot City is located in the center of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and occupies an important strategic position.

City Mayor: Tang Aijun

CCP City Committee Secretary: Han Zhiran

Address of the city hall: Hohhot, st. Xinhuadongze, 1

Website: http://www.hhinfo.gov.cn/

Mayor's phone number: 0471-4608999

Phone number of the mayor's office: 0471-4606538, 4606363

Mayor's email: http://www.hhinfo.gov.cn/chinese/mayor/mayor2.asp

City Hall email:

Territory: total area of ​​the city - 17224 sq. km., in particular, 81.1 sq. km. urban areas.

Subordinate counties and regions: 4 districts - Xincheng, Huimin, Yuquan, Saihan; 4 counties - Tokdo, Qingshuihe, Wuchuan, Ling'er; 1st aimak – Tumote zuoqi

Geographical parameters and landscape: Hohhot is located on the Tumochuan Plain in the central part of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region - between 110 degrees. 46 min. and 112 degrees. 10 min. east longitude, and between 39 degrees. 35 min. and 40 degrees. 51 min. northern latitude. From Hohhot to the border city of Erlianhot - 490 km, to the Zhunger coal deposit - 100 km, to the port city of Tianjin - 800 km. Hohhot plays an important role in China's economic construction. The Yinshan Mountains rise to the north of Hohhot, and the Yellow River flows to the south. The average level above sea level is 1050 meters.

Climate: Hohhot is located in the mid-temperate continental zone, which is continental in nature typical of the northwestern part of the country. The change of seasons is clearly expressed here; there is a large difference in day and night temperatures. The average temperature is about 6 degrees. The average level of insolation per year is about 3000 hours. The average precipitation level is 350-600 mm.

Demography: As of the end of 2004, the permanent population in the city was 2.6 million people, the registered population was 2.139 million people, including 1.097 million in urban areas. In 2004, population growth remained at 5.8‰.

Transportation: More than 20 flights connect Hohhot with Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Shanghai, Wuhan, Hailar and other large and medium-sized cities in the country. The Beijing-Baotou railway passes through the territory of Hohhot. Railway lines to Beijing, Tongliao, Lanzhou, Wuhai, as well as an international line to Ulaanbaatar pass through Hohhot. The advanced Hohhot-Baotou expressway has already been built and put into operation. In addition, 6 road routes were opened that lead to the border regions of Mongolia and Russia. There are about 20 road routes radially from the city center to different areas of Inner Mongolia.

Monuments and tourist centers: Wanbuhuayan Canon Keeping Pagoda, Silituzhao, Wusutuzhao, Qingcheng Park, Manduhai Park, General's Chambers, Grand Mosque, Princess Palace, Lamatongzhao Cave, Dayao, Dazhao, Summer Palace in Daqingshan Mountains, resort in Xiangcun Park, ecological Baiting Park in the Nanshan Mountains, Nantianmen Botanical Garden, Beierye Shaba Dam, Wanjiazhai, Feilei Monastery, Yellow River Area in Tuoxian County, Hadamen State Forest Park, Wusutu, Hasuhai Base, Jinganzuo Pagoda, Hippodrome, Daqingshan Mountain Gorge .

Shopping streets and department stores: Tianyuan Trading House, New Century Square, Inner Mongolia Tunda Department Store, Parkson Square.

Hotel: Neimengu Hotel (0471-6938888), Hohhot Hotel (0471-6962200), Bayantala Hotel (0471-6963344), Caoyuan Mingzhu Hotel (0471-6608800), Zhaojun Hotel Hohhot (0471-69 62211 )

Education: Inner Mongolia University, Inner Mongolia Normal University, Inner Mongolia Industrial University, Inner Mongolia Medical Institute, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Inner Mongolia Institute of Finance and Economics

Sister cities: Okasaki (Japan), Ulaanbaatar (Mongolia)

Economic parameters:

Region's GDP: in 2004, the city's total GDP was 60 billion yuan, an increase of 47.6% compared to the same period in the previous year.

Industry: In 2004, industrial value added amounted to 17.5 billion yuan for the entire year, an increase of 36.7%.

Agriculture: in 2004, the total grain yield amounted to 1.155 million tons (historical record).

Construction industry: no data available.

Budget: in 2004, total budget revenues amounted to 6.09 billion yuan, including 3.67 yuan from local revenues. The corresponding increase is 50.4% and 72%.

Foreign trade: according to customs statistics, in 2004 the total volume of foreign trade turnover reached 1.871 billion US dollars, an increase of 65.66% compared to the same period in the previous year.

Use of foreign investments: in 2004, foreign funds were attracted in the amount of 240 million US dollars with an increase of 127%.

Foreign economic and technological cooperation: no data available.

Tourism: 1 billion yuan worth of added value was realized in 2004, an increase of 45% compared to the previous year.

Income of the city population: in 2004, the average level of income at the disposal of the urban population and the net income of the rural population, respectively, was 10,166 yuan and 4,005 yuan. Growth – 23.5% and 26.4%.

The city of Hohhot, China, is located in the middle of the endless steppes in the north of the state. This autonomous region, Inner Mongolia, occupies an area larger than both Germany and France (if you add up both territories). But the metropolis itself is quite compact. It seems that time has frozen in it somewhere at the turn of the last centuries.

Historical data

At the end of the 14th century, the Mongol rule was overthrown in China and the Ming dynasty began to rule the country. It was during these years that in the north of the country the Chinese founded a small settlement called Guihua, i.e. “a place where the wind is not heard.” By the end of the 15th century, Altan Khan, the second son of the khan of the ruling Mongol dynasty and controlling the territory from Ordos to Yellow River, built on the territory of a small settlement Khukhe Khoto, i.e., the “blue city”. It was he who became the main stake in the war for the peaceful unification of territories. The territory quickly became the religious, cultural, commercial and craft center of the entire region.

Closer to the 19th century, not far from the actively developing Huhe Hot, another settlement, Suyuan, was founded. Over time, both territories grew so much that they merged into one - Guisui. When railway construction began to develop in China in the last century, the city received an additional impetus for development - it became the capital of Suiyuan Province.

During the Japanese occupation, Guisui became the capital of the state of Mengjiang. When the authorities disbanded Suyuan Province in 1954, the capital was renamed Hohhot, and it became one of the most important centers of Inner Mongolia.

Weather

The endless expanses of steppe, green to the very horizon, the Hohhot Plains are located in a semi-arid continental climate. Precipitation is no more than 450 mm/year, humidity is more than moderate. The winds are weak, but the amplitude of annual temperature fluctuations is significant: from -25° in winter to +30° in summer. But in normal years, the winter temperature rarely drops to more than -10°, and the winter period lasts about 6 months.

The best time for tourism is from May to September. But daily fluctuations can be up to 20°, so you will have to stock up on warm clothes for sunny days at the same time.

Administrative division

The Hohhot metropolis is divided into 4 districts, 4 rural districts and one khoshun.

Hohhot attractions

Most of the attractions have deep historical and religious roots. It represents the heart of Buddhist culture in the north of the country. The most popular places to visit Hohhot are:

• Da Zhao Monastery;
• Temple of the Five Pagodas;
• Great Mosque;
• Silitu Temple;
• Wang Zhaojun's tomb.

Modern secular attractions are represented by:

• mausoleum of Genghis Khan;
• University of Hohhot China;
• Museum of Inner Mongolia.

A few tens of kilometers from Hohhot is the interesting town of Silamuzhen. It is located near the oldest section of the Great Wall of China. Here tourists will experience all the “delights” of the life of a nomadic peasant:

• life in a yurt;
• horse racing on steppe horses;
• Mongolian dishes prepared in accordance with ancient traditions;
• rare holidays with songs, fights, competitions, songs.

Where to eat?

After seeing the sights, museums, temples and monuments, the question arises: where can you eat? Culinary culture has absorbed the characteristics of several nationalities.

In local restaurants, everything is traditional: Mongolian or Chinese cuisine, music, ambience, and staff uniforms. The main menu consists of lamb, dairy products, and lamb. Almost every establishment will offer manti and vegetable side dishes.

In a specialized Mongolian restaurant they will serve something quite exotic: dishes made from animal entrails, a cow's head (but it's expensive), tea with lard, and so on.

How to have fun?

The choice of entertainment is not large. This mainly involves visiting attractions, exhibitions, and concerts. In the center of Hohhot there is a park with a Ferris wheel. The local stadium is worth watching a series of football games during the high season. They take place on weekends at 19.30 pm.

Most tourists make sure to visit the Da Zhao Buddhist Temple. In fact, this is an entire temple complex, around which there are souvenir shops, and in the adjacent ancient streets there are many tea shops. Bargaining in such places is required.

In front of the block with the most expensive houses there is a small park where “singing fountains” turn on after 21:00.

Transport

On world maps the metropolis is designated as Hohhot. It contains both an airport and a railway station. Inside, everyone travels by bus. You can only rent a car with a driver, even if you have an international driver's license. Most foreigners travel by taxi, but it will be difficult to explain the necessary route points - the locals speak almost no English.

Map

Before visiting Hohhot, it is worth familiarizing yourself with a detailed map. A map of attractions, restaurants, and roads will also come in handy.

Popular hotels in Hohhot

There are many hotels in Hohhot, from budget options for 500 rubles per night to very expensive ones from 7,000 rubles per night:

• Jinjiang Inn Hohhot South Tongdao Road;
• Hohhot Inner Mongolia Hotel;
• Holiday Inn Hohhot;
• Hohhot Zhaojun Hotel.

Latest holiday reviews

“Few people travel to Hohhot, mostly on business or on a business trip. Getting there from the central part of Russia will be a little difficult, but for those who live in the Far East, it will be easier to go. And a trip from Ulaanbaatar for the weekend will not cost much at all.”

“You should definitely visit the Great Mosque. It is a very calm and welcoming place. Here Muslims leave personal questions and requests and receive protection. This is history. And on the neighboring streets there are products from all over the world, silks, tea...”

“Excellent museum of science and technology. This is a complex of large buildings with interesting stands and a small aquarium. The topics are varied: robotics, space, health, practical stands. True, without a guide, all this is difficult to understand, but very interesting.”

“A very unusual place, the Islamic quarter in the city center. A beautiful and crowded area. Here on the streets you can find the cheapest fruits, and you can also bargain.”

Conclusion

Hohhot is a metropolis that is developing quite quickly. Construction goes on for entire blocks. The biggest difficulty when visiting is language misunderstanding. There are practically no signs in English; all inscriptions are duplicated in Mongolian. A big problem is the lack of stable Internet. Lots of places (parks and squares) for walking. The crime rate in the city is one of the lowest in the country. But in some neighborhoods you shouldn’t let your guard down.

Hohhot is a small town by Chinese standards (only about 2 million people) in the north of the country, the capital of the autonomous region of Inner Mongolia . Inner Mongolia attracts with its endless expanses. Nomadic shepherds graze their flocks of sheep and herds of horses on green plains that stretch to the horizon.

Endless steppes begin immediately outside the city limits. Traces of former greatness are imprinted in the architecture of the city. Representatives of about 36 ethnic groups live in the city, although the Mongols themselves make up only 9% of the population.

Everyone argues about how its name is translated from Mongolian: it would be more correct to say “blue city” or “blue city,” but it is more often called “green.” The Chinese, as is their habit, changed the name, and the translation turns out to be “a place where the whistle of the wind cannot be heard.”

Theatrical costumes and cartridges are produced here, there is a government, a theater and a museum. And the city of Hohhot is missing from the national system of theater, exhibition, concert and other cultural events.

The remains of an ancient man, more than 500 thousand years old, were found in Hohhot . France is one of the countries whose scientists took part in the study of the found remains. A permanent settlement appeared here 2300 years ago during the “warring kingdoms period”, when the city of Yunjun was founded here by King Zhao. After these lands were incorporated into the Ming Empire, Emperor Wanli founded the city from which Hohhot grew in the 16th century. The ancient city was built in 1581, and some time later a new town grew to the north-eastern side. In Hohhot, there has been cultural and economic exchange between the Han and northern peoples since ancient times.

Thanks to a number of its attractions, Hohhot is considered a major Buddhist center. The most famous of them are Da Zhao Monastery and the Temple of the Five Pagodas. Dazhao Temple, built in 1580, houses a 25-meter-tall silver Buddha statue that was personally blessed by the 3rd Dalai Lama in 1586. The temple complex, with a total area of ​​30,000 square meters, combines Tibetan and Han traditional styles.

The city also has the unofficial title of “China's Dairy Capital” as it is home to the headquarters of Chinese dairy giants Mengniu and Yili. When people talk about Hohhot, they usually praise its cuisine, which has features of both Chinese and Mongolian. For example, lamb and suutei tsai (salted Mongolian milk tea) are popular here. This kind of cuisine is not for everybody.