Tongliao Travel Guide

Chinese Name: 通辽 (tōng liáo)
Population: 3,163,600
Area: 59,835 square kilometers (23,102 square miles)
Location: in the east of Inner Mongolia, north China
Administrative Division: 1 district (Keerqin); 1 county (Kailu); 5 banners (Kulun Banner, Naiman Banner, Zhalute Banner, Keerqin Left Wing and Central Banner, Keerqin Right Wing, Behind Banner); 1 county-level city (Huolinguole)
Area Code: 0475
Zip Code: 028000
GDP (2018): CNY 130.16 billion (USD 19.67 billion)
Nationalities: Mongol, Han, Man, Hui, Chaoxian, Daur

Situated in the east part of the Inner Mongolia, Tongliao City is bordered by Jilin and Liaoning provinces to the east and the south. It neighbors Chifeng City to the west, situated at the convergence of Northeast China and North China. Tongliao is a fertile land both for agriculture and animal husbandry, and also the habitat of many wild animals, such as red-crowned cranes, white stork, sika deer and sable.

Endless grasslands, rich Mongolian customs and great Nadam Fair are the most essential parts of Tongliao travel. As an important Mongolian traditional festival, Nadam Fair from July to August is attractive with performances and sport events including wrestling, archery and horse racing. Visitors can also enjoy the Horqin printmaking in Tongliao Printmaking Art Center, which is mainly based on the production and life of Mongolian people, featuring realistic content, simple style, rough lines, fresh colors and strong ethnic and regional characteristics.

Enjoying a temperate continental climate, Tongliao has dry and windy spring, short and hot summer, cool autumn and chilly winter. Usually, intense rainfall concentrates on summer. In addition, Tongliao has abundant wind energy.
 
 When to Go: Generally, winter is seldom suggested for visitors. Beauty of the sceneries at the rest of the year may cater for their different aesthetic needs.

 History: Tongliao is one of the headstreams of Mongolian nation. As early as five thousand years ago, Keerqin Grassland was inhabited and the ancients living there entered the slave society. It belonged to the Yan Kingdom during the Spring and Autumn Period (770BC-476BC) and is brought into the territory of the Qin Dynasty (221BC-206BC) after the union of China.
 
 Physical Features: Tongliao stands at the west of the Songliao Plain, Its northern part lies in the offshoot area of the Great Xing'an Mountains (Daxing'anling). Alluvial plains constitute the central part of the City, and the south and west territory is made up of low hills, ravines and sandy swamps.
 
 Local Highlights:
Keerqin Horse Race Festival (18th August in the Zhurihe Grassland, Keerqin Left Wing and Central Banner)
Andai (Dance) Arts Festival (July in Kulun Banner)
 
 Special Local product: Hanshan white cashmere, Merino fine sheep wool, Keerqin beef, Kulun buckwheat