Map of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region

Author: Wang Ruiping, Editor-in-Chief
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2002-05-10
Features: Administrative Divisions: County-level (inclusive) and above; Transportation: Airports, railways, expressways, national highways, provincial highways, county and township roads; Tourism: Distribution of scenic spots and historical sites; Place Names: Names of all townships (inclusive) and above, and most village names; Cities: Plain maps of provincial capital cities.
Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region is located between 37°30′N and 53°20′N latitude, and 97°10′E and 126°02′E longitude, covering an area of 1.183 million square kilometers. It extends from the vast Xing'an Mountains in the east to the Alxa Gobi Desert in the west, spanning Northeast, North China, and Northwest China, and borders eight provinces and regions. It also borders Russia and Mongolia. This vast land is home to dense forests, fertile grasslands, productive farmland, expansive water bodies, abundant wildlife and plant species, and abundant underground resources, earning it the reputation of "East Forest, West Iron, South Grain, North Pasture, and Abundant Mineral Resources."
Inner Mongolia is a multi-ethnic region, with 49 ethnic groups currently residing in the area. As of the end of 1996, the region had a total population of 23.0655 million, including 3.77 million Mongolians, over 17.6 million Han Chinese, and over 900,000 ethnic minorities. The region currently has four prefecture-level cities—Hohhot, Baotou, Wuhai, and Chifeng—and eight leagues—Hulunbuir, Hinggan, Jilin, Xilingol, Ulanqab, Ikh Zhaosu, Bayan Nur, and Alxa. It is divided into 101 banners, counties, cities, and districts (4 banners, 17 counties, 14 cities, and 16 urban districts), including three autonomous banners for ethnic minorities: Ewenki, Oroqen, and Daur.
Inner Mongolia is vast and resource-rich, with agriculture, animal husbandry, and forestry being its greatest resource advantages. The region ranks among the top in China in terms of per capita arable land, grassland area, and forest area.
"" (Mongguo) is the self-name of the Mongolian people. Originally the name of one of the Mongolian tribes, it gradually evolved into the common name for these tribes over time. According to historical records, the Mongolian people belong to the Donghu ethnic group and originated from a branch of the Sireng tribal group. They have inhabited the area along the Erguna River since before the 7th century AD and later moved westward to the upper reaches of the Orshuun River and the Buirhan Mountains (Greater Khentii Mountains) and the Khulun River. In Tang Dynasty Chinese historical records, they were referred to as "Mengwa," and in the Liao Shi (History of the Liao Dynasty), they were called "Menggu." In the early 13th century AD, Genghis Khan unified the Mongolian tribes and gradually integrated them into a new ethnic community. As a result, "Mongguo" evolved from the name of a single tribe into a national name. In Chinese historical records, they were uniformly referred to as "Mongguo."
When it comes to the beauty of Inner Mongolia, it is difficult for those who have not experienced its scenery to imagine it. Let alone the majestic Greater Khingan Mountains, the towering Helan Mountains, and the mighty Yellow River; nor the vast forests, misty lakes, and boundless desert landscapes. Just the sight of the boundless grasslands is enough to leave you in awe and make you reluctant to leave. If you visit the grasslands in summer, you will be greeted with a lush green expanse stretching as far as the eye can see. The flatlands are green, the streams are green, and even the gently curved hills are green, with a vibrant green hue flowing everywhere until the distant horizon. Scattered among this lush green are wildflowers in various colors, adding to the charm of the grasslands. And the white Mongolian yurts, with their wisps of smoke, the herds of horses, sheep, and cattle moving like colorful clouds, and the distant singing of shepherdesses—these all bring infinite vitality to this beautiful scene.
Looking into the distance, the sky is so blue and high, and the earth is so green and vast.