Chifeng is located in the eastern part of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, at the intersection of the southwestern section of the Greater Khingan Range and the northern foot of the Yanshan Mountains. It has a temperate continental monsoon climate with four distinct seasons: cold and dry winters, warm and rainy summers. The total area is about 90,000 square kilometers, making it the most populous city in Inner Mongolia.
Chifeng has a long history and is the birthplace of the Hongshan culture, dating back 5,000 to 6,000 years. The famous Jade Dragon, unearthed here, is known as the First Dragon of China. During the Liao Dynasty, Chifeng was the site of the Liao Upper Capital, Linhuang Prefecture, leaving behind rich Liao cultural relics.
Chifeng is a Mongolian聚居区 with strong Mongolian culture, featuring colorful traditional activities such as the Naadam Festival and sacrificial ceremonies at Obo. The cuisine is mainly Mongolian, including hand-grabbed lamb, roast whole sheep, milk tea, and milk tofu, as well as local snacks like Mongolian pies and duijia (a kind of sandwich).
Modern Chifeng is an important industrial city and transportation hub in eastern Inner Mongolia, rich in mineral resources, with non-ferrous metals and energy chemicals as leading industries. Meanwhile, tourism is booming, with natural landscapes such as grasslands, deserts, lakes, and forests attracting a large number of visitors.
The best time to visit 赤峰 is Summer and Autumn (May to October).
The best time to visit Chifeng is summer and autumn, from May to October. The weather is pleasant, the grasslands are lush green, and wildflowers are in full bloom, offering the most beautiful scenery.
July and August are the peak season for grassland tourism. You can participate in the Naadam Festival and experience traditional Mongolian sports and entertainment. However, there are many tourists at this time, so it is recommended to book accommodation in advance.
September and October are crisp and clear, with golden grasslands, making it a paradise for photographers. Winter is cold but offers snow-covered landscapes, suitable for tourists who enjoy ice and snow activities.
The Hongshan culture emerged in the Chifeng area, and the Jade Dragon, known as the First Dragon of China, was unearthed, marking an important origin of Chinese civilization.
Emperor Taizu of Liao, Yelü Abaoji, established the Liao Supreme Capital Linhuangfu in present-day Bairin Left Banner, Chifeng, making it the political center of the Liao Dynasty.
Recommended places to visit
Hexigten Stone Forest (formerly Ashatu Stone Forest) is located in Hexigten Banner, Chifeng. It is a world geopark famous for its unique granite landforms, with various shapes resembling artificial carvings.
Dali Nur Lake is one of the four famous lakes in Inner Mongolia, located in Hexigten Banner. It is an important habitat for migratory birds and is known as Swan Lake.
Explore rich intangible cultural heritage and traditional crafts
The Nadam Festival is a traditional Mongolian sports and entertainment event, including horse racing, wrestling, and archery. It has been inscribed on the National Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
Khoomei is a unique Mongolian singing style where a single performer produces multiple vocal parts simultaneously, with deep and distant sounds. It has been inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
Must-know transportation for exploring the city
Chifeng Yulong Airport is located southwest of the city, about 15 km from the city center. It has flights to Beijing, Shanghai, Hohhot, and other cities.
Economy class about 500-1000 RMB
Chifeng Station is a high-speed railway station connecting to Beijing, Shenyang, Dalian, etc. The high-speed train from Beijing to Chifeng takes about 2.5 hours, convenient and fast.
Second class about 200-300 RMB
City buses in Chifeng cover main urban areas and attractions. The fare is 1-2 RMB, and you can use bus cards or mobile payment.
1-2 RMB
Taste the most authentic and popular local specialties
Hand-grabbed mutton is a traditional Mongolian dish. It uses tender lamb, boiled in plain water, and eaten by hand. The meat is tender and retains its natural flavor.
Roasted whole lamb is the highlight of a Mongolian banquet. The whole lamb is marinated and roasted, with crispy skin and tender meat, a must-have for festivals and celebrations.
After the founding of the People's Republic of China, Chifeng gradually developed into an important industrial city and transportation hub in eastern Inner Mongolia, with sustained economic growth.
Ulanbutong Grassland is located in Hexigten Banner, Chifeng. It is a famous film and television base, known for dramas like 'My Fair Princess', with magnificent grassland scenery.
Chifeng Museum is located in the city center, with rich collections displaying historical artifacts of Hongshan culture and Liao culture, serving as a window to understand Chifeng's history and culture.
Yulong Sand Lake is located in Ongniud Banner, Chifeng. It integrates desert, lake, and grassland, named after the Hongshan culture Jade Dragon unearthed here. Visitors can experience desert off-roading.
Mongolian milk tea is a daily drink for Mongolians, made by boiling brick tea and milk with salt. It has a salty and fragrant taste, often served with fried rice and milk skin.
Duijia is a local snack in Chifeng, consisting of a crispy cake filled with smoked meat. It is crispy outside and tender inside, with a fragrant aroma, similar to roujiamo but with a unique flavor.
Milk tofu is a traditional Mongolian dairy product made from fermented milk. It has a sweet and sour taste, can be eaten directly or soaked in milk tea, and can also be fried.