Tongliao City is located in the eastern part of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, in the heart of the Horqin Grassland, spanning latitudes 42°-45°N and longitudes 119°-123°E. It has a temperate continental monsoon climate with four distinct seasons: cold and dry winters, warm and humid summers. The average annual temperature ranges from 0-6°C, with annual precipitation between 350-450 mm.
Tongliao has a long history and is one of the birthplaces of the Mongolian people. During the Qing Dynasty, it was established as the Jerim League, and in 1999, it was upgraded from a league to a prefecture-level city. It is the hometown of Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang, a prominent figure of the Qing court, and the national hero Gada Meilin, and is an important region recorded in 'The Secret History of the Mongols'.
Tongliao is one of the areas where traditional Mongolian culture is best preserved, with rich intangible cultural heritage such as Andai dance, Horqin folk songs, and Uliger storytelling. The cuisine features hand-grabbed lamb, roast whole lamb, Mongolian milk tea, beef jerky, and buckwheat noodles, reflecting the nomadic food culture.
In recent years, Tongliao has vigorously developed modern agriculture, animal husbandry, and green energy industries, becoming an important national commodity grain base and wind power base. Urban infrastructure is continuously improving, with accelerated construction of the Horqin New City and booming tourism. Grassland ecotourism has become a new highlight.
The best time to visit 通辽 is Summer (June-August) and Autumn (September-October) are the best travel seasons.
In summer, the grassland is lush and green with cool weather, making it a summer resort. The Nadam Fair is usually held in July-August, offering experiences of traditional Mongolian sports and dances.
In autumn, the grassland turns golden with clear skies, ideal for photography and outdoor activities. Livestock are plump at this time, enhancing the culinary experience.
Winter is cold, but you can experience the Ice and Snow Nadam and snowy grassland scenery, suitable for winter tourism enthusiasts.
In 1636, the Qing government established Zhelimu League in the Horqin area, one of the six leagues of Inner Mongolia, under which Tongliao area was administered.
Mongolian hero Gada Meilin led the famous Gada Meilin Uprising to protect the grasslands and herders' interests, becoming a legend of the prairie.
With the approval of the State Council, Zhelimu League was abolished and the prefecture-level city of Tongliao was established, opening a new chapter in urban development.
Recommended places to visit
Daqinggou is a green wonder in the Horqin Sandy Land, known for its primeval forests, streams, and grassland scenery, reputed as an 'oasis in the desert'.
Centered on the former residence of Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang, it showcases Mongolian princely culture and Qing history.
Explore rich intangible cultural heritage and traditional crafts
Horqin folk songs are an important branch of Mongolian folk songs, with long melodies and sincere emotions. Representative works include 'Gada Meilin' and 'Senjidema'.
Mongolian folk dance originating from Kulun Banner, Tongliao, characterized by waving scarves and stomping steps, used for blessing and disaster relief.
Must-know transportation for exploring the city
Located southwest of the city, with flights to Beijing, Hohhot, Shenyang, etc., convenient transportation.
Economy class 300-800 RMB
Located in the main urban area, with high-speed and regular trains connecting major cities like Beijing, Shenyang, and Harbin.
High-speed second class about 200-400 RMB
Cover the main urban area and major attractions, fare 1-2 RMB, some routes directly reach tourist areas.
1-2 RMB
Taste the most authentic and popular local specialties
Selected Horqin grassland beef, air-dried by traditional techniques, chewy and savory.
Traditional Mongolian dish: large chunks of lamb boiled in water, eaten with salt or leek flower sauce, retaining original flavor.
Including Xingyuan Temple, Xiangjiao Temple, and Fuyuan Temple, they are a group of Gelug sect Tibetan Buddhist temples with grand architecture and long history.
Typical Horqin grassland scenery, offering horse riding, archery, yurt accommodation, and nomadic life experience.
The largest desert reservoir in Inner Mongolia, with vast waters and many sand islands, offering boat tours and sand off-roading.
Brick tea boiled with milk and salt, sometimes with fried rice and milk skin, savory and rich, a daily drink.
Mongolian feast dish: whole lamb roasted until crispy skin and tender meat, served with dipping sauce.
Specialty of Kulun Banner in Tongliao, buckwheat noodles are chewy, served cold or in hot soup, healthy and delicious.