Tongliao Travel Guide
Tongliao Facts
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
An Important Animal Husbandry Production Base
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.
Tongliao Attractions - Things to Do
Zhurihe Grassland Tour Zone
| Admission Fee | CNY 40 |
|---|---|
| Transportation | take bus from Tongliao bus station to Zhurihe Town and then hire a van to the grassland tour zone. |
Fuyuan Temple
Located in Kulun Town of Kulun Banner, it is a Lama temple combining with Lamaism school built in 1742, and its name was christened by Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Grand summons ceremonies will be held every quarter of a year.
Other Scenic Spots in/near Tongliao: Daqinggou Ecological Tour Zone, Xingyuan Temple
How to Get to Tongliao
1. Tongliao Bus Station is seated in Nanshun Dajie, opposite the railway station, Keerqin District. Generally, visitors can reach Tongliao in 4 hours from Jilin and 5 hours from Shenyang. The way from downtown Tongliao to the Keerqin Grassland will cost two hours. Tourist buses in the city proper will help visitor to the Fuyuan Temple.
2. Tongliao Airport is 10 kilometers (6 miles) southwest of the downtown area. Airport buses are available. The airport has opened domestic and international flights to/from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Xi’an, Chongqing, Dalian, Tianjin, Jinan, Zhengzhou, Changchun, Yantai, Hohhot, Erdos, Harbin, Hailar, Ulan Bator, Bangkok…
Weather
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.
Tongliao Travel Tips
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