Tongliao (通辽)

1. Introduction

Tongliao City (Mongolian: Papel, Sino-Mongolian transliteration: Ttingliy’oo Xota, Poppe transliteration: Ttingliyou gota) is a prefecture-level city under the jurisdiction of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China. Formerly known as the Jirem League, it is located in the southeastern part of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and the northeastern part of North China. The city borders the Xing'an League to the north, the Xilin Gol League to the northwest, Chifeng City to the southwest, Liaoning Province's Chaoyang City, Fuxin City, Shenyang City, and Tieling City to the southeast, and Jilin Province's Siping City, Songyuan City, and Baicheng City to the northeast. Situated in the transitional zone between the western edge of the Songliao Plain and the Inner Mongolia Plateau, the northwest is dominated by the Greater Khingan Range, the central area consists of the Horqin Grassland and the West Liao River alluvial plain, and the southern part is covered by the Horqin Sandy Land. The Xar Moron River and the Laoha River converge in the western part of the city to form the West Liao River, which flows eastward across the city. The East Liao River in the southeast serves as the boundary river with Liaoning Province. The Han ethnic group accounts for approximately 50% of the city's population, while the Mongolian ethnic group makes up about 46%. Tongliao is the prefecture-level city with the largest Mongolian population in China. The Municipal People's Government is located on Agula Avenue in the Horqin District.

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2. History

During the Warring States period and the Qin and Han dynasties, the southern part of Tongliao was under the jurisdiction of Liaodong Commandery and Liaoxi Commandery of the State of Yan. The State of Yan built the Yan Great Wall in the central and southern regions of Tongliao to defend against invasions by the Donghu people. In the Eastern Jin and Sixteen Kingdoms period, the Former Yan ruled the eastern and western Liao River basins, while the Northern Yan established the Guishan King. During the Tang dynasty, the Raole Chief Commandery, Songmo Chief Commandery, and Shiwei Chief Commandery were established.

In the Liao dynasty, the Nen River basin and the eastern and western Liao River basins were governed by the Shangjing Circuit and Dongjing Circuit. During the Jin dynasty, these areas were under the jurisdiction of Linhuang Prefecture of the Shangjing Route, the Northeast Route Pacification Commissioner, and Xianping Prefecture of the Xianping Route. In the Yuan dynasty, they were governed by Kaiyuan Route of Liaoyang Province, and Taining Route and Ningchang Route of the Central Secretariat.

In the Ming dynasty, the Nen River basin and the eastern and western Liao River basins belonged to the Three Guards of Uriankhai (Duoyan Guard, Fuyu Guard, and Taining Guard) and were under the jurisdiction of the Daning Regional Military Commission. By the late Ming dynasty, this area became the pastureland of the Khorchin tribe. In 1636, the six banners of the Khorchin tribe, two banners of the Gorlos tribe, one banner of the Jalaid tribe, and one banner of the Dörbed tribe formed an alliance at Jerim Mountain (located in present-day Khorchin Right Wing Middle Banner, Hinggan League), marking the establishment of the Jerim League.

In 1914, the town was designated as Liaoyuan County. In 1918, Liaoyuan County was abolished and Tongliao County was established. After 1914, the area was divided among Fengtian, Jilin, and Heilongjiang provinces (the six banners of Khorchin Left and Right Wings belonged to Fengtian Province, the former Gorlos Banner to Jilin Province, and the latter Gorlos Banner, Jalaid Banner, and Dörbed Banner to Heilongjiang Province). After 1929, it came under the jurisdiction of the Mongolian and Tibetan Affairs Commission of the Nanjing government. In 1946, after the Communist Party of China took control, the Jerim League Government was established (based in Bayan Tal); additionally, the former, middle, and latter banners of Khorchin and Jalaid Banner were separated to form the Hinggan League.

In 1947, the government relocated to Tongliao and became part of Liaobei Province. In 1947, Jarud Banner and Naiman Banner were transferred from the Juu Uda League. At the end of 1948, Hure Banner was transferred from the Juu Uda League. In 1949, Kailu County was transferred from Rehe Province. In the same year, the former Khorchin Left Wing Banner was abolished and merged into Zhangwu County, Khorchin Left Wing Rear Banner, and Hure Banner. Also in 1949, Liaobei Province was abolished, and the area was incorporated into the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. In 1951, Tongliao County was abolished and Tongliao City was established. In 1958, Tongliao County was merged into the city. In 1965, Tongliao County was re-established. In July 1969, the Jerim League was transferred to Jilin Province. In July 1979, the Jerim League was returned to the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. In 1986, Tongliao County was merged into the city. In 1999, the league was abolished and replaced by a city, ending the prefecture-level Jerim League and establishing the prefecture-level Tongliao City, which governs Horqin District, Holingol City, Horqin Left Wing Middle Banner, Horqin Left Wing Rear Banner, Kailu County, Hure Banner, Naiman Banner, and Jarud Banner.

3. Geography

3.1 Topography

Tongliao City features higher elevations in its southern and northern parts and a lower, flatter central area, forming a saddle-like shape. The northern region consists of rocky mountainous hills at the southern foothills of the Greater Khingan Range, accounting for 22.8% of the city's total area, with elevations ranging from 400 to 1300 meters. The southern area comprises low mountains and loess hills at the edge of the western Liaoning mountainous region, making up 7.0% of the total area, with elevations between 550 and 730 meters. The central part is a sandy alluvial plain of the West Liao River basin, covering 70.7% of the total area, with elevations from 120 to 320 meters. Within this central plain, in the transitional zone between the alluvial plain and the mountainous and hilly areas, there are undulating sand dunes and sandy lands with elevations ranging from 200 to 400 meters.

3.2 Water Systems

The city has a total of 47 rivers with drainage areas exceeding 100 square kilometers. The water system is predominantly part of the West Liao River system, distributed across its tributaries: the Xiliao River, Laoha River, Jiaolai River, and Xinkai River. It also includes parts of the lower reaches of the East Liao River and some tributaries of the lower Liao River, as well as sections of the Daling River and Huolin River. Due to consecutive years of drought, the Liao River, Xinkai River, and Jiaolai River within the city experience perennial flow interruptions.

3.3 Climate

Tongliao has a continental temperate semi-arid climate with four distinct seasons and significant monsoon influences. Winters are cold and long, summers are hot and humid, while spring and autumn are relatively short. The average temperature in the coldest month (January) is -13.5°C, and in the hottest month (July) it is 24.1°C, with an annual average temperature of 6.6°C.

4. Administrative Divisions

The city currently administers 1 district, 1 county, 5 banners, and oversees 1 county-level city on behalf of a higher authority.

• District: Horqin District
• County-level City: Huolinguole City
• County: Kailu County
• Banners: Horqin Left Wing Middle Banner, Horqin Left Wing Rear Banner, Hure Banner, Naiman Banner, Jarud Banner

5. Economy

5.1 Economic Growth and Aggregate

In 2023, the regional Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Tongliao City reached 160.9 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 5.2%, marking the best growth level in seven years. In the first half of 2024, Tongliao's GDP was 68.31 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 3.8%. Although the growth rate has moderated, the overall economic operation maintained a stable trend.

5.2 Industrial Structure Adjustment

The structure of the three industries in Tongliao City continued to optimize. In 2023, the added value of the primary industry was 40.72 billion yuan, accounting for 25.3% of GDP; the added value of the secondary industry was 49.29 billion yuan, accounting for 30.6%; and the added value of the tertiary industry was 70.88 billion yuan, accounting for 44.1%. Among these, the service sector became the main engine of economic growth, accounting for 44.1% of GDP. Furthermore, the producer services sector developed rapidly, with its added value reaching 22.74 billion yuan in 2023, a year-on-year increase of 16.6%, accounting for 32.1% of the tertiary industry's added value.

5.3 Agriculture and Animal Husbandry

Agriculture is one of the important pillar industries of Tongliao City. In 2023, the city's grain output reached 18.9 billion kilograms, achieving "twenty consecutive bumper harvests" and firmly ranking first in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Tongliao City also vigorously developed the beef cattle industry, with the output value of the entire industrial chain reaching 40.49 billion yuan, and its brand value consistently ranking first among regional livestock product brands nationwide.

5.4 Industry and Energy

In terms of industry, Tongliao City launched the "Industrial Doubling" initiative, adding 37 new enterprises above designated size, with the added value of industries above designated size growing by 0.5%. The installed capacity of new energy exceeded ten million kilowatts. The added value of coal mining and washing increased by 10.2%, while wind power and photovoltaic power generation increased by 13.0% and 23.3%, respectively.

5.5 Technological Innovation and Business Environment

Technological innovation played a significant role in Tongliao's economic development. Fiscal expenditure on science and technology increased by 10.4%, and the number of high-tech enterprises reached 67. Additionally, Tongliao City was honored as the "2023 China Business Environment Innovation Demonstration City," with the number of market entities exceeding 300,000.

5.6 Fixed Asset Investment and Consumption

Fixed asset investment grew significantly, with investment above the designated limit increasing by 24.3% in 2023, and infrastructure investment growing by 94.0%. The total retail sales of consumer goods reached 34.44 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 4.5%.

5.7 People's Livelihood and Social Security

Fiscal expenditure on people's livelihood accounted for 70.5% of the total. The per capita disposable income of urban and rural residents increased by 5.2% and 8.3%, respectively. Investment in education, healthcare, elderly care, and other fields increased, with the coverage rates of basic pension insurance and basic medical insurance reaching 93% and 96.7%, respectively.

5.8 Future Outlook

Tongliao City will continue to advance modernization, accelerate the construction of a new development pattern, and actively cultivate new drivers for economic development. It will focus on developing high-tech industries and modern service industries to promote high-quality economic development.

Tongliao City has achieved significant progress in economic aggregate, industrial structure, agriculture and animal husbandry, industry and energy, technological innovation, fixed asset investment, consumption, and people's livelihood security. In the future, Tongliao City will continue to deepen reform and opening up to promote sustained and healthy economic development.

6. Transportation

• National Highways 111, 303, and 304 pass through the area.
• Accessible via airport

7. Education

7.1 Universities

Inner Mongolia Minzu University

7.2 High Schools

Horqin District No. 2 Middle School
Tongliao No. 1 Middle School
Tongliao No. 3 Middle School
Tongliao No. 5 Middle School
Tongliao Experimental Middle School
Tongliao New City No. 1 Middle School
Tongliao Mongolian Middle School

8. Population

At the end of 2022, the city's permanent resident population was 2.8346 million, a decrease of 18,500 people compared to the end of the previous year. Among them, the urban population was 1.4463 million, and the rural population was 1.3883 million. The urbanization rate of the permanent resident population was 51.02%, an increase of 0.39 percentage points from the previous year. The male population was 1.4302 million, and the female population was 1.4044 million. The annual number of births was 14,800, with a birth rate of 5.21‰; the number of deaths was 25,100, with a death rate of 8.83‰; the natural population growth rate was -3.62‰.

According to the Seventh National Population Census in 2020, the city's permanent resident population was 2,873,168. Compared with the 3,139,153 people from the Sixth National Population Census, there was a total decrease of 265,985 people over the ten-year period, a decline of 8.47%, with an average annual growth rate of -0.88%. Among them, the male population was 1,449,181, accounting for 50.44% of the total population; the female population was 1,423,987, accounting for 49.56% of the total population. The overall sex ratio (with females as 100) was 101.77. The population aged 0–14 was 417,081, accounting for 14.52% of the total population; the population aged 15–59 was 1,918,926, accounting for 66.79% of the total population; the population aged 60 and above was 537,161, accounting for 18.7% of the total population, of which the population aged 65 and above was 345,357, accounting for 12.02% of the total population. The urban population was 1,437,489, accounting for 50.03% of the total population; the rural population was 1,435,679, accounting for 49.97% of the total population.

8.1 Ethnic Groups

Tongliao is the prefecture-level city with the largest Mongolian population in China. Among the permanent resident population, the Han Chinese population was 1,438,401, accounting for 50.06%; the Mongolian population was 1,325,826, accounting for 46.15%; and the population of other ethnic minorities was 108,941, accounting for 3.79%. Compared with the Sixth National Population Census in 2010, the Han Chinese population decreased by 153,878, a decline of 9.66%, and its proportion of the total population decreased by 0.66 percentage points. The population of all ethnic minorities decreased by 112,107, a decline of 7.25%, but its proportion of the total population increased by 0.66 percentage points. Among them, the Mongolian population decreased by 115,449, a decline of 8.01%, while its proportion of the total population increased by 0.23 percentage points.

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9. Culture

Tongliao City boasts a rich and diverse cultural landscape, characterized by profound historical heritage and unique regional characteristics. The following is a detailed description of Tongliao's cultural status:

9.1 Cultural Heritage Protection and Inheritance

Tongliao City actively promotes the protection of cultural heritage, including cultural relic surveys and the safeguarding and transmission of intangible cultural heritage. For instance, the city is currently conducting the fourth national cultural relic survey to comprehensively understand the status of relics and strengthen their protection and management. Furthermore, Tongliao has established a four-tier intangible cultural heritage protection system, setting up 69 intangible cultural heritage halls/rooms and 72 intangible cultural heritage transmission centers (inheritance bases). Multiple policies and regulations have also been formulated to support the protection and inheritance of traditional culture.

9.2 Integration and Exchange of Multi-Ethnic Cultures

As a major city in eastern Inner Mongolia, Tongliao is home to 43 ethnic groups, including Han, Mongolian, Manchu, and Hui, making it a typical multi-ethnic settlement area. This diverse cultural background fosters extensive interaction and integration among different ethnic groups, creating a unique cultural atmosphere. For example, Tongliao promotes the spirit of ethnic unity through events like the Grassland Naadam Festival.

9.3 Development of Cultural Tourism and Cultural Industries

Tongliao City actively develops cultural tourism resources by hosting cultural events such as the West Liao River Cultural Festival and the Zhelimu Horse Racing Festival, attracting a large number of tourists. Simultaneously, the city is driving innovation in cultural industries, utilizing technological means to protect and inherit the West Liao River civilization and building a digital cultural innovation ecosystem. Additionally, Tongliao is committed to transforming cultural resources into tourism assets to enhance the cultural tourism experience.

9.4 Public Cultural Services and Cultural Benefits for the People

In recent years, Tongliao City has vigorously constructed a public cultural service system, achieving 100% coverage of grassroots comprehensive cultural service centers. Through performances by the Ulan Muqir (cultural troupe) and cultural benefit activities, excellent artistic works are brought closer to the people, enriching the cultural lives of residents. Moreover, Tongliao advocates for nationwide reading and promotes the construction of a "Scholarly Tongliao."

9.5 Cultural Education and Talent Development

Tongliao City places emphasis on the development of cultural education, particularly in traditional Mongolian culture education. For example, School K in Tongliao offers school-based courses on traditional Mongolian culture, aiming to cultivate students' ethnic cultural awareness and emotional connection. Furthermore, Tongliao enhances the quality and capabilities of cultural talents through various cultural activities and training programs.

9.6 Cultural Branding and Innovation

Tongliao City is dedicated to building the "West Liao River Culture" brand, showcasing the profound connotations of the West Liao River civilization through events like the Cultural Industry Expo and Trade Fair. At the same time, the city focuses on the innovation and development of cultural products, promoting the creation of high-quality artistic works and the growth of cultural and creative industries.

The cultural status of Tongliao City reflects its profound historical and cultural heritage, rich multi-ethnic culture, thriving cultural industries, and well-established public cultural service system. These factors collectively constitute the unique cultural charm of Tongliao, providing solid cultural support for the city's sustainable development.

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Horqin District

Horqin District

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