Bayannur (巴彦淖尔)

1. Introduction

Bayannur City (Mongolian: ᠪᠠᠶᠠᠨᠨᠠᠭᠤᠷ ᠬᠣᠲᠠ, Chinese Pinyin: Bayannuur khot, Bawden transcription: Bayannayur qota, Cyrillic: Баяннуур хот) is a prefecture-level city under the jurisdiction of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China. It is located in western Inner Mongolia, on the northern bank of the Yellow River. The city borders Baotou City to the east, Ordos City to the south, the Alxa League to the west, and Mongolia to the north. Situated in the western part of the Inner Mongolia Plateau, the Yellow River turns eastward here. The Yin Mountains divide the city's territory into two parts: the southern foothills are the Hetao Plain, and the northern foothills are the Urad Grassland. The total area of the city is 65,100 square kilometers, with the Han ethnic group accounting for 94% of the population and the Mongolian ethnic group accounting for 4.5%. "Bayannur" is a transliteration of the Mongolian word meaning "rich lake," referring to the large lake Ulansuhai Nur in the eastern part of the city. The municipal people's government is located in Linhe District.

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2. History

During the Warring States period, it belonged to Yunzhong Commandery of the State of Zhao. In the Qin dynasty, it was part of Jiuyuan Commandery. In the second year of the Yuanshuo era (127 BCE) of the Western Han dynasty, Emperor Wu dispatched Wei Qing to seize Heshuo (the Hetao Plain) from the Xiongnu and established the two commanderies of Wuyuan and Shuofang. Shuofang Commandery administered ten counties (Shuofang County, Guangmu County, Woye County, Linhe County, Linrong County, Sanfeng County, Ouhun County, Hudao County, Qusou County, Dacheng County, and Xiudu County). Among these, Linhe County and Woye County were within the area of present-day Linhe, while Linrong, Sanfeng, and Ouhun counties were within the area of present-day Dengkou County. In the second year of the Yuanshi era (2 CE), Shuofang Commandery had 34,338 households and a population of 136,628. Wuyuan Commandery administered sixteen counties (Jiuyuan County, Linrong, Heyin County, Manbai County, Wudu, Nanyu, Guyang, Xi'an Yang, Hemu, Yiliang, Cheng Yi, and Guangmu). Among these, counties such as Hemu, Xi'an Yang, Yiliang, and Cheng Yi were within the area of present-day Urad Front Banner; Guangmu County was within the area of present-day Wuyuan County.

During the Northern Wei dynasty, it belonged to the two garrison towns of Huai Shuo and Wo Ye. In the early Tang dynasty, it was under the jurisdiction of Fengzhou, later becoming part of the Central and Western Shouxiang cities. Subsequently, the eastern part of the Bayannur region successively belonged to the Liao and Jin dynasties, while the western part was territory of the Western Xia state. During the Yuan dynasty, the area south of the Yin Mountains belonged to Yunnei Zhou of Datong Lu, and the area north of the Yin Mountains belonged to Dening Lu, all directly under the jurisdiction of the Zhongshu Sheng. Present-day Dengkou County then belonged to Ningxia Lu of Gansu Xing Sheng.

In the early Ming dynasty, the area was divided under the jurisdictions of the San Jiangcheng and Dongsheng Wei of Shanxi, the Zhe Zhe Kou Shouyu Qianhu Suo, and the Ningxia Wei of Shaanxi. Over forty guards and battalions were successively established in the Monan region, falling under the jurisdictions of the Thirteen Major Frontier Princes. During the Qing dynasty, the Hetao region belonged to the territories of the Ordos Left Wing Rear Banner and Right Wing Rear Banner of the Yeke Juu League (present-day Ordos City). In 1648, Urad Front Banner, Urad Middle Banner, and Urad Rear Banner (north and east of the present-day Wujia River) were established. In the 29th year of the Guangxu reign (1903), Wuyuan Ting was established.

In the first year of the Republic of China (1912), Wuyuan Ting was changed to a county.

In the third year of the Republic of China (1914), the Suiyuan Special Administrative Region was established. At that time, the region contained Wuyuan County, Urad Front Banner, Urad Middle Banner, and Urad Rear Banner.

In the 14th year of the Republic of China (1925), the Linhe and Dayutai Administrative Bureaus were established.

In the 16th year of the Republic of China (1927), Dengkou County was established.

In the 17th year of the Republic of China (1928), the Suiyuan Special Administrative Region was changed to Suiyuan Province. At that time, the region contained Wuyuan County, the Dayutai Administrative Bureau, the Linhe Administrative Bureau, Urad Front Banner, Urad Middle Banner, and Urad Rear Banner.

In October of the 18th year of the Republic of China (1929), the Linhe Administrative Bureau was changed to a county.

In July of the 20th year of the Republic of China (1931), the Dayutai Administrative Bureau was renamed the Anbei Administrative Bureau.

In the 31st year of the Republic of China (1942), Suiyuan Province implemented a new county system in Houtao, adding Micang County, Langshan County, Yanjiang County, and the Shanba Town Preparatory Office. At that time, the region contained Wuyuan County, Linhe County, Anbei County, Micang County, Langshan County, Yanjiang County, Urad Front Banner, Urad Middle Banner, Urad Rear Banner, and the Shanba Town Preparatory Office.

In March 1950, the Suiyuan Province Shanba Commissioner's Office was established, administering Wuyuan, Linhe, Anbei, Langshan, Micang, Yanjiang counties, and Shanba Town. Urad Front Banner, Urad Middle Banner, and Urad Rear Banner at that time belonged to Ulanqab League. In September, Micang was abolished and replaced by Hanggin Rear Banner.

In 1954, Suiyuan Province was abolished. The Suiyuan Province Shanba Commissioner's Office was reorganized into the Hetao Administrative Region of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The regional government was located in Shanba Town, administering Wuyuan County, Linhe County, Anbei County, Langshan County, and Dalat Rear Banner.

In 1956, the Bayan Hot Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture and Ejin Autonomous Banner under the jurisdiction of Gansu Province were transferred back to the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, establishing the Bayannur League. The league government was stationed in Bayan Hot City, administering Alxa Banner, Ejin Banner, Dengkou County, and Bayan Hot City.

In 1958, the Hetao Administrative Region and Bayannur League merged to form the new Bayannur League. The Bayannur League Administrative Office moved to Bayan Gol Town in Dengkou County, administering Alxa Banner, Ejin Banner, Hanggin Rear Banner, Urad Front Banner (transferred from Ulanqab League in 1958, under the jurisdiction of Baotou City from July 1960 to December 1963), Urad Middle and Rear United Banner (transferred from Ulanqab League in 1958), Wuyuan County, Linhe County, Qiaokou County (Bayan Gol City from July 1960 to July 1964), and Wuda City (established in July 1961).

In 1970, the Bayannur League Revolutionary Committee moved from Bayan Gol Town in Qiaokou County to Linhe. In October, Chog Banner was established. At that time, Bayannur League administered Jingrui Banner, Urad Front Banner, Urad Middle and Rear United Banner, Chog Banner, Wuyuan County, Linhe County, Qiaokou County, and Wuda City.

On December 1, 2003, Bayannur League and the county-level Linhe City were abolished, establishing Bayannur City and Linhe District. Bayannur City administers Jingrui Banner, Urad Rear Banner, Urad Middle Banner, Urad Front Banner, Wuyuan County, Qiaokou County, and Linhe District.

3. Geography

Bayannur means "rich lake" in Mongolian. Bayannur City borders Mongolia to the north, the Alxa League to the west, Ordos City to the south, and Baotou City to the east. The northern part is the Urad Grassland, the central part is the Yin Mountains, and the southern part is the Hetao Plain. The Urad Grassland covers an area of over 30,600 square kilometers, accounting for about 47% of the city's total area. The terrain slopes from south to north with minimal undulation, making it a natural pasture. The central area features low mountains and hills; the western part extensively contains deserts and Gobi distributed according to the terrain, with the larger Boket Desert being home to saxaul shrub forests. The Yin Mountains stretch between the Hetao Plain and the Urad Grassland, with steep southern slopes standing like a barrier north of the Hetao Plain, and gentle northern slopes gradually connecting to the Urad Grassland. They cover nearly 19,100 square kilometers, accounting for 29% of the city's area. The Hetao Plain is nourished by the Yellow River to the south and embraced by the Lang Mountains to the north, covering nearly 15,900 square kilometers, or 24% of the city's total area. Here, the Yellow River forms the rear loop of the Hetao region, which is an important agricultural zone.

In Bayannur City, the area south of the Yin Mountains belongs to the Yellow River water system, while the area north of the Yin Mountains belongs to the inland river water system. The mountainous areas are runoff-producing zones, while the northern plateau and Hetao Plain are runoff-consuming zones. The Yellow River water system includes 17 tributaries such as gullies from the Lang and Ula Mountains, with a total catchment area of 15,000 square kilometers. Most are seasonal short mountain torrent gullies, with only 52 having clear water, all indirectly converging. The inland river water system is distributed on the plateau of the Yin Mountains, comprising 34 river gullies with a basin area of 31,000 square kilometers. These are also seasonal rivers, with only 10 having clear water and very low flow rates. Bayannur City is relatively rich in lake resources, with over 300 lakes of various sizes covering an area of approximately 47,000 hectares (705,000 mu). Most are distributed in the Hetao irrigation area, with only a few like Sanggendalai Lake and Chagantaolegai Lake located north of the Yin Mountains. There are 10 lakes in the Hetao irrigation area each covering over 100 hectares, among which Wuliangsuhai, located at the eastern end of the rear Hetao Plain, covers 30,000 hectares.

The entire region experiences a temperate arid climate, with relatively warm temperatures. Winters are influenced by the Mongolian Plateau, resulting in lower temperatures. The multi-year average temperature ranges from 3.7°C to 7.6°C. The multi-year average annual precipitation is 100–200 mm on the Urad Plateau (Mongolian: "", Cyrillic: Ypaqian equapper), 130–285 mm on the Hetao Plain, and 200–300 mm in the Yin Mountains. Rainfall is concentrated in the summer months of July and August, often as heavy rain. The multi-year average annual evaporation ranges from 2,030 mm to 3,180 mm. The multi-year average annual sunshine duration is between 3,100 and 3,300 hours. The growing season is sufficient for one crop but insufficient for two. Winds are predominantly from the northwest in winter and from the south or east in summer. Shielded by the Yin Mountains, the Hetao Plain has a multi-year average wind speed of 2.5–3.3 meters per second, while the plains north of the Yin Mountains experience 3.3–6.3 meters per second.

4. Administrative Divisions

Bayannur City currently administers 1 district, 2 counties, and 4 banners.

• District: Linhe District
• Counties: Wuyuan County, Dengkou County
• Banners: Urad Front Banner, Urad Middle Banner, Urad Rear Banner, Hanggin Rear Banner

5. Economy

Bayannur City has experienced rapid economic development in recent years, with continuous optimization of its industrial structure and steady growth in its economic aggregate. The following is a detailed analysis of Bayannur's economic development:

5.1 Economic Growth and GDP

In 2023, Bayannur City achieved a regional Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of 116.11 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 7.9%. This growth rate was higher than the national average, accounting for 4.71% of the GDP of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. In the first three quarters, the city's GDP reached 76.91 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 5.6%. Looking at the long-term trend, Bayannur's GDP has shown continuous growth since 2000, reaching 116.11 billion yuan in 2023, demonstrating strong growth momentum.

5.2 Industrial Structure Adjustment

The proportion of the three industries in Bayannur City is 26.7% for the primary industry, 32.6% for the secondary industry, and 40.7% for the tertiary industry. In recent years, the proportion of the tertiary industry has gradually increased, becoming the main driver of economic growth. The primary industry is dominated by agriculture and animal husbandry, the secondary industry includes industry and construction, and the tertiary industry covers various fields such as services.

5.3 Key Projects and Investment

Bayannur City promotes economic growth through the implementation of major projects. In 2023, the city implemented 194 major projects with a total investment of 111.6 billion yuan, with an annual planned investment of 39.6 billion yuan. These projects mainly focus on industry, infrastructure, and other fields, effectively driving economic growth.

5.4 Industrial and Agricultural Development

Bayannur City focuses on the development of new energy and new materials industrial clusters and has implemented multiple major projects, such as the power battery anode material project and the sulfur-titanium-iron resource recycling comprehensive utilization project. In agriculture and animal husbandry, the city promotes agricultural modernization by constructing high-standard farmland and efficient water-saving agriculture.

5.5 Foreign Trade and E-commerce Development

Bayannur City has achieved significant results in foreign trade, with total import and export volumes continuing to grow. Meanwhile, the e-commerce industry has developed rapidly, promoting deep integration between e-commerce and local industries through the construction of e-commerce parks and the organization of e-commerce festivals.

5.6 Resident Income and Livelihood Security

In 2023, the per capita disposable income of urban and rural residents in Bayannur City increased by 6.1% and 8.2%, respectively. The government continues to improve people's livelihoods in areas such as employment, education, healthcare, and social security, enhancing the sense of gain and happiness among the public.

5.7 Future Development Plans

According to the "14th Five-Year Plan" and the Long-Range Objectives Through the Year 2035, Bayannur City will focus on energy development, opening up, and green high-quality development, striving to basically achieve socialist modernization by 2035.

Through measures such as promoting major projects, optimizing the industrial structure, developing emerging industries, and improving people's livelihoods, Bayannur City has achieved steady economic growth and high-quality development. In the future, with the implementation of more projects and policies, Bayannur City is expected to maintain a favorable development trend.

6. Transportation

6.1 Railway

• Baotou–Lanzhou Railway
• Linhe–Ceke Railway

6.2 Highway

• Beijing–Lhasa Expressway
• China National Highway 110

6.3 Aviation

• Bayannur Tianjitai Airport

7. Education

Within the Bayannur city area, there are currently 5 autonomous region-level exemplary high schools and 1 undergraduate institution.

7.1 High Schools

• Bayannur No.1 Middle School
• Bayannur No.2 Middle School
• Bayannur Mongolian Middle School
• Bayannur Tian Jiabing Foreign Language School
• Bayannur Hengyue Experimental Middle School
• Bayannur Linhe District No.1 Middle School
• Bayannur Linhe District No.3 Middle School
• Bayannur Linhe District Hongwen Experimental Middle School
• Wuyuan County No.1 Middle School
• Hanggin Rear Banner Fendou Middle School
• Urad Front Banner No.1 Middle School
• Urad Front Banner Mongolian Middle School
• Urad Front Banner Vocational Secondary Specialized School
• Urad Rear Banner No.1 Middle School
• Urad Rear Banner Mongolian Middle School

7.2 Higher Education

• Hetao College

7.3 Vocational Education

• Inner Mongolia Vocational College of Fine Arts

8. Population

By the end of 2022, the city's permanent resident population was 1.518 million, a decrease of 10,000 people compared to the end of the previous year. Among them, the urban population was 922,000, and the rural population was 595,000. The urbanization rate of the permanent resident population reached 60.8%, an increase of 0.2 percentage points from the end of the previous year. The male population was 773,000, and the female population was 745,000. The annual number of births was 8,000, with a birth rate of 5.5‰; the number of deaths was 15,000, with a death rate of 9.8‰.

According to the Seventh National Population Census in 2020, the city's permanent resident population was 1,538,715. Compared with the 1,669,915 people from the Sixth National Population Census, the total decrease over the ten years was 131,200 people, a decline of 7.86%, with an average annual growth rate of -0.81%. Among them, the male population was 785,739, accounting for 51.06% of the total population; the female population was 752,976, accounting for 48.94% of the total population. The overall sex ratio (with females as 100) was 104.35. The population aged 0–14 was 194,698, accounting for 12.65% of the total population; the population aged 15–59 was 1,018,937, accounting for 66.22% of the total population; the population aged 60 and above was 325,080, accounting for 21.13% of the total population, of which the population aged 65 and above was 221,370, accounting for 14.39% of the total population. The urban population was 922,852, accounting for 59.98% of the total population; the rural population was 615,863, accounting for 40.02% of the total population.

8.1 Ethnic Groups

Among the permanent resident population, the Han Chinese population was 1,426,361, accounting for 92.7%; the Mongolian population was 84,702, accounting for 5.5%; and the populations of other ethnic minorities totaled 27,652, accounting for 1.8%. Compared with the Sixth National Population Census in 2010, the Han Chinese population decreased by 142,136 people, a decline of 9.06%, and its proportion of the total population decreased by 1.23 percentage points. The combined population of all ethnic minorities increased by 10,936 people, a growth of 10.78%, and their proportion of the total population increased by 1.23 percentage points. Among them, the Mongolian population increased by 9,217 people, a growth of 12.21%, and its proportion of the total population increased by 0.98 percentage points.

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9. Culture

9.1 Dialects

The Chinese dialects within Bayannur City mostly belong to the Dabao cluster of the Jin language group. The Mongolian language is concentrated in pastoral areas and is part of the Central dialect.

9.2 National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units

• Ancient City of Shuofang Commandery
• Yinshan Rock Paintings
• Ancient City of Woye Town
• Site of the Xin Hure Ancient City

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The Mongolian meaning is "abundant lake"

Linhe District

Linhe District

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