Bortala Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture (博尔塔拉蒙古自治州)

1. Introduction

Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture (Mongolian: ᠪᠣᠷᠣᠲᠠᠯ᠎ᠠ ᠶᠢᠨ ᠮᠣᠩᠭᠣᠯ ᠥᠪᠡᠷᠲᠡᠭᠡᠨ ᠵᠠᠰᠠᠬᠤ ᠵᠧᠦ), abbreviated as Bortala Prefecture or Bozhou, is an autonomous prefecture under the jurisdiction of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China, located in the northwest of Xinjiang. It covers an area of 24,934.33 square kilometers. Bole City serves as the prefectural capital. "Bortala" is a Mongolian term meaning "brown grassland." The Han Chinese population in Bortala Prefecture accounts for approximately 65%, while the Mongol population makes up about 6%.

2. Etymology

The name of the Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture originates from the Mongolian language, meaning "silver grassland" or "azure grassland." The origin of this name is closely related to the local natural landscape. According to records, a special type of flower grows on the local grasslands, with silver-white undersides. When the wind blows across the grasslands, the silver-white undersides of these flowers reflect sunlight, making the entire grassland appear as if covered in a silvery glow, hence the name "silver grassland."

3. History

Bortala was once the nomadic land of the Sakas. Later, it became an area of activity for northern nomadic tribes. In the early Western Han Dynasty, the Yuezhi, who were distributed in the Hexi Corridor, were defeated by Modu Chanyu of the Xiongnu and migrated west to the western Tianshan Mountains and the Bortala region.

In the second year of the Shenjue era of Emperor Xuan of Han (60 BCE), the Western Han government established the Protectorate of the Western Regions. In the second year of the Kaihuang era of the Sui Dynasty (582 CE), the Turkic Khaganate split into eastern and western parts, with the Bortala region belonging to the Western Turkic Khagan. In the twenty-third year of the Zhenguan era of the Tang Dynasty (649 CE), the Tang Dynasty established the Yaochi Protectorate, and Bortala and other areas were under its jurisdiction. In the second year of the Yonghui era of the Tang Dynasty (651 CE), Ashina Helu, the Protector-General of Yaochi, rebelled against the Tang Dynasty and declared himself khan in Shuanghe (the Bortala River basin). In the third year of the Xianqing era (658 CE), the Tang Dynasty defeated Ashina Helu's forces and established the Shuanghe Protectorate in Bortala. In the second year of the Chang'an era of Wu Zhou (702 CE), the Jinshan Protectorate was renamed the Beiting Grand Protectorate, which governed areas north of the Tianshan Mountains, east and south of Lake Balkhash, including the Shuanghe Protectorate. During the Western Liao period, Bortala belonged to the Western Liao. In 1218, the Mongols destroyed the Western Liao and conquered the Western Regions. In 1225, when Genghis Khan distributed fiefdoms to his sons, the vast area including the Emin River basin, which included Bortala, was granted to his third son, Ögedei. In 1252, Möngke Khan demarcated the fiefdoms for Ögedei's descendants, granting the vast area from the Ili River basin to the Amu Darya, including present-day Bortala, to Kaidu, the grandson of Ögedei. In the fifth year of the Zhongtong era of the Yuan Dynasty (1264), Kublai Khan established a Branch Secretariat in Almalik (near present-day Huocheng, Ili), and Bortala was placed under the jurisdiction of the Almalik Branch Secretariat. In the tenth year of the Dade era of the Yuan Dynasty (1306), Duwa, a descendant of Chagatai, recovered all the territories of the Chagatai Khanate that Kaidu had occupied during his lifetime, and Bortala also became a territory of the descendants of Chagatai. During the Yongle to Xuande eras of the Ming Dynasty, Vais Khan, a descendant of Chagatai, migrated west to Almalik, which was called Yilibali, and Bortala came under his rule. During the Zhengde era of the Ming Dynasty, the Kazakhs roamed in the Alatau Mountains. In the fifteenth year of the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty (1587), the Mongol Oirat tribe entered Bortala for nomadic activities. In the sixteenth year of the Chongzhen era of the Ming Dynasty (1643), the Dzungar leader attacked the Kazakhs and conquered the Tokmok region and two Kazakh tribes in the Alatau Mountains. Bortala was occupied by the Mongol Dzungar tribe.

During the Qianlong era of the Qing Dynasty, Eight Banner Chahar soldiers were transferred from Chahar to garrison and cultivate the borderlands. Later, the returning Torghut tribe from the Volga River basin settled in Jinghe, known as the Jing Torghut. In the twenty-seventh year of the Qianlong era (1762), the Qing government established the Ili General's Office in Huiyuan (present-day Huocheng County) to oversee military and administrative affairs in both the northern and southern routes. From the twenty-seventh to the twenty-ninth year of the Qianlong era (1762–1764), the Qing government ordered 2,000 Chahar officers and soldiers from Zhangjiakou, Hebei, to relocate to Xinjiang with their families. Among them, 1,800 were stationed in the Bortala River (present-day Bortala River), Sayram Lake, and other areas. A special battalion, called the Chahar Battalion, was established, along with a Chahar Commandant to manage the affairs of the Chahar officers and soldiers. In the thirty-sixth year of the Qianlong era (1771), the Torghut tribe returned from the Volga River basin. One banner of the western route, comprising about 400 households and nearly 3,000 people, was settled in the Jinghe area for nomadic activities, under the jurisdiction of the Ili General. In the forty-eighth year of the Qianlong era (1783), a new city was built in Jinghe (present-day Jinghe), and the position of Dian Shi (local official) was changed to Liang Yuan (grain official), under the jurisdiction of the Urumqi Military Governor. In the eleventh year of the Guangxu era (1885), the Liang Yuan was changed to Xun Jian (inspector), under the jurisdiction of the Kuldja (Kulja) Office. In the fourteenth year of the Guangxu era (1888), the Jinghe Office was changed to a Civil Administration Directly Administered Office, under the jurisdiction of the Zhendi Circuit. In the twenty-eighth year of the Guangxu era (1902), the Jinghe Office was transferred to the Ili-Tarbagatai Circuit. In April of the second year of the Republic of China (1913), the Jinghe Directly Administered Office was changed to Jinghe County.

In the third year of the Republic of China (1914), the Chahar Commandant was changed to a Commandant Officer, under the jurisdiction of the Xinjiang Governor. On January 7, 1920, Bole County was established. On February 1, 1938, the Wenquan Administrative Bureau was established. On May 10, 1942, the Wenquan Administrative Bureau was upgraded to Wenquan County, under the jurisdiction of the Ili Administrative Commissioner's Office. On July 13, 1954, the Bortala Mongol Autonomous Region was established, with its capital in Bole County Town, governing Bole, Jinghe, and Wenquan counties. On February 20, 1955, the Bortala Mongol Autonomous Region was renamed the Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture. On June 19, 1958, the Bole County administrative structure was abolished, but the name of Bole County was retained. The autonomous prefecture directly led the districts and townships of Bole County. On November 7, 1962, the Bole County administrative structure was restored. In June 1975, the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps structure was abolished, and its affiliated Fifth Agricultural Division was merged into the Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture. The prefecture's Revolutionary Committee established a Land Reclamation Bureau to manage related matters. On September 2, 1979, the Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, which was under the provisional jurisdiction of the Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, was placed under the direct jurisdiction of the Xinjiang Autonomous Region. In 1982, the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps structure was restored, and the Fifth Agricultural Division was also restored to its original structure on April 1. On September 21, 1985, Bole County was abolished and established as a county-level city, Bole City. On February 11, 1992, the Alashankou Port Management Committee was established as a county-level administrative unit. On January 8, 1993, the Alashankou Administrative District Management Committee and the Alashankou Port Management Committee were merged into the Alashankou Port Management Committee, directly under the leadership of the prefectural government. On December 17, 2012, the county-level Alashankou City was established, under the jurisdiction of the Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture.

4. Geography

Located in the southwestern part of the Junggar Basin in Xinjiang, it borders the Republic of Kazakhstan to the north and west, with a border line of 385 kilometers. To the east, it connects with Wusu County in the Tacheng region, and to the northeast, it adjoins Tuoli County. To the south, it neighbors the three counties of Nileke, Yining, and Huocheng in the Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture. Additionally, the entire region surrounds Shuanghe City. The capital of the autonomous prefecture, Bole City, is 524 kilometers east of Urumqi, the capital of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, 219 kilometers west of Yining City, the capital of the Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, and 76 kilometers north of the Alashankou residential area on the China-Kazakhstan border (all distances are road mileage). The prefecture spans 315 kilometers from east to west and 125 kilometers from north to south, with a total area of 27,000 square kilometers, accounting for approximately 1.7% of the total area of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

The Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture is part of the North Tianshan geosynclinal fold belt. The western, southern, and northern sides of the prefecture are surrounded by mountains, with a trumpet-shaped valley plain in the middle, narrower in the west and broader in the east. The Ergeturg Mountain at the western end of the Alatau Range, with an elevation of 4,569 meters, is the highest point in the prefecture. The Ebinur Lake in the northeast, with an elevation of only 189 meters, is the lowest point in the prefecture. The topographic features are broadly composed of three major geomorphological units: the mountainous areas on the northern and southern sides, the central Bortala Valley, and the eastern Ebinur Lake Basin.

The Bortala River is the largest river in the Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, with an average annual runoff of 452 million cubic meters, a length of 177 kilometers, and a basin area of 6,627 square kilometers. The Jing River is the second largest, with an average annual runoff of 355 million cubic meters, a length of 75.2 kilometers, and a basin area of 1,119 square kilometers. There are five lakes of varying sizes, among which Ebinur Lake covers an area of 400 square kilometers, with a surface elevation of 195 meters and a water volume of 330.3 million cubic meters, featuring saline water. Sayram Lake covers an area of 457 square kilometers, with a surface elevation of 2,074 meters and slightly saline water. These lakes rank fourth and fifth in terms of lake area in Xinjiang.

Climate

The Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture is far from the ocean and belongs to the northern temperate continental arid climate zone. Its main characteristics include significant daily and annual temperature variations, hot summers, and cold winters. Spring temperatures rise quickly but are unstable, while autumn temperatures drop rapidly. Precipitation is scarce and unevenly distributed, with high evaporation rates, dry air, and abundant sunlight. Summer is marked by frequent thunderstorms and hail, spring and autumn by strong winds, and winter by prolonged cloudy and foggy conditions. Sunshine is ample, with an average annual total solar radiation of 5,390–5,700 megajoules per square meter and an average annual precipitation of 90–500 millimeters.

Average Meteorological Data for Bole City, 1981–2010

| Month | Avg High °C (°F) | Daily Mean °C (°F) | Avg Low °C (°F) | Avg Precipitation mm (in) | Avg Relative Humidity (%) | |-----------|----------------------|------------------------|---------------------|-------------------------------|-------------------------------| | Jan | -9.6 (14.7) | -15.7 (3.7) | -20.5 (−4.9) | 5.3 (0.21) | 81 | | Feb | -5.4 (22.3) | -11.5 (11.3) | -16.7 (1.9) | 6.8 (0.27) | 80 | | Mar | 5.2 (41.4) | -0.1 (31.8) | -4.8 (23.4) | 8.9 (0.35) | 73 | | Apr | 17.9 (64.2) | 11.1 (52.0) | 4.9 (40.8) | 19.4 (0.76) | 55 | | May | 25.1 (77.2) | 17.8 (64.0) | 11.1 (52.0) | 32.3 (1.27) | 52 | | Jun | 30.0 (86.0) | 22.3 (72.1) | 15.1 (59.2) | 28.9 (1.14) | 52 | | Jul | 31.7 (89.1) | 23.8 (74.8) | 16.5 (61.7) | 29.1 (1.15) | 56 | | Aug | 30.2 (86.4) | 22.2 (72.0) | 14.9 (58.8) | 18.7 (0.74) | 56 | | Sep | 23.9 (75.0) | 16.5 (61.7) | 9.6 (49.3) | 17.9 (0.70) | 59 | | Oct | 14.6 (58.3) | 8.0 (46.4) | 2.6 (36.7) | 15.5 (0.61) | 67 | | Nov | 3.1 (37.6) | -1.5 (29.3) | -5.0 (23.0) | 8.5 (0.33) | 79 | | Dec | -6.7 (19.9) | -11.4 (11.5) | -15.1 (4.8) | 8.9 (0.35) | 83 | | Year | 13.3 (56.0) | 6.8 (44.2) | 1.1 (33.9) | 200.2 (7.88) | 66 |

Data source: China Meteorological Data Network

5. Administrative Divisions

Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture administers 2 county-level cities and 2 counties.

County-level cities: Bole City, Alashankou City Counties: Jinghe County, Wenquan County

Administrative Division Map of Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture

| Division Code | Division Name | Uyghur Script | Traditional Mongolian Script | Hanyu Pinyin | Latin Transliteration | Area (km²) | Resident Population (2020 Census) | Government Seat | Postal Code | Township-level Divisions | Border Management Area Scope | |-------------------|---------------------------------------|---------------------------------------|---------------------------------------|---------------------------------------|-------------------------------------|----------------|---------------------------------------|---------------------|-----------------|------------------------------|----------------------------------| | 652700 | Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture | بۆرتالا موڭغۇل ئاپتونوم ئوبلاستى | ᠪᠣᠷᠣᠲᠠᠯ᠎ᠠ ᠶᠢᠨ ᠮᠣᠩᠭᠣᠯ ᠥᠪᠡᠷᠲᠡᠭᠡᠨ ᠵᠠᠰᠠᠬᠤ ᠵᠧᠦ | Bó'ěrtǎlā Měnggǔ Zìzhìzhōu | Börtala Mongghul Aptonom Oblasti | 24,862.88 | 433,467 | Bole City | 833500 | 6 subdistricts, 12 towns, 5 townships | Parts of the territory | | 652701 | Bole City | بۆرتالا شەھىرى | ᠪᠣᠷᠣᠲᠠᠯ᠎ᠠ ᠬᠣᠲᠠ | Bólè Shì | Börtala Shehiri | 7,790.24 | 246,706 | Qingdeli Subdistrict | 833500 | 5 subdistricts, 4 towns, 1 township | Entire territory | | 652702 | Alashankou City | ئالاتاۋ شەھىرى | ᠠᠯᠠᠭ ᠠᠭᠤᠯᠠ ᠶᠢᠨ ᠠᠮ᠎ᠠᠨ ᠤ ᠬᠣᠲᠠ | Ālāshānkǒu Shì | Alataw Shehiri | 1,249.18 | 11,097 | Alatao Subdistrict | 833400 | 1 subdistrict, 1 town | Entire territory | | 652722 | Jinghe County | جىڭ ناھىيىسى | ᠵᠢᠩ ᠾᠧ ᠰᠢᠶᠠᠨ | Jīnghé Xiàn | Jing Nahiyisi | 11,187.12 | 125,968 | Jinghe Town | 833300 | 4 towns, 1 township | None | | 652723 | Wenquan County | ئارىشاڭ ناھىيىسى | ᠷᠠᠰᠢᠶᠠᠨ ᠰᠢᠶᠠᠨ | Wēnquán Xiàn | Arishang Nahiyisi | 5,885.52 | 49,696 | Bogdar Town | 833400 | 3 towns, 3 townships | Entire territory |

6. Economy

In 2010, Bortala Prefecture achieved a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of 12.827 billion yuan (including the Fifth Agricultural Division), an increase of 11.9% over the previous year. Of this, the local GDP was 10.074 billion yuan, growing by 11.4%. The total annual import and export trade volume was 6.1 billion US dollars, a decrease of 44.5% compared to the previous year. The average annual wage of employed workers was 26,700 yuan, an increase of 19.1% over the previous year; the per capita net income of farmers and herdsmen was 7,130 yuan, an increase of 1,167 yuan or 19.6% over the previous year.

The Alashankou Port is the only national first-class port in Northwest China that handles both railway and highway traffic. Its cargo throughput accounts for 90% of the total of the 16 ports in Xinjiang, ranking second among all land ports in China for eight consecutive years, only after the Manzhouli Port.

7. Transportation

7.1 Overview of Transportation in Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture

Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture (abbreviated as "Bortala Prefecture") is located in the northwest of China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, situated at a crucial node of the Eurasian Land Bridge, giving it a significant transportation geographical advantage. The following is a brief introduction to the transportation in Bortala Prefecture:

7.2 Road Transportation

• Highways:
  • Lianyungang–Khorgas Expressway (G30): Traverses Bortala Prefecture, connecting Urumqi, Ili, and other areas. It is the main external transportation artery for the prefecture.
  • Bole–Alashankou Expressway: Connects Bole City and Alashankou City, serving as an important corridor to Central Asia.
• National and Provincial Highways:
  • National Highway G312: Traverses Bortala Prefecture, connecting Urumqi and Khorgas.
  • Provincial Highway S205: Connects Bole City and Wenquan County, serving as a vital internal transportation trunk line within the prefecture.

7.3 Railway Transportation

• Northern Xinjiang Railway: Traverses Bortala Prefecture, connecting Urumqi and Alashankou. It is an important component of the Eurasian Land Bridge.
  • Alashankou Port Railway: Alashankou is a major railway port between China and Kazakhstan, undertaking significant transportation tasks for China-Europe freight trains.
  • Bole Railway Station: Located in Bole City, it is the main railway passenger and freight station in Bortala Prefecture.

7.4 Air Transportation

• Bole Alashankou Airport: Located in Bole City, it is the main airport in Bortala Prefecture. Flights to destinations such as Urumqi and Xi'an are available, facilitating passenger travel.

7.5 Port Transportation

• Alashankou Port:
  • Alashankou is a major land port between China and Kazakhstan and a key node for China-Europe freight trains.
  • The port integrates railway, road, and pipeline transportation, serving as an important gateway for China's opening to the west.
• Comprehensive Bonded Zone:
  • The Alashankou Comprehensive Bonded Zone is the first of its kind in Xinjiang, providing convenient conditions for international trade and logistics.

7.6 Urban Public Transportation

• Bole City:
  • Bole City has a well-developed public bus system covering the urban area and surrounding major townships.
  • Taxi and ride-hailing services are convenient, meeting the travel needs of residents and tourists.
• Other Counties and Cities:
  • Public transportation in areas such as Jinghe County and Wenquan County primarily consists of buses and taxis, generally meeting daily travel requirements.

7.7 Transportation Development Plans

• China-Europe Freight Train Hub Construction:
  • Bortala Prefecture is accelerating the construction of the Alashankou Port hub to enhance the transportation capacity and efficiency of China-Europe freight trains.
• Transportation Network Optimization:
  • Bortala Prefecture plans to further improve its highway, railway, and air networks to enhance regional transportation connectivity.
• Smart Transportation:
  • Promote the construction of smart transportation systems to improve transportation management and service levels.

7.8 Transportation's Role in Promoting the Economy

• Logistics Industry Development:
  • Leveraging the Alashankou Port, Bortala Prefecture is vigorously developing international logistics and cross-border trade, becoming an important logistics hub in Xinjiang.
• Tourism Industry Development:
  • The convenient transportation network promotes the development of tourism in Bortala Prefecture, attracting a large number of tourists.
• Regional Economic Integration:
  • The convenience of transportation strengthens economic ties between Bortala Prefecture and areas such as Urumqi and Ili, driving regional economic integration.

8. Education

Bortala Vocational and Technical College

9. Population

By the end of 2022, the total population of the prefecture was 500,000. There are 35 ethnic groups including Mongol, Han, Uygur, Kazakh, Hui, and others.

According to the Seventh National Population Census of 2020, the permanent resident population of the prefecture was 433,467. Compared with the 443,680 people from the Sixth National Population Census, the population decreased by 10,213 over the past ten years, a decline of 2.3%, with an average annual growth rate of -0.23%. Among them, the male population was 224,228, accounting for 51.73% of the total population; the female population was 209,239, accounting for 48.27% of the total population. The sex ratio of the total population (with females as 100) was 107.16. The population aged 0–14 was 76,287, accounting for 17.6% of the total population; the population aged 15–59 was 297,176, accounting for 68.56% of the total population; the population aged 60 and above was 60,004, accounting for 13.84% of the total population, of which the population aged 65 and above was 42,061, accounting for 9.7% of the total population. The urban population was 284,699, accounting for 65.68% of the total population; the rural population was 148,768, accounting for 34.32% of the total population.

9.1. Ethnic Groups

Among the permanent resident population, the Han population was 288,220, accounting for 64.96% of the total population, while the ethnic minority population was 155,460, accounting for 35.04% of the total population. The prefecture comprises 35 ethnic groups, with the Mongol ethnic group being the autonomous ethnic group. Ethnic minorities with populations exceeding ten thousand include the Mongol, Uygur, Kazakh, Hui, and others.

Ethnic Composition of Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture (November 2010) | Ethnic Group | Population | Percentage of Total Population (%) | Percentage of Ethnic Minority Population (%) | |------------------|----------------|----------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------| | Han | 288,220 | 64.96 | --- | | Uygur | 59,106 | 13.32 | 38.02 | | Kazakh | 44,417 | 10.01 | 28.57 | | Mongol | 25,125 | 5.66 | 16.16 | | Hui | 23,180 | 5.22 | 14.91 | | Dongxiang | 1,455 | 0.33 | 0.94 | | Zhuang | 345 | 0.08 | 0.22 | | Xibe | 273 | 0.06 | 0.18 | | Tibetan | 271 | 0.06 | 0.17 | | Tujia | 267 | 0.06 | 0.17 | | Other Ethnic Groups | 1,021 | 0.23 | 0.66 |

10. Religion

10.1 Introduction to Religion in Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture

Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture (referred to as "Bortala Prefecture") is located in the northwest of China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is a multi-ethnic area, with major ethnic groups including Mongol, Han, Uygur, and Kazakh. Due to the coexistence of multiple ethnicities, the religious culture of Bortala Prefecture exhibits diverse characteristics. The following is a brief introduction to religion in Bortala Prefecture:

10.2 Major Religions

• Tibetan Buddhism:
  • Tibetan Buddhism is the primary faith among the Mongol population in Bortala Prefecture. Historically, the Mongols have been deeply influenced by Tibetan Buddhism (Gelug school). Many Mongol families have household shrines for worshipping Buddha statues.
  • There are several Tibetan Buddhist temples within Bortala Prefecture, such as the Yellow Temple in Bole City, which serves as an important venue for religious activities for the local Mongol community.
• Islam:
  • Islam is the primary faith among ethnic groups such as Uygur, Kazakh, and Hui in Bortala Prefecture. Most Uygur and Kazakh followers adhere to Sunni Islam.
  • There are many mosques in Bortala Prefecture, such as the Grand Mosque in Bole City, which is an important venue for religious activities for local Muslims.
• Christianity:
  • Christianity also has a number of adherents in Bortala Prefecture, primarily concentrated among the Han and other ethnic groups. There are a small number of Christian churches in the prefecture for worship activities.
• Taoism and Folk Beliefs:
  • Some Han people practice Taoism or folk beliefs, but on a relatively smaller scale.

10.3 Characteristics of Religious Culture

• Coexistence of Diversity:
  • Bortala Prefecture is a region where multiple ethnicities and religions coexist. Tibetan Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, and other religions coexist harmoniously, forming a unique religious and cultural landscape.
• Integration of Religion and Ethnic Culture:
  • The Tibetan Buddhist faith of the Mongols is deeply integrated with traditional Mongol culture, reflected in festivals, customs, and arts. For example, the Mongol "Nadam Fair" often includes religious ceremonies.
  • The Islamic faith of the Uygur and Kazakh people has also profoundly influenced their lifestyles, dietary culture, and festival celebrations, such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.

10.4 Places of Religious Activity

• Tibetan Buddhist Temples:
  • Yellow Temple in Bole City: Located in Bole City, it is an important site for Tibetan Buddhist activities in Bortala Prefecture.
• Mosques:
  • Grand Mosque in Bole City: Located in Bole City, it is an important site for Islamic activities in Bortala Prefecture.
  • Other Mosques: Spread across various counties and cities in Bortala Prefecture, serving local Muslim communities.
• Christian Churches:
  • There are a small number of Christian churches in Bortala Prefecture, mainly distributed in Han-concentrated areas such as Bole City.

10.5 Religious Policies and Management

• The Chinese government implements a policy of freedom of religious belief, safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of religious groups and believers.
• Governments at all levels in Bortala Prefecture manage religious affairs according to the law, maintaining religious harmony and social stability.
• Religious groups and venues actively carry out patriotic education, guiding believers to love their country and their faith, and promoting the adaptation of religion to socialist society.

10.6 Religion and Tourism

• Bortala Prefecture is rich in religious and cultural resources, attracting a large number of tourists. For example, the Yellow Temple in Bole City is not only a place for religious activities but also an important cultural tourism attraction.
• Religious festivals and activities (such as the Nadam Fair, Eid al-Fitr, etc.) have become important windows for showcasing the diverse culture of Bortala Prefecture.

11. Culture

Introduction to the Culture of Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture

Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture (abbreviated as "Bortala Prefecture") is located in the northwest of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China. It is a multi-ethnic region inhabited primarily by Mongols, Han Chinese, Uygurs, Kazakhs, and others. The culture of Bortala Prefecture integrates elements from various ethnic groups, including the Mongol, Han, Uygur, and Kazakh cultures, forming a unique and rich cultural landscape. Below is a brief introduction to the culture of Bortala Prefecture:

11.1 Ethnic Cultures

• Mongol Culture:
  • The Mongols are one of the main ethnic groups in Bortala Prefecture. Their culture is centered around nomadic traditions, reflected in aspects such as clothing, cuisine, music, and dance.
  • Traditional festivals like the "Nadam Fair" are important expressions of Mongol culture, featuring traditional sports such as wrestling, horse racing, and archery.
  • The traditional Mongol attire, the "Mongol robe," and the traditional instrument, the "horse-head fiddle," are significant symbols of Bortala Prefecture's culture.
• Uygur Culture:
  • Uygur culture is based on agriculture and handicrafts, with distinctive features in music, dance, and architecture.
  • Traditional festivals such as "Eid al-Adha" and "Eid al-Fitr" are important components of Uygur culture.
  • Traditional Uygur instruments like the "rawap" and "dutar," as well as the dance "Meshrep," are widely popular.
• Kazakh Culture:
  • The Kazakhs primarily follow a nomadic culture, with traditional lifestyles and customs closely tied to the grasslands.
  • Traditional festivals like "Nowruz" are important expressions of Kazakh culture, celebrating the arrival of spring.
  • Traditional Kazakh instruments like the "dombra" and folk songs performed by "Akyns" are integral parts of Bortala Prefecture's culture.

11.2. Language and Script

• Mongolian Language: The Mongols use the Mongolian language, with the traditional script being the Uyghur Mongolian script.
• Uygur Language: The Uygurs use the Uygur language, written in the Arabic-based Uygur script.
• Kazakh Language: The Kazakhs use the Kazakh language, written in the Arabic-based Kazakh script.
• Chinese Language: Chinese is the common language in Bortala Prefecture, widely used in government, education, commerce, and other fields.

11.3 Traditional Festivals

• Nadam Fair:
  • A traditional Mongol festival featuring sports such as wrestling, horse racing, and archery. It is one of the most representative cultural activities in Bortala Prefecture.
• Eid al-Adha:
  • An important festival for Uygurs and Kazakhs, celebrated with animal sacrifices, prayers, and family gatherings.
• Nowruz:
  • A traditional Kazakh festival celebrating the arrival of spring, featuring song and dance performances and traditional sports competitions.

11.4 Arts and Handicrafts

• Music and Dance:
  • The music and dance of Bortala Prefecture blend artistic elements from multiple ethnic groups, such as the Mongol "long song" and "horse-head fiddle," the Uygur "Meshrep," and the Kazakh "Akyn performances."
• Handicrafts:
  • Handicrafts in Bortala Prefecture are represented by Mongol horse gear making, Uygur carpet weaving, and Kazakh embroidery, all showcasing strong ethnic characteristics.

11.5 Culinary Culture

• Mongol Cuisine:
  • Primarily consists of dairy products and meat, such as milk tea, milk curd, and hand-grabbed meat.
• Uygur Cuisine:
  • Centered around flour-based foods and grilled meats, such as naan, pilaf, and lamb skewers.
• Kazakh Cuisine:
  • Mainly includes dairy products and meat, such as kumis, hand-grabbed meat, and smoked horse sausage.

11.6 Cultural Heritage

• Intangible Cultural Heritage:
  • Bortala Prefecture boasts rich intangible cultural heritage, such as the Mongol "Nadam Fair," the Uygur "Meshrep," and the Kazakh "Akyn performances."
• Tangible Cultural Heritage:
  • There are numerous historical and cultural sites and ancient buildings in Bortala Prefecture, such as the Yellow Temple in Bole City and the Ancient City Ruins of Alashankou.

11.7 Cultural Exchange

• Bortala Prefecture actively engages in cultural exchange activities with the outside world, showcasing its unique cultural charm through cultural festivals, art exhibitions, and folk performances.
• These cultural exchange activities not only promote mutual understanding among different ethnic groups but also attract a large number of tourists to the region.

nix

nix

nix

nix

Mongolian means brown grassland

Bole City

Bole City

nix

nix

nix