Location: Situated in the east part of Inner
Mongolian Autonomous Region, Tongliao City is bordered by
Jiling and Liaoning provinces in the east and the south. It neighbors
Chifeng City in the west, situated at the convergence of Northeast
China and North China.
History: The city 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.
Climatic Features: 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, it 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.
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
Scenic Spots:
Zhurihe Grassland Tour Zone: Like a gem inlaid
in the hinterland of the Keerqin Grassland, Zhurihe Grassland
Tour Zone is a comprehensive attraction combining magnificent
pastoral view and the Mongolian folklore with strong local flavor.
The Keerqin Grassland Horse Race Festival is held there annually.
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: Daqinggou Ecological Tour
Zone, Xingyuan Temple
Tourist Tips:
1. Tongliao's long-distance bus station is seated in Xinjian Dajie,
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 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) southwest of the
downtown area. Airport buses are available. Otherwise, the airport
dispatches four flights a week to Beijing and one flight every day
to Hohhot.