Name: Chifeng

Chinese name: 赤峰

Province: Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region

Status: Prefecture-level city

Population: 1,094,970

Area: 90,275 km²

Chifeng is a dynamic city located in the southeast of Inner Mongolia, presenting two distinct faces: one part is a sprawling urban center while the other remains decidedly rural and wild.

Travelers pass through Chifeng to discover remarkable natural landscapes shaped by vast grasslands, mountain peaks, deserts, lakes, and notably to explore the striking Hexigten Nature Park.

History

In the Neolithic Age, the ancestors of Inner Mongolia brought the Hongshan culture to Chifeng's lands. Numerous archaeological remains testify to human presence during this era and underscore Chifeng's significance to Chinese civilization.

During the Liao Dynasty (916–1125), Chifeng was the political, economic, and military center of the Khitans.

Today

Regarded as Inner Mongolia's fourth-largest city, Chifeng has evolved into a tourism destination that draws travelers for the stunning natural beauty of its surroundings and the various historical sites that chronicle its past.

Most of Chifeng remains free from urbanization and pollution. For years, the city grappled with environmental protection concerns and committed itself to establishing nature reserves to bolster and protect local animal and plant resources.

Chifeng boasts abundant wildlife resources of remarkable diversity. According to comprehensive surveys, there are 551 species of wild animals, many of which are protected. The Chifeng area is home to species such as sika deer, red-crowned crane, white stork, leopard, argali sheep, lynx, elk, mandarin duck, black crane, Mongolian gazelle, blue sheep, otter, lark, and red-breasted ducks.

The quality and beauty of its landscapes, combined with its cultural and historical heritage, provide considerable tourism resources for the city. As a former capital of the Liao Dynasty, you can discover remnants such as the ancient Kelaqin Prince's Residence and the Longquan Temple before venturing into the natural lands of Hexigten Park.

Climate

Chifeng sits in a transitional zone between temperate and glacial regions, experiencing long, cold, dry winters and rainy summers.

The best time to visit Chifeng is June through October. Despite summer rainfall, temperatures are mild and pleasant. Late summer and early autumn offer the ideal window to enjoy forest colors, sunsets over vast grasslands, mountains and deserts, as well as to partake in the folk customs of the season.

Chifeng benefits from a favorable location with convenient transportation.

Air

Chifeng Airport is located on the city's outskirts. Most flights operate between Chifeng and Beijing or Hohhot.

Long-distance Bus

Chifeng has a long-distance bus station connecting the city to Beijing, Shenyang, Tianjin, Shijiazhuang, and other Inner Mongolia cities.

Buses and taxis circulate daily throughout the city.

What to Do in Chifeng?

• Explore the geological sites of Hexigten Nature Park.
• Visit the Kelaqin Prince's Residence.