Inner Mongolia

CCTV.COM (11.02 2003 14:34)

    This is Inner Mongolia. Nei Mon Gu, as it's spoken in Chinese was the first autonomous region established in China, and it is here, the majority of Mongolians live. Surrounded by vast grasslands, it is their nomadic existence as tribesmen and herdsmen, which have formed the unique culture Inner Mongolia is known for today.

    The Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region had been established on May 1st, 1947 before the People's Republic of China was founded on October 1st, 1949. This region is inhabited by 23,760,000 people, one ninth of whom are Mongolians. There are still 48 other ethnic groups living in this area, such as Hans, Manchus and Huis.

    Lying in the north of China. Inner Mongolia covers an area of 1,183,000 square kilometers, that is, one eighth of the county's total land area. It is 2,400 kilometers long from east to west. Because of the narrowness from its north to south, the general shape of Inner Mongolia on a map looks like a loaf of bread. The region is mainly occupied by plateaus of over 1,000 meters in altitude and the rest are mountains and plains. You can find various natural attractions in this region, such as pastures, forests, rivers, lakes, rare species of animals and plants and icy and snowy views.

    Some hunting and nomadic tribes such as Hun, Serbi, Nuchen originally lived in Inner Mongolia. Their splendid culture leaves this region with many relics, among which there are the skull fossil of the Zhalainor People, China's largest mammoth fossil and the Gaxian Cave of the Serbis'. According to textual research, China's first minority state, the Northern Wei Dynasty, was founded by the Serbi tribe who used to live in the Gaxian Cave in Hulunbeir League. Now let's enter Inner Mongolia by following some historical facts.

    Traditionally Mongolians endured a rough lifestyle as shepherds and horse breeders, they moved with the seasons in search of pastures for their animals. It is these natural grazing lands that nurtured a unique way of life and nourished a long and splendid history.

    At the mercy of the environment the Mongols based their religion on the forces of nature; the moon, sun, stars, as well as the rivers were all revered.

    According to an investigation made by the forestry sector, at present, 60 percent of the autonomous region's 1.18 million square kilometers's land has become sterile desert. And what's worse, the desertification is spreading at the speed of 667, 000 hectares a year.

    In recent years, China has pushed its efforts to reconstruct the ecology in Inner Mongolia. In 2000 alone, the government injected into this region 200 million US dollars in environmental construction, which was a total of all the investment in the previous 20 years. Meanwhile, Inner Mongolia itself also takes protective measures to restore vegetation on its massive land. In different areas different measures are adopted to suit the local conditions.

    Inner Mongolia expects to achieve the following targets in ecological construction: in five years, curb the deterioration of the environment effectively by returning 1,330,000 hectares of grain plots to forestry and building up 7,000,000 hectares of grassland; by 2010, bring the soil erosion and desertification under control; by the middle of this century, create a sound ecological system with well-developed pastures, forests and rivers, which can protect the environment of the northern China.

    Inner Mongolia has adopted new animal husbandry practices in its economically important livestock industry. In time with the West China Development Project, herdsmen have adjusted management practices to minimize the impact of grazing on their fragile environment.

    A variety of measures have been taken by the Inner Mongolian government to improve its ecology, such as closing or suspending grazing, returning farmland to forestry, promoting raising livestock in sheds and relocating people.

    Once grasslands, the effects of over-grazing and soil erosion turned much of this area into barren dessert. Nowadays the government is encouraging individuals and enterprises to participate in the reforestation of these areas.

    According to statistics, in recent years, the desertified land in China has reached 2,600,000 square kilometers, which occupies more than 20 percent of the country's territory. Every year, the economic loss directly caused by the wind and sand disaster reaches nearly 1 billion US dollars. Many enterprises in China have been drawn to developing the huge sand industry, which can bring them both economic and social benefits. According to incomplete statistics of the Chinese forestry sectors, dozens of new oases have formed in the desert of western China. This is a sand industry base set up by the enterprises that are engaged in ecological construction.

    There is one artificial oasis called Engebei in the Kubuqi Desert. In recent six years, millions of dollars have been invested into this region for a large scale of afforestation. With the help of some Japanese experts, the vegetation coverage in Engebei has increased from 5 percent to 90 percent. While the environment is improving, people here begin to develop tourism and diversified farming.

    In Engebei, the name of Touyama is often mentioned. Mr. Touyamawas the chairman of the Japanese Sand-dune Association in 1967. In 1984, he set up the Japanese Aid Team for Greening China's Desert. Since then, with the help of Mr. Touyama, more than 1000 Japanese have come to China at their own expenses to participate in the afforestation of the desert. Most of the Japanese volunteers who are now working in Engebei are Mr. Touyama 's followers.

    Pangu is the largest private enterprise in Inner Mongolia. In recent years, it has build up a 100-hectare modern agriculture demonstration zone and biological engineering base, which is engaged in improving the ecological system and developing agriculture and livestock industry. The advanced technologies adopted here, such as gene engineering and water-saving irrigation, have spurred the modernization of the region's farming and begun to make profits.

    Planting trees and lucrative crops on the desert can not only stabilize the sands but also bring economic benefits to enterprises and individuals. These days in Inner Mongolia, many people have set foot in this field.

    Inner Mongolia has two major economic resources. One is its livestock industry and the other is the production of its mineral reserves. The exploitation of such industry can come at a price. The government has taken measures to protect its natural resources and ensure its economic future.

    Inner Mongolia boasts abundant mineral resources, with more than 120 kinds of minerals verified in this region. Its reserves of rare earth, niobium, platinum and agate rank first in the world, and its coal reserve stands second in China. The region also has considerable luminous energy, wind energy, waterpower and fishery resources. Meanwhile, Inner Mongolia is one of the most important bases of energy, raw material, iron and steel manufacture, coal products, forestry and dairy industries in China. In addition, there are also well-developed sectors such as electric power, machine manufacture and light industry.

    Founded in 1992, Baotou Rare-Earth Hi-Tech Development Zone in Inner Mongolia is the first such establishment in China. It is also the only hi-tech zone devoted to the development of rare earth.

    Founded in 1993, Hefa is the first private hi-tech enterprise. After eight years' development, it has grown into one of the core rare-earth enterprises of China. Hefa's total assets have reached 18.1 million US dollars.

    The Mongols once used the dried remains as their sole heat resource. These days the discovery of oil and natural gas deposits means farmers no longer have to rely on their traditional methods.

    In 1999, the Inner Mongolia autonomous government, with assistance from Chinese central government, approved and implemented the West China Development Project. The mission of the project is to safeguard and nurture this fragile region by restoring ecological balance, and practicing sustainable development. Such a project increases Inner Mongolia's potential for growth, and will provide a benchmark for other ecologically fragile regions in China.

    As the story goes, it is here, at this Mongolian-style Mausoleum, where the ashes of the great Ghengis Khan lie. Holy pilgrimages to the mausoleum have become the sacred duty of Mongolians, and ceremonies are held four times a year, to honor his memory.

    The Ghengis Khan Mausoleum is located in the middle of the Ordos Grassland. The main building is the great Khan's Memorial Hall, in the middle of which is a 5-meter high statue of The Great Khan. Wearing his grand military attire, the Khan sits with a solemn and dignified expression on his face. Behind the statue is the map of "the four great Khanates," which symbolizes the distinguished achievement of this great leader in conquering Central Asia and part of Europe.

    When the mausoleum was first built, 500 households were chosen from Ghengis Khan's royal guards to protect the mausoleum and hold memorial ceremonies for their great Khan. Generation after generation, these people devote themselves to this sacred duty and they are the Ordos.

    Butter lamps are lit; ritual scarves presented and whole cooked sheep piled high before the Khan's stone statue. All the while chanting is performed by Mongolian monks and specially- choosen elders.

    The huge frescos around the hall depict the important stages in Ghengis Khan's rise. At the turn of the 13th century (at the end of 12th century and the beginning of the 13th century), one outstanding leader took the control of the Mongol tribe, and he was the famous Ghengis Khan. Starting from Erguna River in today's Hulunbeir League, he gradually unified all Mongol tribes on his horse-back and formed a new national community called Mongol. Later, leading his Mongol cavalry, Ghengis Khan launched massive military attacks and kept expanding the territory of the Mongol Khanate which finally developed into a great empire that controlled parts of both Asia and Europe.

    Kublai Khan, Ghengis Khan's grandson, founded the Yuan Dynasty in 1271 with its capital at today's Beijing. Later, he subdued the Southern Song, bringing the whole of China under his centralized rule and forming the heyday of the Mongolian history.

    Famous for its singing and dancing, it's this culture and nomadic traditions culminated over thousands of years which make Inner Mongolia such a unique experience for its visitors.

    The vast tracts of grassland, the numerous herds of sheep and cattle鈥攖hese beautiful memories linger in the mind of every visitor to Inner Mongolia. Here, Hada and a cup of horsemilk tea will be presented to every visitor. This is the beautiful and abundant Inner Mongolian grassland.

    The wedding ceremony in Ordos is famous for its solemn etiquette, unique procedure, fervent atmosphere and lyrical congratulatory speech and it forms one important feature of the customs of this area. Nowadays, the wedding ceremony show has become one staple program to display the Ordos culture. And visitors can have the pleasure of enjoying the reenactment of the ancient ceremony.

    Nadam is a traditional Mongolian fair. It originates from the ancient ceremony to offer sacrifice to "aobao". "Nadam" means "games" in Mongolian. It is often held in July and August each year when the herds are stout and strong and lasts for several days.

    When Nadam is held, the herdsmen, wearing their holiday best and taking their own yurts, come from near and far on horse or by cart to participate in the fair. The grassland serves as the natural race court for these dauntless people. Over the court, the colorful flags flutter and the drums and horns blow. Man and woman, young and old, can all take part in the racing. Dressed in brilliant colors, they do not wear boots or socks and saddles and race bareback.

    The exciting Nadam fair is attractive not only to Chinese but also to a lot of Russian visitors as well as other foreign tourists.

    Most of the borderline that divides China from Russia and Mongolia is in Inner Mongolia and along it there are many ports. This creates favorable conditions for further opening this region. The city of Manzhouli lies in the far northeast of China and is contiguous to Russia and Mongolia. Set up in 1901, the Manzhouli Port celebrated its centennial anniversary in 2001. Foreign trade is the leading industry of Manzhouli and its foreign trade capacity ranks the first in those of all the Chinese land ports to Russia. In March 1992, approved by China's State Council, Manzhouli became one of the first open cities along the borderline.

    Manzhouli Trade Zone is the first such establishment between China and Russia that is approved by China's State Council. The construction of the 100,000 square meters trade zone started in May 1992 and on November 17, 1996, the Chinese section was opened to service. At the early stage, the trade zone is mainly engaged in the wholesale and retail of the commodities, but its ultimate target is to become one free trade zone that meets international practices.

    Ever since the Sino-Russian inter-city international tourist route opened in February 1991, Manzhouli, with its convenient transportation facilities and beautiful environment, has been jammed with tourists. Now the city has opened up tourist routes to several Russian cities in succession, such as Chito and Moscow. By the end of 2000, 360,000 people have traveled to Russia from this city and every year it receives about 270,000 Russian visitors. 'A Tour to Frontier' has become one new factor that will spur Manzhoul's economy.

    Apart from the development of trade and tourism, cultural exchange has also been flourishing in this region. The Russian edition of the Manzhouli Daily is the only local newspaper in China that is specially distributed to Russia. This newspaper now has reached Chito in Russia and is further spreading to the far-east.

    The traditional farming methods in Inner Mongolia are gradually changing in favour of intensive farming practices. An example of this is the dairy industry here in Hohhat, which uses the latest computerised technology in its milk production.

    There is 87 million hectares grassland in Inner Mongolia, which occupies 22 percent of China's total grassland area, with over 70,000,000 head of livestock. In 2000, this region produced 1,500,000 tons of meat and 800,000 tons of milk. Inner Mongolia is one of the most important bases of livestock production.

    The rich agricultural, livestock-breeding and forestry resources provide sufficient and high-quality materials for the development of the processing industry and green industry. At present, Inner Mongolia has become one of China's most important agricultural and livestock product bases and established one complete industrial system. Some famous brands and listed companies have come into being.

    The Yili Company is mainly engaged in dairy product processing and is one of China's largest dairy products company. The production and sales of its main product鈥攊ce cream鈥攈ave been top one in the Chinese market for six years, and the production and sales of its milk powder series stands top three. Its ultrahigh-temperature sterilized milk also leads in China.

    Apart from constant self-improvement, from 1993 to 2001, Yili has invested 21.8 million US dollars in setting up reliable milk source bases. It has signed "supplying and marketing" contract with the cow-raisers, sent experts to teach them scientific ways of rearing and granted the cow-raisers nearly 100 million US dollars. All these help 100,000 farmers get rid of poverty.

    Over these years, Yili has provided the local farmers with a total discount interest loan of 10.9 million US dollars, which are specially used to enable them to buy milk cows. In some villages where there are many households who raise cows, Yili sets up altogether 190 milking stations, which releases the farmers from worries. Where the cow is raised, where the milking station will be built.

    The dairy industry's fast development helps increase the local farmer's income and spurs Hohehot's economy. In 2000, the average income of the 30,000 cow-rearing households was over 846 US dollars, and the net income from one cow was at least 360 US dollars.Yili purchased and processed 173,000 tons of milk and turned over taxes of 15.7 million US dollars.

    At present, the Inner Mongolian government is accelerating the development of its dairy to help more and more herdsmen. This can meanwhile pave the way to the further development of the region's economy.

    Inner Mongolia boasts rich natural resources such as forest, grassland, cattle and sheep. The government has been trying to make economic profits from such advantages for a long time. For example, up to now, the total cashmere yield in the world is less than 10,000 tons, more than 70 percent of which are from China, while the cashmere from Inner Mongolia alone takes up over 50 percent of China's total yield. Since the open and reform policies were adopted, Inner Mongolia's advanced equipment, technology and management make Inner Mongolia the leading Cashmere producer.

    Inner Mongolia is a region of huge contrasts. At one end of the spectrum, is the vast and seemingly endless grasslands, where traditional Mongolian herdsmen still tend to their grazing sheep. At the other end -a growing metropolis, modern in infrastructure, with a rapidly developing industry.

Editor:Guan