Tongliao

Tongliao (通辽; Tōngliáo) is a prefecture-level city in eastern Inner Mongolia, located on the Horqin Grassland. It is one of the most densely populated areas of Inner Mongolia and a major centre for Mongolian culture, particularly the Horqin dialect and traditions. The area is known for its vast grasslands, Mongol herding culture, and the well-preserved tombs of the Liao Dynasty (907–1125) at the nearby Zhelimu Museum site. Tongliao also has a strong agricultural economy as part of the "Golden Corn Belt" of Northeast China. The climate is temperate continental monsoon — cold, dry winters and warm summers. The best time to visit is June–September when the grasslands are lush and green.

By Plane

Tongliao Airport (TGO IATA) has flights from Beijing, Shanghai, Hohhot, and Shenyang. From the airport, a taxi to the city centre costs about ¥40.

By Train

Tongliao Railway Station is a major rail junction on the Beijing–Tongliao and Tongliao–Jilin lines. Trains run from Beijing (6–8 hours), Shenyang (3 hours), and Hohhot (6–8 hours). High-speed trains from Beijing take about 4 hours.

By Car / Road

Tongliao is on the G25 Changchun–Shenzhen Expressway and G45 Daqing–Guangzhou Expressway. The drive from Beijing is about 7 hours.

Local buses and taxis (starting at ¥6) serve the city. For the Horqin Grassland and other outlying sights, a private car or tour is recommended.

• Horqin Grassland: The vast grasslands surrounding Tongliao, dotted with herders' gers (Mongolian yurts), sheep, horses, and cattle. Zhurihe Grassland, about 80 km north, is the most accessible area for visitors. Free.

• Daqinggou (Great Green Gully): A 5 km-long forested canyon with a subtropical microclimate — a stark contrast to the surrounding grasslands. ¥60.

• Tongliao Museum: Exhibits on Mongolian culture, Horqin history, and the Liao Dynasty. Free.

• Hure Banner Mongol Yurt Resort: A cultural park where visitors can stay in traditional gers, watch Mongolian wrestling (bökh), and listen to khoomei (throat singing).

• Zhelimu Museum (Liao Dynasty Tombs): The site of imperial tombs of the Liao Dynasty, with unearthed artefacts on display. ¥30.

• Grassland horseback riding: The quintessential Inner Mongolia experience.

• Mongolian cultural show: Traditional music, dance, and throat singing performances.

• Try Mongolian archery: Many grassland resorts offer archery.

• Nadam Festival (July): Visit during the traditional Mongolian sports festival.

• Photography: The grassland sunsets and Liao Dynasty artefacts are excellent subjects.

• Mongolian hotpot: Lamb and vegetables cooked in a rich broth at the table.
• Horqin roasted lamb leg: The signature dish — whole lamb leg roasted over an open fire.
• Milk tea (suutei tsai): Salty Mongolian tea with milk, butter, and roasted grains.
• Boortsog: Mongolian fried dough cookies.
• Khuushuur: Deep-fried meat pastries (Mongolian-style empanadas).

Mongolian milk tea is the staple. Fermented mare's milk (airag / koumiss) is an acquired taste and a traditional drink. Local beer is available.

• Budget: Tongliao Railway Station Hotel — basic, ¥80–150/night.
• Mid-range: Tongliao Yongqing Hotel — comfortable and central, ¥200–350/night.
• Upscale: Tongliao Boliya Hotel — the best in the city, ¥300–500/night.
• Ger camp on the Horqin Grassland: Traditional yurt accommodation, ¥150–300/night including meals.

Tongliao is known for its Mongolian carpets, Horqin cashmere, beef jerky (dried spiced beef), and Mongolian silver jewellery. The city's markets have a good selection.

• Hohhot (600 km west, 6 hr by train): Capital of Inner Mongolia.
• Shenyang (300 km east, 3 hr by train): Liaoning's capital.
• Chifeng (250 km southeast, 3 hr): Yulongsha Desert and ongol sites.
• Jilin (300 km northeast, 3.5 hr by train): Capital of Jilin Province.