When one thinks of Mongolia, images of vast grasslands, wild horses, and people in traditional Mongolian attire often come to mind.

Some even mistakenly believe that Inner Mongolia is part of the sovereign nation of Mongolia. It is not.

In fact, fewer people are aware that Inner Mongolia is a vibrant and dynamic autonomous region of China, where ancient customs and modern progress exist side by side in remarkable harmony.

While its rich cultural heritage continues to captivate visitors, Inner Mongolia is also making strides in technology, green energy, and sustainable economic growth -showing the world that it is far more than just a scenic landscape.

A group of 23 journalists from across the Asia-Pacific region recently took part in a visit to Inner Mongolia, organised by the China Public Diplomacy Association and The Global Times, to witness the region’s development first-hand.

Many of us, too, had assumed that Inner Mongolia was defined solely by its cultural heritage and scenic landscapes – until we saw how much more it has to offer.

A region often misunderstood

The Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in northern China is frequently mistaken for its neighbouring country, Mongolia. However, the two are entirely distinct.

Inner Mongolia has been an integral part of China for centuries and serves as a cultural crossroads for various ethnic groups, including Mongols, Han Chinese, and others.

Despite its deep-rooted nomadic traditions, the region has embraced modern development while maintaining a strong sense of cultural identity.

Bilingual street signs in Mongolian and Chinese, traditional festivals such as the Nadam Fair, and the iconic ‘salty’ milk tea all reflect this rich fusion of heritage and modern life.

Yet beyond the surface of cultural vibrancy lies a rapidly transforming economy – one that is increasingly powered by innovation and sustainable growth.

Hohhot, where tradition meets innovation

Hohhot, the regional capital, is known as the ‘Blue City’, a name derived from the Mongolian word Kökeqota but beyond its poetic nickname, the city has earned another title too, China’s Dairy Capital.

Home to Yili Group, one of the world’s top five dairy producers, Hohhot has transformed into a hub of agricultural technology.

The Yili Modern Intelligent Health Valley, a sprawling 120-square-kilometre development, showcases this transformation.

Visitors could witness robotic milking systems, AI-driven production lines as well as sustainable farming practices here.

This ‘Dairy Silicon Valley’ is not just a manufacturing base but a testament to how traditional industries could evolve through innovation.

New faces of Inner Mongolia

While grasslands and deserts still define much of Inner Mongolia’s vast landscape, the region is rapidly emerging as a leader in digital innovation and renewable energy.

At the forefront of this transformation is the Inner Mongolia Data Exchange Centre – the region’s only official platform for data transactions. By enabling secure and efficient data trading, the centre is positioning Inner Mongolia as a vital hub in China’s tech-driven economic growth.

In Ulanqab, a city traditionally celebrated as the “Potato Capital”, major strides are being made in green technology. According to Shudu Kaida Food Co. Ltd, the Kaida Potato Park – currently under development – is expected to become Asia’s largest potato industry base by 2026. The company has earned international acclaim for its high-quality potato-based snacks, which are exported to over 30 countries.

Another significant milestone in Ulanqab is the establishment of the Yunda Holdings Northern Headquarters, which houses China’s first 13-megawatt onshore wind turbine testing platform. This facility not only marks a leap in wind energy technology but also reinforces China’s broader goals for green energy advancement.

Even agriculture in Inner Mongolia is embracing innovation. In Chayouqian Banner, the Cold-Tolerant Vegetable Academician Workstation has successfully developed crop varieties that can survive harsh winters, converting previously barren land into productive farmland.

Also, in Chayouqian, a high-tech Plant Factory Complex is cultivating strawberries year-round using controlled-environment technology. These premium strawberries yield 15 times more than conventional methods and are sold at high market value, demonstrating how cutting-edge agricultural solutions are revitalising rural economies and improving local livelihoods.

Beyond tourism - factories, labs and trade corridors

While tourism remains an important pillar of Inner Mongolia’s economy – with scenic destinations like the Chilechuan Grassland drawing visitors eager to experience its rich nomadic culture – the region is steadily diversifying into sectors far beyond its traditional image.

One standout initiative is by M·Grass, a company specialising in ecological restoration, which has successfully rehabilitated more than 2.2 million hectares of degraded land using advanced seed technology. Their work reflects Inner Mongolia’s growing reputation as a hub for sustainable development and innovation.

The Qisumu International Logistics Park, covering 14 square kilometres, has emerged as a vital trade artery linking China with neighbouring countries such as Mongolia and Russia, facilitating cross-border commerce and boosting regional connectivity.

Complementing these industrial strides are ongoing efforts in desertification control and grassland restoration, underscoring the region’s long-term commitment to environmental preservation.

In terms of economic performance, Hohhot recorded a fiscal revenue of 25.48 billion yuan in 2024, reflecting a 7.8 per cent year-on-year increase, while Ulanqab’s gross regional product rose by 5.4 per cent, pointing to steady growth across sectors.

A significant infrastructure milestone was marked on 14 May 2025 with the groundbreaking ceremony for the Gantsmod–Gashuunsukhait Railway, a new cross-border transport link between China and Mongolia. Once completed in 2027, the railway is expected to handle up to 30 million tonnes of freight annually – dramatically improving energy trade logistics and strengthening economic ties between the two nations.

As Inner Mongolia continues to evolve, it is proving to be far more than just a cultural treasure. For those who still picture only yurts and horseback riding, a closer look reveals a dynamic region teeming with factories, research hubs, green innovations, and international trade corridors – a land of growing promise and limitless potential.

-- BERNAMA

Kisho Kumari Sucedaram is a journalist with BERNAMA.