Population: 3,110,000

Area: 59,535 square kilometers (22,987 square miles)

Nationalities: Mongol, Han

Administrative Division: 1 district (Keerqin); 1 county (Kailu); 5 banners (Kulun Banner, Naiman Banner, Zhalute Banner, Keerqin Left Wing and Central Banner, Keerqin Right Wing and Behind Banner); 1 county-level city (Huolinguole)

Useful Telephone Numbers:
Tourist Complaints: 0475-8239809
Tourist Inquiries: 0475-8255252, 8233516
Weather Forecast: 121
Zip Code Inquiry: 184

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.