4 Recommended Tourist Spots in Tongliao, China to Explore the History of Inner Mongolia

4 Recommended Tourist Spots in Tongliao, China to Explore the History of Inner Mongolia

The Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of China borders both Mongolia and Russia. Located in the eastern part of this region is the city of Tongliao.
Due to its continental climate, spring in Tongliao is dry and windy, while the hot summers bring heavy rain. Winters are extremely cold, making the cool autumn season the best time for sightseeing.
The area around Tongliao is rich in natural resources and home to many rare wild animals. It also boasts an abundance of agricultural products such as corn and wheat. From deserts and temples to museums, there are many tourist attractions to explore! Let’s take a look at some of the top sightseeing spots in Tongliao.

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4 Recommended Tourist Spots in Tongliao, China to Explore the History of Inner Mongolia

1. Molimiao Sand Lake Tourist Area

The "Molimiao Sand Lake Tourist Area" was the first area in Tongliao to be developed for tourism. It took approximately eight years to complete the development and construction of Sand Lake. Within the grounds, you’ll find attractions such as the Morin Temple, a swimming pool, Turtle Island Pond, and a floating restaurant.
The majestic desert scenery is definitely worth seeing! You can also enjoy various activities such as boating, swimming, sand bathing, and fishing, making it a great destination for family trips with children.

2. Inner Mongolia Khorchin Museum

The "Inner Mongolia Khorchin Museum" was established in 1975 as the first regional comprehensive museum in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Inside the vast facility, you can view around 10,000 historical exhibits.
The underground section is divided into three zones and also features a conference room that can accommodate about 800 people. Before touring Tongliao, it's a great idea to visit here first and learn about the history and culture of Inner Mongolia.

3. Princess Xiaozhuang's Palace

"Princess Xiaozhuang’s Palace" is where Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang, grandmother of Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty, once lived.
The palace was built during the Ming Dynasty and is a popular tourist destination in Tongliao with a history spanning over 400 years.
Due to historical circumstances, the palace was once destroyed. However, it was later restored through a large investment by the Tongliao municipal government and regional authorities.
Its traditional Chinese architecture and luxurious decorations are a must-see! The vivid red color, considered auspicious in China, is also a striking feature of Princess Xiaozhuang’s Palace.

4. Xingyuan Temple of Tongliao

Located in the eastern part of Tongliao, "Xingyuan Temple of Tongliao" is considered the largest and most beautiful Tibetan Buddhist temple in the region.
The temple combines both Han and Tibetan architectural styles and consists of several buildings, including a two-story main hall. The garden is adorned with pine, cypress, and seasonal flowers.
Surrounded by natural features such as mountains and rivers, it's also a great place to take a walk and enjoy the scenery.

◎ Summary

Although not widely known, Tongliao offers many attractions where visitors can learn about the history and culture of Inner Mongolia, including Tibetan Buddhist temples, palaces, and museums. While most people traveling to China visit large cities like Beijing, it can be refreshing to extend your trip to explore the unique culture of Inner Mongolia.
Tongliao offers a leisurely travel experience, but since English are rarely spoken, it's a good idea to bring a Chinese phrasebook and enjoy communicating with the locals.
It will surely become a memorable and wonderful journey.

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