Hohhot history

The city of Hohhot, whose name translates from Mongolian as "Blue City," boasts a rich history dating back to the 16th century. Its foundation and development are inextricably linked to the fusion of nomadic and sedentary civilizations in the north of modern China.

Foundation and First Mentions

The official founding date of the city is considered to be 1580 (or 1581), when Altan Khan, the leader of the Tumed Mongols, established his capital here. Initially, it was a military-administrative and religious centre built around the Buddhist Dazhao Temple, the construction of which began as early as 1557. Chinese settlers, who had lived here since the Ming Dynasty, called this area Guihua, which means "Return to Civilization." Later, the Mongolian city of Hohhot and the Chinese settlement of Suiyuan merged into a single centre.

Key Factors of Formation

Several key factors contributed to the development of Hohhot. Firstly, its strategic position on the trade route connecting the Mongolian steppes with the central plains of China made it an important commercial hub. Secondly, the political will of Altan Khan, who sought to consolidate his power, turned the city into a symbol of might and a centre for unifying Mongol tribes. Thirdly, the adoption of Tibetan Buddhism made Hohhot an important religious centre, attracting pilgrims from far and wide.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

From the very beginning, Hohhot formed as a multicultural city. Its economy flourished thanks to trade on routes that were part of the Great Silk Road, where tea, silk, horses, and handicrafts were exchanged. The construction of numerous temples and monasteries with the support of Altan Khan turned the city into a stronghold of Lamaism in the region, which facilitated active cultural exchange.

Chronology of Key Events

• 1557 — Altan Khan, leader of the Tumed Mongols, founded the Dazhao Buddhist Temple, around which the city began to form.
• 1571 — Altan Khan signed a peace treaty with the Chinese Ming Dynasty, which promoted trade and settlement growth.
• ~1580 — Considered the year of the city's official founding, named Hohhot ("Blue City") by the Mongols and Guihua by the Chinese.
• 1639 — The Great Mosque was built, testifying to the multicultural character of the city from early times.
• 1732 — Construction was completed on the Five Pagoda Temple, one of the city's iconic architectural monuments from the Qing Dynasty period.
• 19th Century — The city, known as Guisui, becomes a major commercial and trading hub connecting China and Mongolia.
• 1915 — Inner Mongolia, including Guisui, officially became part of the Republic of China under the terms of the Treaty of Kyakhta.
• 1947 — The Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region was created, the first in China, marking a turning point in the region's modern history.
• 1952 — Hohhot was officially designated the capital of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, strengthening its administrative status.
• 1986 — The State Council of the PRC recognized Hohhot as a historical and cultural city of national importance.

Major Milestones in the City's Development

The history of the development of Hohhot is a journey from a small monastic settlement in the steppe to a modern metropolis that serves as the economic and cultural heart of Inner Mongolia. Each era brought its own unique features to the city's appearance, shaping its current status within China.

• Founding of Guihua Fortress (1575) — The Beginning of Urbanization

  The construction of the first fortified wall and the assignment of the Chinese name Guihua ("Return to Civilization") by the Ming Dynasty marked the transition from a nomadic lifestyle to a sedentary one. This event turned the city into the first major political and religious centre in the region, promoting the spread of Buddhism and the development of crafts.

• Construction of Suiyuan City (1739) — Formation of the "Guisui" Structure

  To the northeast of the old city, the Qing Dynasty erected the powerful garrison city of Suiyuan for Manchu troops. This led to a unique urban planning situation: the coexistence of a trading (Mongol-Chinese) city and a military (Manchu) city. For a long time, the region was called Guisui, combining the names of the two parts, which laid the foundation for the future large-scale agglomeration.

• Opening of the Beijing-Suiyuan Railway (1921) — Industrial Breakthrough

  The completion of the railway was a turning point for the economy. The city, previously known as the "Camel City" and a key point for the caravan tea trade, began to transform into an industrial hub. The railway opened the region to mass trade with central China and accelerated the influx of new technologies.

• Return of the Historical Name (1954) — Cultural Self-Determination

  Renaming the city from Guisui back to Hohhot ("Blue City") after the formation of the PRC had immense symbolic significance. This cemented the city's status as the capital of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, contributed to the revival of national culture, and defined its role as the main administrative centre of the region.

• Economic Boom of the 1990s — Becoming the "Dairy Capital"

  During the reform period, Hohhot focused on processing agricultural products. The development of corporations like Yili and Mengniu turned the city into the country's dairy industry centre. This economic success allowed for a significant increase in the city budget and investment in social infrastructure.

• Creation of the Eastern New District (2000s) — Expansion of Boundaries

  To relieve the historic centre, a decision was made to build a new administrative and business district in the east. This urban planning decision allowed government institutions and offices of large companies to move into modern buildings while preserving the historical heritage of the old part of the city.

• Launch of the Metro and High-Speed Railways (2019) — Modern Integration

  The opening of the first metro line and connection to the national high-speed rail network completed Hohhot's transformation into a modern logistics hub. This not only solved the transport problems of a growing population but also sharply increased the city's appeal to tourists.

The architecture of Hohhot represents a unique canvas blending the styles and traditions of Mongolian, Tibetan, and Chinese (Han) cultures. The city, whose name translates as "Blue City," has developed over centuries, and each historical stage has left its mark on its appearance — from ancient temples to modern skyscrapers.

Traditional Architecture (16th–19th Centuries): A Fusion of Cultures

The historical appearance of the city began to form during the Ming and Qing dynasties. This period is characterized by an eclectic mix of different architectural traditions, which is especially noticeable in religious structures.

• Tibetan Buddhism and Chinese Influence: The brightest example is the Dazhao Monastery, founded in 1557, around which the city grew. Its architecture combines traditional Chinese temple layout with elements of Tibetan style.
• Unique Synthesis of Styles: The Five Pagoda Temple (Wuta Si), built in 1732, is a pearl of Hohhot's architecture. This brick and stone structure combines the Indian "Vajra Throne" style with Mongolian and Tibetan decorative motifs, including over 1,500 images of Buddha. One of its walls features the only ancient astrological map in Mongolian in the world.
• Islamic Architecture with Local Flavour: The Great Mosque, erected in 1639, demonstrates how the axial planning and roof construction traditional to Chinese temples were adapted for a Muslim place of worship, creating a unique sanctuary for the faithful.

20th Century Urban Planning: Functionalism and National Romanticism

After Hohhot became the capital of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in 1952, a new stage of urban development began. In the mid-20th century, buildings in the spirit of socialist functionalism appeared in the city, characterized by strict forms and practicality. Later, in the second half of the century, architects began to actively turn to national motifs, striving to emphasize the region's unique identity. Elements referencing the shape of a yurt and traditional Mongolian ornaments began to appear in the architecture of public buildings.

Modern Appearance (Late 20th – 21st Centuries)

In recent decades, Hohhot has been actively transforming into a modern metropolis. The urban landscape has been supplemented by high-rise residential and office buildings made of glass and concrete, modern transport interchanges, and large public spaces. At the same time, the search for a national style continues in the architecture of iconic new buildings.

• Inner Mongolia Museum: One of the city's most famous modern buildings, whose expressive form symbolizes the cultural heritage and history of the steppe land. Its exhibition includes dinosaur fossils among other treasures.
• New Districts and Reconstruction: Active construction is underway in the city centre, where modern complexes coexist with reconstructed old quarters, such as the historic Saishang Old Street, stylized to reflect antiquity.

Distinguished Personalities Linked to Hohhot

The history of Hohhot, as an important political, cultural, and economic centre, is closely intertwined with the destinies of many prominent figures. These individuals left a significant mark on the development not only of the city but of the entire Inner Mongolia region.

Altan Khan (1507–1582)

Role: Founder of the city, Mongol ruler.

Significance: Altan Khan, leader of the Tumed Mongols, is a key figure in the history of Hohhot. It was he who founded the city around 1580 as his new capital. On his initiative, the Dazhao Monastery was founded, around which the settlement grew. His rule promoted the spread of Tibetan Buddhism in the region and the transformation of Hohhot into an important religious and trading centre at the junction of Mongolian and Chinese civilizations.

Ulanhu (1906–1988)

Role: Politician, first Chairman of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.

Significance: Ulanhu, also known as the "Red Son," was a prominent communist figure of Mongolian descent. He played a decisive role in the creation of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in 1947 and became its first leader, remaining in this post for almost 20 years. Under him, Hohhot was officially proclaimed the capital of the region in 1952, which gave a powerful impetus to its administrative and economic development.

Buhe (1926–2017)

Role: Politician, Chairman of the Government of Inner Mongolia.

Significance: The eldest son of Ulanhu, Buhe continued his father's work. He served as Chairman of the Government of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region from 1982 to 1993. His activities were aimed at the economic development and modernization of the region, while he also paid attention to the preservation of Mongolian culture and language.

Wang Zhaojun (approx. 50s BC – unknown)

Role: Historical figure, lady of the imperial court of the Han Dynasty.

Significance: Although she lived long before the founding of Hohhot, her history is inextricably linked to the region. Wang Zhaojun was given in marriage to the Xiongnu ruler Huhanye Chanyu as a sign of peace between the Han Empire and the nomadic tribes. Her tomb, located near Hohhot, is one of the main historical attractions and a symbol of intercultural exchange and peace.

Han Lei (born 1968)

Role: Singer, musician.

Significance: Han Lei is one of China's most famous modern pop performers, born in Hohhot. His powerful vocals and epic ballads, often inspired by Mongolian culture and history, have brought him nationwide fame. He has performed the theme songs for many popular historical TV series, becoming the voice of an entire era in Chinese pop music.

Asiru (born 1985)

Role: Singer.

Significance: A modern singer of Mongolian descent, hailing from Hohhot. Asiru is known for her unique style, which combines traditional Mongolian motifs, throat singing, and modern pop music. She is a bright representative of the new generation of artists who are popularizing the culture of Inner Mongolia both in China and beyond its borders.