Ordos history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of the territory of modern Ordos is rooted in deep antiquity. Archaeological finds indicate that humans inhabited these lands as far back as the Paleolithic era (the so-called "Ordos Man"). However, the name "Ordos" itself, which means "palaces" in the Mongolian language, was attached to the region around the 15th century. It is linked to the formation of a special tribe designated to guard the portable palace-yurts containing the relics of Genghis Khan. As an administrative unit in the modern sense, the city was transformed from the Ikh Ju League only in 2001, combining ancient heritage with new urbanism.

Key Factors of Development

The development of the region was determined by its unique position at the junction of various natural and civilisational zones:

• Geography: Its location in the giant bend of the Yellow River created a natural oasis, protected by water on three sides, making this territory attractive for settlement.
• Strategic Position: The region historically served as a buffer zone and a meeting place for the nomadic steppe and settled China, situated in immediate proximity to the Great Wall of China.
• Trade: Important caravan routes passed through these lands, facilitating the exchange of goods and technologies between the north and the south.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In ancient times, the famous "Ordos Bronze Culture" flourished here. Local craftsmen created unique jewellery and weaponry in the "animal style", reflecting the aesthetics of the nomadic world. The region's economy was based for centuries on a combination of two lifestyles: nomadic herding in the steppe zones and agriculture in the fertile valley of the Yellow River. This blend of traditions formed a unique cultural landscape where Mongolian customs harmoniously coexisted with the influence of neighbouring civilisations.

Major Historical Milestones

• Approx. 50,000–35,000 BC — Ancient humans ("Ordos Man") inhabit the Salawusu River valley, leaving behind stone tools and traces of early settlements.
• 6th–2nd Centuries BC — A nomad culture flourishes on the plateau, known for its unique bronze artefacts and "animal style" ornaments.
• 215 BC — The region enters the sphere of interest of the Qin Empire; the construction of fortifications begins, which later became part of the Great Wall of China.
• 1227 — After the passing of Genghis Khan, a tradition of honouring his memory emerges, which later leads to the creation of shrines on this land.
• 15th Century — Tribes guarding the portable palace-shrines with the relics of the Great Khan settle in this area, giving it the name Ordos ("Palaces").
• 1649 — During the Qing Dynasty, the Ikh Ju League is formed, an administrative structure that existed on these lands for more than three centuries.
• 1954–1956 — The majestic Mausoleum of Genghis Khan is erected in its current form, becoming the spiritual centre and main attraction of the region.
• 2001 — The Ikh Ju League is officially transformed into the prefecture-level city of Ordos, marking the beginning of large-scale urbanisation.
• 2004 — The ambitious construction of the new Kangbashi district begins, conceived as a modern administrative and cultural centre in the desert.
• 2010s — Ordos asserts its status as one of the leading economic centres of Inner Mongolia due to the development of the energy and coal mining industries.

Stages of Development and Transformation

The modern appearance of Ordos was formed through several key processes that turned it from a remote steppe region into one of the wealthiest cities in China. The main milestones of development are connected with the utilisation of natural resources and bold urban planning experiments.

• Large-Scale Development of Energy Resources (Late 20th Century)

  The discovery and commencement of industrial extraction of colossal coal reserves (about 1/6 of all China's reserves) and natural gas. This event became the economic foundation of the city, ensuring rapid GDP growth and turning Ordos into the energy capital of the region.

• Administrative Reform (2001)

  The transformation of the League into a prefecture-level city gave local authorities the necessary powers and budgetary opportunities to begin large-scale urbanisation. This allowed for the centralised management of revenue from resource extraction and its direction towards infrastructure development.

• Construction of Kangbashi District (From 2004)

  The laying of the foundation for a new administrative and cultural centre in the desert, away from the old, overcrowded Dongsheng district. This ambitious project became a testing ground for modern architecture and urban planning, gifting the city its recognisable futuristic look, although it passed through a period of fame as a "ghost city" before being populated.

• Ecological Renovation of the Kubuqi Desert

  The implementation of a unique programme for greening desert territories. The successful halting of desertification not only improved the quality of life for citizens but also created a base for the development of "green" energy (solar farms) and eco-tourism.

• Digital Diversification (2010s – Present)

  Transition from a raw material model to high technologies. Utilising cheap electricity and a cool climate for the construction of giant data centres and cloud computing parks, making the city an important node of digital infrastructure in Northern China.

Urban Evolution: Two Cities in One

The urban structure of Ordos is unique in its dualism, clearly demonstrating the leap from the industrial era to the post-industrial one. The city actually consists of two autonomous cores, separated by tens of kilometres:

• Dongsheng District (20th Century Heritage): The historical and commercial centre, formed spontaneously during the coal boom. Dense, utilitarian development and functionalism prevail here, typical of industrial cities in China at the end of the last century.
• Kangbashi District (21st Century Vision): A new administrative centre, built "from scratch" in the desert. This is an example of strict master planning with giant public spaces, the widest avenues, and monumental architecture designed to capture the imagination.

Architectural Styles and Eras

The architectural landscape of Ordos is an attempt to express national identity through the most modern forms. The city practically lacks classical historical buildings; their place is taken by stylised reconstructions and bold avant-garde designs.

• Neo-Traditionalism (Mid-20th Century — Present): Most brightly represented in the Genghis Khan Mausoleum complex. The architecture here mimics the style of the Yuan Dynasty era: buildings are stylised as giant yurts connected by corridors, using traditional blue and saffron tiles, symbolising the sky and imperial power.
• Postmodernism and Deconstructivism (2000s — 2010s): The dominant style of the Kangbashi district. Architects moved away from rectangular forms in favour of bionics and complex geometry. The main feature of the local style is architectural symbolism, where buildings are given the shape of objects from Mongolian culture (a bow, a headdress, a yurt), executed in glass, concrete, and metal.

Iconic Structures and Their Symbolism

The central axis of the Kangbashi district resembles an exhibition of achievements in modern architecture, where each building is an allegory:

• Ordos Museum: The city's most famous building, designed by MAD Architects studio. This is a striking example of futuristic design — an amorphous structure clad in metal panels resembles a huge boulder or a sand dune protecting the region's history from the winds of time.
• City Library: The building is designed in the form of three giant tilted books, symbolising the knowledge and wisdom of the Mongolian people.
• Ordos Grand Theatre: A structure of complex shape, the silhouette of which refers to a traditional Mongolian female headdress or a curved bow, emphasising the connection between eras.

Historical Figures and Legends

The history of Ordos is inextricably linked with the great rulers of the steppe and the guardians of Mongolian traditions. These personalities formed the cultural code of the region.

• Genghis Khan (Temüjin) — Founder of the Mongol Empire.
  Although the Great Khan was not born in this city, Ordos is considered a revered place where his "spirit" is preserved. According to legend, while passing through these lands, Genghis Khan was charmed by their beauty and dropped his whip, which was interpreted as a sign to create a sanctuary. It is here that his mausoleum is located — the main centre of veneration for the ancestor of all Mongols.
• Sagan Setsen — Historian, Writer, and Politician (17th Century).
  A native of Ordos, a prince, and a distinguished scholar. He is known as the author of the chronicle "Erdeniin Tobchi" ("The Jewelled Button"), one of the most important historical works describing the history of the Mongols before the Manchu conquest. His works helped preserve the unique history of the region.
• Khutughtai Setsen Khuntaiji — Military Commander and Diplomat (16th Century).
  An influential representative of the Ordos nobility and nephew of Altan Khan. He played a key role in establishing ties between Mongolia and Tibet, and also actively promoted the spread of Buddhism among the Mongolian tribes of Ordos, which forever changed the spiritual landscape of the land.

Modern Cultural and Sports Figures

In recent history, natives of Ordos have glorified their region on the international stage, achieving success in the arts, sports, and business.

• Tengger — Musician and Composer.
  Born in the Otog Banner of Ordos City. One of the most popular performers in China, combining traditional Mongolian motifs and modern pop-rock music in his work. His song "The Mongol" became an unofficial anthem of love for the native steppe.
• Mengke Bateer — Professional Basketball Player.
  A native of the Hanggin Banner. He became a legend of Chinese sport and the first basketball player from China to win an NBA championship title (with the San Antonio Spurs in 2003). His career inspired many young athletes in the region.
• Wang Linxiang — Entrepreneur and Industrialist.
  A key figure in the economic history of the city. Heading the local wool factory, he turned it into the Erdos Group corporation — the world's largest manufacturer of cashmere. Thanks to his efforts, Ordos received the unofficial title of the "Cashmere Capital of the World."