Chifeng Travel Guide
Population: 4,600,000
Area: 90,275 square kilometers (34,855 square miles)
Nationalities: Mongol, Han
Administrative Division: 3 districts (Hongshan, Yuanbaoshan, Songshan); 2 counties (Ningcheng, Linxi); 7 banners (Alukeerqin Banner, Balin Left Banner, Balin Right Banner, Keshiketeng Banner, Wengniute Banner, Kalaqin Banner, Aohan Banner)
Useful Telephone Numbers:
Tourist Complaints: 0476-8380833
Weather Forecast: 121
Zip Code Inquiry: 184
Bank of China: 0476-8336905
Location: Chifeng is a vigorous city in southeastern Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region at the convergence of Inner Mongolia, Liaoning and Hebei. Its south end is 315 kilometers (196 miles) from downtown Beijing Municipality.
History: In Neolithic Age, the Inner Mongolian ancestors created brilliant Hongshan Culture in this area. Abundant archeological discoveries testify that, as might be proved of locations in Central China, Chifeng is also a vital headstream of Chinese civilization. It was one the political, economical and military center of the Liao Dynasty (916-1125) by the Kitanyes. Chifeng was named after the red peak northeast of the city proper.
Physical Features: At the juncture of southeast section of the Great Xing'an Mountains (Daxing'anling), Inner Mongolian Plateau, the west Liaohe River Plain and the north foot of the Yanshan Mountains, Chifeng has a mountainous and hilly landform. Medium and low mountains as well as hills occupy the majority of Chifeng's territory, and the city is surrounded by mountains in the north, the west and the south.
Climatic Features: Chifeng enjoys a semi-dry continental monsoon climate. Spring is dry and windy. Summer is short and the rainfall mainly focuses during this period. The average temperature in this season maintains between around 18-23? (64-73?). Winter is long and chilly. The extremely low temperature usually appears during January and February.
When to Go: The best time to Chifeng begins from June to September.
Special Local product: Balin Stone, tapestry, Longtoushan precious stone
Local Highlights: Several local ceremonies and activities will be held during the August, such as the Balin Stone Festival, Liao Culture and Hongshan Culture Tourism Festival. Festivals in Chifeng show best its unique folkway and cultural treasures.
Scenic Spots:
Gongger Grassland: It is the nearest Mongolian grassland from Beijing, combining beautiful natural landscape and fascinating Mongolian folkway. The grassland is located in Keshiketeng Banner, boasting one of the extant two Korean spruce woods in the world, which is reputed as the 'living fossil'.
Arshihaty (Ashihatu) Stone Forest: Geo-park is established on the stone forest, a Quaternary glacier relics carved by the wind with sand through millions of years. Like an ancient castle, the stone forest is inlaid in the vast grassland backing on a spacious birch woods.
Other Scenic Spots: Bokelong Desert Tourist Zone, Dari Lake, Longquan Temple
Tourist Tips:
1. Chifeng Airport is seated in the southwest outskirt of Chifeng city proper mainly operating flights to Beijing and Hohhot respectively taking fifty minutes and one hour plus ten minutes.
2. Chifeng's long-distance bus station is located in the square in front of Chifeng Railway Station, from where visitors can get to Beijing, Shenyang, Tianjin and Shijiazhuang. From the Xizhimen Long-Distance Bus Station and Liuliqiao Long-Distance Bus Station, buses to Chifeng can be easily found. The whole journey will cost six hours.