Short Introduction to Hohhot Local Culture: History, Nation, Diet, Clothing, etc

Hohhot, the capital city of Inner Mongolia, has a rich history that dates back to the 17th century when it was founded as a small military town during the Ming Dynasty and has since grown into a modern metropolis while still preserving its cultural heritage, including being an important center for Buddhist religion and the traditional nomadic lifestyle of the Mongol people, who have lived in the region for thousands of years and continue to shape the city's unique cultural identity today.

In 2017, Hohhot was listed as a National Historic and Cultural City. The name "Hohhot" means "Green City" in Mongolian and is also known as "Qingcheng" (Blue City). It was formerly called Gui Sui. This historic city, rich in culture and heritage, is also referred to as "Zhao City" due to the presence of numerous Zhao temples. Hohhot is an important settlement for the ethnic groups of the Inner Mongolian grasslands, with a total area of 17,200 square kilometers. As of the end of 2023, the city had a permanent population of 3.6041 million people, consisting of 34 ethnic groups, including Mongol, Han, Hui, Manchu, Ewenki, and Oroqen.

Brief History

The earliest human activities in Hohhot can be traced back to the Paleolithic Age. The city began to be built in the Warring States Period more than 2,300 years ago. It also served as a key point along the Grassland Silk Road and became a crossroads for the fusion of Han Chinese culture from the Central Plains and the cultures of northern ethnic minorities.

During the Warring States Period (475-221 BCE), the Zhao State established Yuzhong City, marking the beginning of Hohhot's history as a city.

In the Qin and Han Dynasties (221 BCE-220 CE), the city retained the name Yuzhong, and it became an important northern military and political stronghold.

In 947 CE, during the Liao Dynasty, the region was designated as Fengzhou. It became a vital stop on the Grassland Silk Road, and as renowned merchant houses grew, Hohhot flourished as a major commercial hub in northern China.

In 1115 CE, after the Jurchen overthrew the Liao Dynasty and established the Jin Dynasty, Hohhot continued to be known as Fengzhou and was placed under the jurisdiction of Xijing Road.

During the Sui and Tang Dynasties (581-907 CE), the name Yuzhong persisted, and the Jinhe County Defense City was built to protect the region.

During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, Hohhot was part of the territory governed by the Prince of Jin. In 1581, Aletan Khan and his wife San Niangzi formally established a city in this region, constructing the city walls with blue bricks. From a distance, the city appeared blue, which gave rise to the name "Qingcheng" (Blue City). During the Ming Dynasty, it was granted the name Guihua, and in the late Qing Dynasty, Guihua was merged with Suiyuan to form the name Guizui.

Hohhot became a place where the Mongol and Han cultures intermingled, bringing advanced agricultural techniques to the region and contributing to its economic development. The architectural style of the city's temples also incorporated elements from Han-style temples, such as the famous Dazhao Temple.

In the Qing Dynasty, Hohhot became the administrative center of Inner Mongolia. The city's commerce reached its peak, ushering in further prosperity. The period also saw extensive renovations to important temples, including Guanyin Temple, Wutasi Temple, and Wudangzhao Temple.

During the Republic of China period, the city was renamed Guizui City.

In 1949, with the founding of the People's Republic of China, the historical name of Hohhot was restored. Hohhot, a Mongolian phonetic transcription, means "the Blue City". Hohhot became the capital city of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and rapidly rose to prominence, becoming the economic, cultural, and transportation hub of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.

Ethnic Culture

Ethnic

Hohhot is a city with a diverse population of 48 ethnic minorities, including major ones such as Mongolian, Hui, Manchu, Daur, and Ewenki. Among them, the ethnic groups with a population exceeding 10,000 are Han, Mongolian, and Hui. The Mongolian population is 285,969, accounting for 9.97% of the city's total population, while the Hui population is 41,403, accounting for 1.44%.

Mongolian Cultural Lifestyle

The Mongolian people are traditionally a nomadic ethnic group, with their lives centered around horses, sheep, and cows, and embracing a free and unrestrained lifestyle. They reside in circular felt tents, known as yurts, which can be easily assembled and disassembled for migration. Inside the yurt, you'll find a fireplace, beds, furniture, and other amenities, creating a cozy and comfortable living space. Mongolians enjoy raising various livestock such as horses, sheep, cows, and camels, relying on them for meat, milk, wool, hides, and other essential resources. Many visitors to Mongolia seize the opportunity to experience the unique joy of staying in a yurt, offering a deeper connection to the Mongolian way of life.

The Mongolian people are skilled horseback riders, known for their ability to sing and dance. Khoomei (throat singing) is a truly unique feature of Mongolian singing, in the recent popular Chinese movie Nezha, the sound of the "Tianyuan Ding" (Heavenly Yuan Cauldron) sinking was created using Khoomei techniques. This fascinating vocal art adds depth and resonance to various forms of storytelling and performances. Mongolian dance includes many styles, with the most representative being the Soma Dance (horse-riding dance), Dolige Dance, and Kalabala Dance.

Ethnic clothing

Mongolian clothing is primarily centered around the deel, a long robe that is an essential part of their traditional attire. The men's deel is usually slightly shorter than the women's, with the hem reaching just below the knee. Women's deels are typically longer, extending all the way to the ankles, and feature a flared skirt at the bottom. The robes are traditionally made from wool or cotton fabric, with darker or solid colors being most common. Sometimes, floral fabrics or intricate embroidery are used for decoration.

The deel is designed to be loose and comfortable, perfectly suited for the nomadic lifestyle. It features a large pocket, providing convenient storage for various items. Both men and women accessorize their outfits with a variety of jewelry and adornments, such as earrings, necklaces, rings, hats, and scarves, adding a touch of personal style to their attire.

Ethnic Language

The Mongolian language belongs to the Altaic language family and is divided into three main dialects: the Khalkha dialect, the Hulunbuir dialect, and the Tümet dialect. The Hulunbuir dialect is spoken in the eastern part of Inner Mongolia.

Mongolian script has evolved over time. The earliest written form was the Khitan script, which was later replaced by the Uighur script. During the Qing Dynasty, the Manchu script was adopted, and eventually, the modern Mongolian script, which is still in use today, became the standard. This evolution reflects the changes in Mongolian society and its interactions with various cultures and empires over the centuries.

Faith and worship

The Mongolian people originally practiced Shamanism, believing that the natural world was inhabited by various deities, such as gods of the sky, earth, water, fire, and wind. Shamans (spiritual leaders or priests) played an essential role in communicating with these spirits and performing rituals to seek blessings and protection.

However, during the late Ming and early Qing Dynasties, Tibetan Buddhism gradually replaced Shamanism as the dominant belief system among the Mongols, becoming the primary faith of the Mongolian people. As a result, you can find many Tibetan Buddhist temples in Mongolia, with notable ones such as the Dazhao Temple, Xilituzhao Temple and Wudangzhao Monastery.

‌"Aobao" sacrifice is one of the most important traditional rituals among the Mongols. Mongols gather at designated sites to hold Aobao ceremonies, where they offer sacrifices such as mutton, milk products, wine, and other gifts. They also present "Hada" (white silk scarves) as tokens of respect, and use song and dance to express gratitude, seeking blessings for peace and prosperity.

Traditional Festival and Special Custom

The Mongolian people have many festivals, including Aobao Festival, Mare's Milk Festival, Ancestor Worship Festival, Lantern Festival, Nadam Festival, Genghis Khan Memorial Festival, etc.

The Nadaam Festival: “Nadaam" is a Mongolian term that means "entertainment" or "games," symbolizing the joy of a bountiful harvest. Held in July and August, the Nadaam Festival is a major cultural celebration for Mongolians. As a tradition, it is said that "one must attend the Nadaam Festival with the best of friends at least once in a lifetime.

What makes Nadaam so captivating? In 2006, it was included in the first batch of the national intangible cultural heritage list and is considered one of the most important events for the Mongol people. The festival showcases a dazzling display of strength and beauty, passion and speed, as well as a battle of physical endurance and wit. Traditional events like Boke (Mongolian wrestling), archery, horse racing, polo, and martial arts competitions are held, where the prairie herders dress in colorful traditional attire and gather to celebrate.

The Nadaam Festival also includes rituals such as the worship of Aobao (sacred stone heaps), bonfire parties, and cultural performances. In recent years, the addition of intangible heritage exhibitions, folk performances, entertainment competitions, and commercial trade has enriched the event, transforming Nadaam into a global cultural and tourism spectacle. Making it a must-see experience in one's lifetime.

The Zhaojun Culture Festival ：is an important event in Hohhot, typically held in August or September each year. It aims to commemorate the famous historical figure Wang Zhaojun, one of China's Four Beauties. The festival features a wide range of activities, including an opening ceremony with a cultural gala, trade and economic forums, cultural seminars, ethnic dance drama performances, and immersive live performances.

In addition, there are various exhibitions, interactive experiences, and outdoor activities such as a jade exhibition, a Chifeng Grassland Half Marathon, and a bonfire music concert. The festival provides a dynamic cultural experience, celebrating Wang Zhaojun’s legacy and promoting ethnic unity and cultural exchange.

The Aobao Worship Cultural Festival: is a traditional celebration for the Ewenki, Mongolian, and Daur ethnic groups. It is typically held on the 13th day of the 5th month of the lunar calendar each year, lasting for three days.

The Aobao Festival has its origins in ancient sacrificial rituals aimed at praying for favorable weather, a bountiful harvest, and the prosperity of livestock and people. During the festival, participants walk around the Aobao (stone cairn) in a clockwise direction three times, scattering offerings toward the Aobao while chanting prayers. They also present Hada (white silk scarves) as tokens of respect to the spirits. Additionally, there are cultural performances, such as singing, dancing, and folk arts.

The festival is a vibrant display of the rich cultural traditions of the Mongolian and other ethnic communities, serving as a time for socializing, celebrating, and honoring the spirits of nature.

The Hohhot Spring Festival Temple Fair : attracts a large number of visitors each year. The event includes traditional activities such as Yangge dance, stilt walking, and a thousand-person dumpling feast, showcasing the charm of intangible cultural heritage and traditional customs. The temple fair lasts until the 15th day of the lunar New Year and also features exciting activities like the Guochao parade and Hanfu procession, offering a vibrant celebration of Chinese traditions.

Diet Style and Culinary Tastes

Mongolian cuisine is an essential part of the unique character of this city, reflecting the Mongolian people's lifestyle and embodying the deep historical and cultural roots of the land. The culinary culture of Hohhot blends the Western Frontier culture, the Grassland culture, and the Central Plains culture, creating a distinctive regional flavor. Meat, especially horse and mutton, is the core of Mongolian cuisine, with dishes like "hand-pulled meat" being the most iconic. Hohhot is also known as China's "Dairy Capital," offering a variety of locally made dairy products. Mongolian milk tea, butter, cheese, and yogurt are just some of the mouthwatering delicacies that captivate visitors and locals alike.

These rich and hearty flavors, influenced by the vast grasslands and pastoral lifestyle, make Hohhot's food culture truly unique.

Cultural Heritage

The top ten famous intangible cultural heritages in Inner Mongolia include Mongolian Humming, horse-head fiddle, Nadam, long-tune folk songs, Aobao sacrifice, yurt, horse harness making skills, Mongolian costumes, Mongolian embroidery, Mongolian folk songs. These elements of intangible heritage encapsulate the rich traditions and the cultural heritage of the Mongolian people in Inner Mongolia.

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