Chifeng is the cradle of the Hongshan Culture, home to the legendary Jade Dragon — China's earliest jade artifact — and a gateway to stunning geoparks, stone forests, and vast Inner Mongolian grasslands.
Chifeng, whose name means "Red Mountain" in Mongolian, is a prefecture-level city in southeastern Inner Mongolia with a population of over 4 million. It occupies a unique position at the intersection of the Mongolian Plateau, the North China Plain, and the Greater Khingan Range, giving it remarkable geographical and ecological diversity.
The city's most famous contribution to world civilization is the Hongshan Culture, a Neolithic society that flourished between 4700-2900 BC. The discovery of the C-shaped Jade Dragon in 1971 at Sanxingtala put Chifeng on the archaeological map, establishing the region as one of the cradles of Chinese civilization. The Hongshan people created sophisticated jade carvings, established ceremonial centers, and developed complex social structures.
Beyond its archaeological treasures, Chifeng boasts stunning natural landscapes. The Hexigten Global Geopark, recognized by UNESCO, features dramatic granite formations, glacial remains, and volcanic landscapes. The Asihatu Stone Forest presents a surreal forest of stone pillars, while the vast grasslands of Ongniud and other banners offer classic Mongolian prairie scenery.
Chifeng's economy has traditionally relied on agriculture, animal husbandry, and mining. The region produces high-quality lamb, buckwheat, and milk products. In recent years, tourism has grown significantly, driven by the UNESCO geopark designation and increasing interest in prehistoric Chinese culture.
The Chifeng area has been continuously inhabited for over 8,000 years. The Hongshan Culture (4700-2900 BC) represents the region's most significant prehistoric civilization, known for its exquisite jade artifacts, including the iconic Jade Dragon. Recent archaeological discoveries continue to reveal the sophistication of this Neolithic society.
During the Shang and Zhou dynasties, the area was inhabited by various nomadic tribes. The Liao Dynasty (907-1125 AD) established the Zhongjing (Central Capital) in what is now Ningcheng County, making Chifeng a political and cultural center. The Daming Pagoda dates from this period.
The Ming Dynasty saw the region return to nomadic control, while the Qing Dynasty reorganized the area under the Mongol banner system. In the 20th century, Chifeng developed from a small trading town into an important regional center following the construction of railway connections.
The discovery of the Jade Dragon in 1971 transformed Chifeng's cultural significance and sparked renewed archaeological interest. The city was officially upgraded to prefecture-level status in 1983 and has since grown into an important economic and cultural hub in southeastern Inner Mongolia.
Chifeng's economy is diversified across agriculture, animal husbandry, mining, and increasingly tourism. The region is a major producer of lamb, beef, milk, and buckwheat. Mineral resources include coal, iron, tin, and lead-zinc deposits. The Hongshan Culture archaeological sites and Hexigten Geopark have driven significant tourism growth, with visitor numbers increasing steadily each year. The local government has invested heavily in tourism infrastructure including roads, hotels, and visitor centers.
Discover the culinary treasures of Chifeng, from traditional street food to imperial cuisine.
A focused one-day tour exploring Chifeng's rich Hongshan Culture heritage and historical landmarks.
An in-depth two-day exploration of Chifeng's extraordinary geological wonders and beautiful grasslands.
Chifeng Yulong Airport (about 15km from city center) has direct flights to Beijing, Shanghai, Hohhot, and Xiamen.
Chifeng Station serves high-speed trains to Beijing (about 2.5 hours), Hohhot, and Shenyang.
Public buses and long-distance coaches connect the city to all counties and scenic areas. Taxis are affordable for city travel.
Available throughout the city
Apr - May
Cool and windy. The grassland begins to turn green. Possible sandstorms. Blooming wildflowers in the geoparks.
Jun - Aug
Warm and pleasant, the best time for grassland travel. Lush green pastures, comfortable temperatures (20-28°C), and all attractions open.
Sep - Oct
Golden grasslands and colorful autumn foliage in the forests. Clear skies and comfortable temperatures. Best season for geopark photography.
Nov - Mar
Cold and dry (-15 to 0°C). Snow-covered landscapes are beautiful but some remote attractions may be inaccessible. Very few tourists.
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