China , Neimenggu , alashanzuoqi

Overview of Alashan Left Banner, Inner Mongolia, China

Alashan Left Banner is located in the western part of China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, belonging to Alashan League, and is situated between the Tengger Desert and Ulan Buh Desert. The flag covers a total area of about 80,000 square kilometers, with Mongolian as the main ethnic group and a blend of Han, Hui and other multi-ethnic cultures. The economy is based on animal husbandry, mineral development and tourism, with specialties such as Alashan Bactrian camels and strange stones. Famous attractions include the primitive forest of Helan Mountain, Guangzong Temple (South Temple) and Moon Lake Desert Scenic Spot. The flag government is stationed in Bayanhot Town, and the transportation is mainly by highway, connected with Ningxia through Yinba Expressway. The region has an important ecological status and a typical temperate desert grassland climate.

Natural Ecology and Tourism Resources

Alashan Left Banner has a unique desert-grassland composite ecosystem, with several salt lakes and oases distributed along the southeast edge of the Tengger Desert. Helan Mountain National Nature Reserve preserves a complete vertical vegetation belt, which is the habitat of rare species such as rock sheep and horse deer. The annual Alashan Heroes Meeting attracts cross-country enthusiasts from all over the country. The local Mongolian traditional Naadam Assembly and delicacies such as roasted whole sheep and dairy products have distinctive national characteristics.

Historical and Cultural Characteristics

As an important node of the North Road of the ancient Silk Road, Alxa Left Banner has historical relics such as petroglyphs and ancient city ruins. Tibetan Buddhism has a profound cultural influence, and Guangzong Temple, built in the Qianlong period, is an important religious shrine in western Inner Mongolia. The local Mongolian people maintain traditional production methods such as handmade wool felt making and camel breeding, and the national language and long-toned folk songs have been included in the list of intangible cultural heritage.