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Baotou

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Baotou is a major prefecture-level city located in the western part of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in China.

Baotou
Baotou

It serves as a vital economic hub where several geographical features meet. The city sits at the junction of the Bohai Economic Rim and the Upper Yellow River Natural Resources Enrichment Zone. To the north, the city borders the Dornogovi Province of Mongolia. The Yellow River defines the southern border of the urban area. Several landforms, including the Tumochuan Plateau, the Hetao Plateau, and the Yin Mountains, cross through the central part of the prefecture.

The city's name is derived from the Mongolian language. It literally translates to "place with deer." Because of this, many people call it "Lucheng," which means "City of Deer."

Baotou
Baotou

However, Baotou is also famous as the "City of Steel in the Grasslands." This nickname reflects its location on the Mongolian grassland and its massive industrial history. The city manages a complex environment where heavy industry meets vast natural spaces like the Saihantalah Grasslands Park.

Baotou's industrial identity was shaped by significant historical developments. In the 1950s and 1960s, the city became a flagship socialist industrial center. It was designated as one of eight key cities for heavy industry in China. During this time, the Soviet Union helped construct the Iron and Steel Base. This was part of a larger group known as the "156 projects" to build China's national economy. The urban layout even changed during this era. Soviet architects helped design "socialist cities," which are planned communities built around major industrial plants.

In the modern era, the city has moved beyond just making steel. It has become a global leader in rare-earth metallurgy. Rare-earth minerals are processed in Baotou from the Bayan Obo Mining District. This district is located about 120 kilometers away from the city. These minerals are essential for many modern technologies. They are used to build smartphones, televisions, wind turbines, and motors for electric vehicles. In fact, Baotou mines and refines over half of the rare-earth minerals produced in the entire world.

This massive industrial output has significant economic and environmental impacts. As of 2012, Baotou accounted for approximately 21.3% of the total gross domestic product (GDP) of Inner Mongolia. The city's economy grew very quickly, increasing about tenfold between 2000 and 2010. However, the refining process creates toxic byproducts. These wastes are stored in the Baotou Tailings Dam, also known as the Weikuang Dam. This dam is located about 20 kilometers outside the main city. There have been reports of serious environmental contamination near these industrial sites since 2012.

Life in Baotou is shaped by its climate and its people. The city has a cold semi-arid climate. This means it has long, cold, and very dry winters. Summers are hot and somewhat humid. Spring is known for strong winds and dust storms. The population was about 2,709,400 people according to the 2020 census. Most of these residents, about 86.16%, live in urban areas. The population is also aging, with 20.19% of people aged 60 or older.

Despite its heavy industry, Baotou offers important cultural and natural sites. The Saihantalah Grasslands Park is a massive urban ecological reserve.

Baotou
Baotou

This 5.5 square kilometer park hosts thirty species of wild animals and birds. It attracts about 2 million visitors every year. For those interested in religion, the Badekar Monastery is located in the Shiguai District.

鸟瞰五当召
鸟瞰五当召

This is the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in all of Inner Mongolia. These sites provide a balance to the city's reputation as a center of steel and minerals.

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File:Saihantalah Park, Baotou.jpg
Saihantalah Park, Baotou.jpg
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