Happy TravellerWelcome to Suiyuan, a province in China with a rich history and a fascinating past. Suiyuan was once a province of China, with its capital in Guisui, which is now known as Hohhot. The area that Suiyuan covered is now part of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, including the prefecture-level cities of Hohhot, Baotou, Wuhai, Ordos, Bayan Nur, and parts of Ulanqab.
Suiyuan was named after a district in the capital established during the Qing Dynasty. In the early 1930s, Suiyuan was occupied by the Shanxi warlord Yan Xishan, who mined Suiyuan’s iron, reorganized the province’s finances, and brought over 4,000 acres of land under cultivation for the first time. Most of the work and settlement of Suiyuan at this time was done by Shanxi farmer-soldiers under the direction of retired officers from Yan’s army. Yan’s control of Suiyuan was sufficient to cause one visiting reporter to refer to Suiyuan as a colony of Shanxi.
During the Second Sino-Japanese War, the Suiyuan campaign took place in Suiyuan. It became a part of the puppet state of Mengjiang from 1937 to 1945 under Japanese rule.
In 1935, Communist leader Mao Zedong promised Mongol leaders a unified autonomous administration which would include all historic Mongol lands within China, in exchange for Mongol support against the Kuomintang. This promise included the declaration that, ‘Under no circumstances should other [non-Mongol ethnic groups] be allowed to occupy the land of the Inner Mongolian nation.’ However, following the communist victory in 1949, the administrators of the soon-to-be Mongolian territories with Han Chinese majorities, the biggest of which was Suiyuan with a population of over 2 million, resisted annexation by the new Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.
In 1954, Mao reached a compromise with Suiyuan, which involved the Mongols taking over the administration of Suiyuan, but stipulated that the Han natives not be expelled from the territory. Uradyn Bulag thus notes that ironically, the Mongols’ territorial ambitions against Suiyuan resulted in their becoming a small minority within their own [enlarged] autonomous region.
Suiyuan may have a complicated past, but it is also a fascinating destination for travelers. The province is home to many historical sites, including the ruins of the ancient city of Yinshan, which dates back to the Han Dynasty. The city of Hohhot, which was once the capital of Suiyuan, is also a popular destination for tourists.
In addition to its historical sites, Suiyuan is also known for its natural beauty. The province is home to the Xilamuren Grassland, which is one of the largest grasslands in China. Visitors can take a horseback ride across the grasslands and experience the traditional Mongolian way of life.
Suiyuan is also known for its delicious cuisine. The province is famous for its lamb dishes, which are cooked in a variety of ways, including roasted, boiled, and stewed. Visitors can also try traditional Mongolian dishes, such as buuz (steamed dumplings) and khuushuur (fried meat pies).
In conclusion, Suiyuan is a province with a rich history and a fascinating past. From its ancient ruins to its natural beauty and delicious cuisine, there is something for everyone in Suiyuan. Whether you are a history buff, a nature lover, or a foodie, Suiyuan is a destination that should not be missed.
