Hohhot, Provincial capital in Inner Mongolia, China.
Hohhot is the capital of Inner Mongolia and sits in the upper valley of the Dahei River at an elevation of 1065 meters (3494 feet). Mountains encircle the city to the north, while its streets and neighborhoods spread across the plain.
Altan Khan founded the settlement in 1580 and built the Da Zhao Temple to consolidate his influence over the southern Mongol tribes. The city later grew into a trading center linking Chinese provinces with Mongolian territories.
The name stands for Blue City in the Mongolian language, a color chosen for its connection to the open sky above the grasslands. Local markets still sell dairy products and felt goods that reflect centuries of herding traditions in the region.
Hohhot Baita International Airport connects the capital to major Chinese cities and Mongolia, while high-speed trains run to Beijing and other destinations. The best time to visit is from May through October, when the weather is mild and the surrounding grasslands turn green.
The capital holds the title of China's dairy capital and hosts the headquarters of the country's two largest dairy producers, Yili Group and Mengniu. Both companies supply large parts of Asia with their products and shape the city's skyline through their factories and research centers.
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