Ordos City facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Quick facts for kids Ordos 鄂尔多斯市 (Chinese) ᠣᠷᠳᠣᠰᠬᠣᠲᠠ (Mongolian)
Prefecture-level city
View of Dongsheng District
Location of Ordos City jurisdiction in Inner Mongolia (orange)
Country	People's Republic of China
Region	Inner Mongolia
Municipal seat	Kangbashi District
Area
• Prefecture-level city	86,752 km² (33,495 sq mi)
• Urban (2017)	2,526.5 km² (975.5 sq mi)
• Metro	5,859.8 km² (2,262.5 sq mi)
Elevation	1,305 m (4,281 ft)
Highest elevation	2,149 m (7,051 ft)
Lowest elevation	850 m (2,790 ft)
Population (2020 census)
• Prefecture-level city	2,153,638
• Density	24.82523/km² (64.2970/sq mi)
• Urban	693,038
• Urban density	274.308/km² (710.453/sq mi)
• Metro	366,779
• Metro density	62.5924/km² (162.1136/sq mi)
GDP
• Prefecture-level city	CN¥ 422.6 billion US$ 67.9 billion
• Per capita	CN¥ 207,163 US$ 33,261
Time zone	UTC+8 (China Standard)
Postal code	017000
ISO 3166 code	CN-NM-06
Licence plate prefixes	蒙K
Administrative division code	150600

Ordos City

Chinese name

Simplified Chinese

鄂尔多斯市

Traditional Chinese

鄂爾多斯市

Transcriptions
Standard Mandarin
Hanyu Pinyin	È'ěrduōsī Shì
Bopomofo	ㄜˋ ㄦˇ ㄉㄨㄛㄙㄕˋ
Gwoyeu Romatzyh	Eh'eelduosy Shyh
Wade–Giles	Ê⁴-erh³-to¹-ssu¹ Shih⁴
Yale Romanization	Èěrdwōsz̄ Shr̀
IPA	[ɤ̂.àɚ̯.tu̯ó.sɹ̩́ ʂɻ̩̂]

Mongolian name

Mongolian Cyrillic

Ордос хот

Mongolian script

ᠣᠷᠳᠣᠰ ᠬᠣᠲᠠ

Transcriptions
SASM/GNC	Ordos qota

Ordos, also known as Ih Ju, is a big city in Inner Mongolia, China. It's located on the Ordos Plateau near the Yellow River. Even though much of the area is countryside, Ordos is managed like a city. In 2020, about 2.1 million people lived here. Its main city areas, Ejin Horo Banner and Kangbashi District, have about 366,000 residents.

Ordos is famous for its new Kangbashi District. This area was built with many grand buildings, museums, and public spaces. It even hosted the Miss World 2012 competition! When Kangbashi was first built, some people called it a "ghost city" because it seemed empty. But by 2017, its population grew a lot, from 30,000 to 153,000 people.

About the Name of Ordos

The area was called the Ih Ju League from 1649 to 2001. It was renamed Ordos on February 26, 2001. The word "Ordos" means "palaces" in the Mongolian language. It first referred to a tribe and then to their land.

The name "Ordos" comes from the Mongolian word ordu, meaning 'court' or 'palace'. The name is sometimes linked to the eight white yurts of Genghis Khan. The Ordos dialect of Mongolian is quite different from other nearby dialects.

Genghis Khan equestrian sculpture in Ordos City

History of Ordos

Ancient Times and Early Civilizations

Genghis Khan Mausoleum in the Ejin Horo Banner

In the southern part of the Ordos grassland, there's a river called the Sarawusu River. Its name means "thick yellow stream" in Mongolian. In 1923, a French Jesuit named Émile Licent found ancient human fossils here. This site is now part of the Shuidonggou complex. Many old items have been found, some possibly 100,000 years old.

The culture from this time is called "Salawusu" or "Shuidonggou" culture. It's known as a late Paleolithic culture. This culture mixed grassland life with the Yellow River civilization. It's a key part of the northern grasslands' history.

Ordos in Imperial China

Before the Zhou dynasty, this area was home to nomadic groups. During the Warring States Period, it was part of the state of Zhao. Later, it belonged to the state of Qin. In the Han dynasty, it was a frontline area in the Han–Xiongnu War. Emperor Wu of Han created Shuofang County here.

Qin Zhidao and Shuofang County

The Qin Zhidao was an important military road built by Qin Shihuang from 212 BC to 210 BC. It passed through Ordos City. This road helped connect different parts of the empire. Shuofang County was a northern border county during the Han dynasty. It was set up after Emperor Wu's forces regained the Hetao area.

Tongwan City

Tongwan City is located where Ordos City meets Jingbian, Shaanxi Province. It was the capital of the Daxia Kingdom about 1500 years ago. In 407 AD, the Xiongnu leader Helian Bobo built this city. It took seven years to build. The city walls were very thick and tall.

The Eight White Palaces

Legend says that Genghis Khan liked the Ordos area when he passed through it. He wished to be buried there. In 1227, Genghis Khan died. His relics were placed in eight white felt tents for worship. These were called the Eight White Palaces.

Later, Kublai Khan set up special ceremonies for these palaces. They became a very important place for the Mongol Empire. The Eight White Palaces were movable and showed the power of Genghis Khan's family.

Qing Dynasty and Migration

Six Banners League

In 1649, the Qing dynasty divided the Mongolian Ordos tribe into six Banners. These Banners later formed the Ikezhao League, which was the old name for Ordos City.

During the Qing dynasty, China's population grew a lot. Many poor people moved to Ordos and other areas. This movement was called "Zou Xi Kou." It changed the way of life and economy in Mongolia. People from Shanxi province brought their culture to Inner Mongolia.

Modern History of Ordos

After the Republic of China was formed, the Ikezhao League was established. In 1937, Japan occupied much of northern China. In 1938, Japanese invaders tried to move the Eight White Palaces of Genghis Khan. But the local leaders refused.

Due to the war, the Eight White Palaces had to be moved west for safety. They traveled a long way, passing through Yan'an and Xi'an. In 1939, they were placed in Xinglong Mountain, Gansu Province. In 1949, they were moved again to Qinghai.

After the People's Republic of China was founded, the Eight White Palaces were returned to Ejin Horo in 1954. In 2001, Ikezhao League officially became the prefecture-level Ordos City. In 2016, Kangbashi District was officially set up within Ordos City.

Geography and Climate

Ordos covers a large area of about 86,752 square kilometers. It includes most of the Ordos Desert. The city borders Hohhot to the east and Baotou to the northeast. Its longest north-south distance is 340 km, and east-west is 400 km.

The most populated area is Dongsheng District, with over 582,000 people in 2010. Another urban area is Kangbashi District and nearby Altan Xire. Kangbashi is north of the Wulan Mulun River, a branch of the Yellow River.

Ordos has hills in the east and high plateaus in the west and center. There are also sandy deserts in the north and south. The highest point is 2,149 meters, and the lowest is 850 meters.

Two large deserts are in Ordos: the Kubuqi Desert in the north (19.2% of Ordos) and the Mu Us (Maowusu) Desert in the south (28.8% of Ordos).

Ordos has a cold semi-arid climate. Winters are long, cold, and very dry. Summers are warm and a bit humid. Strong winds are common, especially in spring. Most rain falls from July to September. The average temperature in the city ranges from -10.5°C in January to 21.0°C in July.

Climate data for Ordos (Dongsheng District), elevation 1,462 m (4,797 ft), 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1971–2010)
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Record high °C (°F)	11.3 (52.3)	16.6 (61.9)	24.9 (76.8)	32.2 (90.0)	32.9 (91.2)	36.7 (98.1)	36.5 (97.7)	33.3 (91.9)	33.3 (91.9)	24.4 (75.9)	18.7 (65.7)	12.2 (54.0)	36.7 (98.1)
Mean daily maximum °C (°F)	−3.9 (25.0)	0.6 (33.1)	7.3 (45.1)	15.3 (59.5)	21.2 (70.2)	25.7 (78.3)	27.4 (81.3)	25.2 (77.4)	20.1 (68.2)	13.2 (55.8)	4.8 (40.6)	−2.4 (27.7)	12.9 (55.2)
Daily mean °C (°F)	−9.3 (15.3)	−5.1 (22.8)	1.4 (34.5)	9.2 (48.6)	15.3 (59.5)	20.0 (68.0)	21.9 (71.4)	20.0 (68.0)	14.7 (58.5)	7.7 (45.9)	−0.5 (31.1)	−7.4 (18.7)	7.3 (45.2)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F)	−13.1 (8.4)	−9.3 (15.3)	−3.3 (26.1)	3.8 (38.8)	9.7 (49.5)	14.6 (58.3)	17.1 (62.8)	15.6 (60.1)	10.3 (50.5)	3.3 (37.9)	−4.3 (24.3)	−11.1 (12.0)	2.8 (37.0)
Record low °C (°F)	−28.4 (−19.1)	−27.5 (−17.5)	−22.8 (−9.0)	−11.6 (11.1)	−4.8 (23.4)	1.7 (35.1)	9.1 (48.4)	4.3 (39.7)	−2.1 (28.2)	−13.6 (7.5)	−21.8 (−7.2)	−27.1 (−16.8)	−28.4 (−19.1)
Average precipitation mm (inches)	2.1 (0.08)	4.3 (0.17)	9.3 (0.37)	16.2 (0.64)	31.4 (1.24)	52.1 (2.05)	94.5 (3.72)	89.6 (3.53)	52.0 (2.05)	20.7 (0.81)	9.4 (0.37)	2.3 (0.09)	383.9 (15.12)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.1 mm)	2.3	2.6	3.8	3.8	6.7	9.4	11.5	11.3	8.8	4.8	3.1	2.4	70.5
Average snowy days	3.8	4.5	4.3	1.5	0.2	0	0	0	0	1.2	3.2	4.3	23
Average relative humidity (%)	51	45	38	33	36	44	56	60	57	50	50	50	48
Mean monthly sunshine hours	221.7	217.0	257.7	281.8	306.8	288.3	281.7	267.8	242.0	245.7	218.1	211.7	3,040.3
Percent possible sunshine	73	71	69	70	69	65	63	64	66	72	74	73	69
Source 1: China Meteorological Administration
Source 2: Weather China

Economy and Resources

Ordos is one of China's richest regions based on its economy. In 2016, its wealth per person was very high. This makes it one of the top cities in mainland China.

The city has many natural resources. It holds one-sixth of China's total coal reserves. The main parts of its economy are:

Textiles (especially wool)
Coal mining
Petrochemicals (products made from oil and gas)
Making electricity
Producing building materials
Bitcoin mining

An industrial park in Dalad Banner has one of the world's largest Bitcoin "mines." This is actually a huge server farm owned by a company called Bitmain.

Military Presence

In 2021, news reports said that China was building a new missile site near Hanggin Banner in Ordos City. This site is planned to hold over 100 new DF-41 intercontinental ballistic missiles. These are very long-range missiles. This new site will join two others in China.

Administrative Divisions

Ordos City is divided into two districts and seven banners. These are like smaller regions within the city.

Map
Dongsheng 1 Dalad Banner Jungar Banner Otog Front Banner Otog Banner Hanggin Banner Uxin Banner Ejin'horo Banner 1.Kangbashi
Name	Mongolian	Hanzi	Hanyu Pinyin	Population (2010)	Area (km²)	Density (/km²)
Dongsheng District	ᠳ᠋ᠦᠩᠱᠧᠩ ᠲᠣᠭᠣᠷᠢᠭ (Düŋšėŋ toɣoriɣ)	东胜区	Dōngshèng Qū	582,544	2,146	271
Kangbashi District (Hia'bagx District)	ᠬᠢᠶ᠎ᠠ ᠪᠠᠭᠰᠢ ᠲᠣᠭᠣᠷᠢᠭ (Kiy-a baγsi toɣoriɣ)	康巴什区	Kāngbāshí Qū	153,000	372.55	404
Dalad Banner	ᠳᠠᠯᠠᠳ ᠬᠣᠰᠢᠭᠤ (Dalad qosiɣu)	达拉特旗	Dálātè Qí	322,101	8,192	40
Jungar Banner	ᠵᠡᠭᠦᠨᠭᠠᠷ ᠬᠣᠰᠢᠭᠤ (Jegünɣar qosiɣu)	准格尔旗	Zhǔngé'ěr Qí	356,501	7,535	36
Otog Front Banner (Otog Omnod Banner)	ᠣᠲᠣᠭ ᠤᠨ ᠡᠮᠦᠨᠡᠳᠦ ᠬᠣᠰᠢᠭᠤ (Otoɣ-un Emünedü qosiɣu)	鄂托克前旗	Ètuōkè Qián Qí	68,282	12,318	6
Otog Banner	ᠣᠲᠣᠭ ᠬᠣᠰᠢᠭᠤ (Otoɣ qosiɣu)	鄂托克旗	Ètuōkè Qí	148,844	20,064	4
Hanggin Banner	ᠬᠠᠩᠭᠢᠨ ᠬᠣᠰᠢᠭᠤ (Qaŋɣin qosiɣu)	杭锦旗	Hángjǐn Qí	111,102	18,903	7
Uxin Banner	ᠦᠦᠰᠢᠨ ᠬᠣᠰᠢᠭᠤ (Üüsin qosiɣu)	乌审旗	Wūshěn Qí	124,527	11,645	9
Ejin Horo Banner	ᠡᠵᠢᠨ ᠬᠣᠷᠣᠭ᠎ᠠ ᠬᠣᠰᠢᠭᠤ (Ejin Qoroɣ-a qosiɣu)	伊金霍洛旗	Yījīnhuòluò Qí	226,752	5,958	23

Kangbashi New Area

A large new city area called Kangbashi was built about 25 km from Dongsheng District. It was planned to house a million people. At first, it was mostly empty. In 2010, government numbers showed only 28,000 residents. Some news reports even called it a "ghost city."

However, by 2017, the population had grown to 153,000. Housing prices also went up by 50% since 2015. Out of 40,000 apartments built since 2004, only 500 were still for sale. This shows that the city is now much more active.

Ordos Museum

In 2011, the Ordos Museum opened in Kangbashi. This large museum covers 49,400 square meters. It was designed by MAD Studio, an architectural firm from China. The museum teaches visitors about the history of the Ordos area. It also shares information about the culture and traditions of Inner Mongolia.

Transportation in Ordos

Most travel within Ordos City is by car or bus. The city has a good network of roads. Two main expressways, the G18 Rongcheng–Wuhai Expressway and the G65 Baotou–Maoming Expressway, connect Ordos to other cities.

County Road X623 at Ejin Horo

In 2016, the Ordos railway station opened. This station is part of several railway lines. High-speed trains run daily to Hohhot, the provincial capital. Slower trains also connect directly to and from Beijing West railway station.

Ordos Ejin Horo International Airport is located in Ejin Horo Banner. This airport helps people travel to and from Ordos by air.