The Erenhot Port, situated on the border of China and Mongolia, is witnessing a remarkable surge in tourism and trade, a direct result of the global momentum behind ‘China Travel.’ The arrival lobby at Erenhot, the largest land port along the China-Mongolia border, is bustling with excited travelers eager to cross the border and embark on their journeys across the vast country.
Located in China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Erenhot serves as a crucial gateway connecting the two nations. The growing popularity of ‘China Travel’ has led to a significant increase in Chinese tourists venturing into Mongolia, attracted by its stunning landscapes and unique cultural traditions. Hao Xiaoming, a 34-year-old resident of Wuhan, recently completed a five-day train trip to Ulaanbaatar, the Mongolian capital, highlighting the increasing travel interest between the two nations.
The numbers speak for themselves. Between the start of this year and September 5th, Erenhot’s highway and railway ports processed over 1.75 million inbound and outbound trips, a staggering 95% increase from the previous year. The port also handled 442,000 transport vehicles, nearly doubling last year’s figures. These impressive statistics underscore the strengthening ties between China and Mongolia, with both countries engaging in enhanced cooperation in areas such as tourism, education, healthcare, and trade. This collaborative spirit fosters closer connections and mutual learning between their people.
The streets of Erenhot are a testament to the growing cultural exchange, with signs in three languages: Chinese, traditional Mongolian script used in China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, and Cyrillic Mongolian from neighboring Mongolia. A visit to a local import warehouse reveals a wide array of Mongolian products lining the shelves, ranging from honey, wheat flour, and beef jerky to milk tea powder, camel wool, and cashmere. Gu Xiaojing, a local resident, is a regular at the Yaojin import supermarket, where she recently purchased Mongolian wool knee pads and sheepskin gloves, reflecting the growing demand for Mongolian goods.
The increasing popularity of Mongolian goods has encouraged Mongolian companies to expand their presence in China. Notably, the renowned GOBI Cashmere brand now boasts flagship stores in both Erenhot and Xilinhot, catering to the burgeoning interest in high-quality Mongolian products. The influx of tourists and trade signals a bright future for Erenhot Port, solidifying its position as a vital hub for cross-border connections and economic growth.
