As the head of the Mudu Mongolian Yurts Company, Li Youliang, a 33-year-old man from Zhenglan Banner, Xilin Gol League of Inner Mongolian autonomous region, has succeeded in selling the Mongolian ethnic yurts to many foreign countries.

Mongolian yurts, which are also called "zhanbao" by locals, originated from Hun times (3rd century BC) and are still in use now.

Around 12 years ago, Li Youliang, who was then a migrant worker, returned home and set up his business producing traditional Mongolian yurts with a few workmen in a small workshop.

Li Youliang, the head of Mudu Mongolian Yurts Company, introduces the methods of putting up Mongolian yurts to visitors. [Photo by Shang Hongbo/chinanews.com]

Compared to the first year when they produced fewer than 20 Mongolian yurts, the second year was a big leap into the international market.

In 2006, a client from Germany ordered some strengthened Mongolian yurts. Li did not ask what the yurts were going to be used for, but was later surprised when the German buyer showed him some pictures, with the yurts on Antarctic glaciers.

Now, with a 3000-square-meter factory, Li’s company annually produces seven types of model with more than 30 patterns. Every year, thousands of Mongolian yurts are sold in nearly 20 cities of China and exported to nine foreign countries including Spain, Sweden and Japan.

A nine-meter-wide Mongolian yurt will cost around 60,000 yuan ($9,000), said Li. The secrets of being ranked near the top of the national yurt industry are the infusion of Mongol ethnic elements, uniquely decorated exteriors and a well-equipped interior, plus a comprehensive after-sales service.

Xie Wei, one visitor from Yunnan province, remarked that the price of yurts compared favorably to the price of real estate.

Li's company proposes to export their yurts to thirty countries within five years.

The featured Mongolian yurts are produced by Mudu Mongolian Yurts Company, in Zhenglan Banner, Xilin Gol League of Inner Mongolian autonomous region. [Photo/focus.cn]