Located in the western part of Inner Mongolia autonomous region and adjacent to the Republic of Mongolia to its north and the Yellow River to its south, Baotou is the largest city in the autonomous region and an important transport hub.

Baotou, also goes by the name Lucheng city, which, roughly translated, means "a city with deer". [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Baotou plays a key role in the economic expansion of Inner Mongolia and the implementation of China's Belt and Road Initiative, which involves the revival of the ancient overland and marine Silk Road routes. It serves as a part of Inner Mongolia economic circle together with Hohhot and Ordos. Spanning a total area of 27,768 square kilometers, the city has nine banner counties and one national rare-earth high-tech industrial development zone.The city also goes by the name Lucheng city, which, roughly translated, means "a city with deer".

Over the past five years, the economic performance of Baotou city has moved from strength to strength. The average annual growth of GDP during the period was 6 percent, the average annual growth of the industrial added value above a designated size was 11.8 percent and the average annual growth rate of the general public budget revenue was 4 percent. Total retail sales of social consumer goods during the period had an average annual growth rate of 2.8 percent and the per capita disposable income of urban and rural residents increased annually by 5.3 percent and 9.4 percent on average, respectively. A total of 2,659 major projects were initiated, with an investment of 455.9 billion yuan ($71.57 billion) and another 1,091 were completed.

The transformation of Baotou's urban industry has accelerated. The added value of emerging industries during the period accounted for 20 percent of the total, the added value of high-tech industries doubled, the processing and conversion rate of agricultural and livestock products reached 73 percent and the development of modern service industries such as logistics and finance accelerated.

Baotou's business services have continued to improve and Baotou was recognized in 2021 as being one of the top 10 cities in China for its business environment. Over the past five years, the average annual growth rate of foreign capital utilization was 18 percent and it has been rated as a national foreign trade transformation and upgrading base and a national top 100 foreign trade city.

What's more, the city's urban functions continued to be optimized. A total of 105,000 households were renovated in old communities and shanty towns, while 263,000 old property disputes were resolved.

Baotou's ecological system and environment continued to improve, with its forest coverage and grassland and vegetation coverage increasing to 18.3 percent and 36.6 percent, respectively – while the region's first carbon peak, carbon neutral forest-grass carbon sink test area was approved.

People's livelihoods and well-being continued to get better during the period. Guyang county, administered by Baotou, was lifted out of its poverty stricken status and 17,796 poor people escaped penury. A total of 222,500 new jobs have been created, urban and rural subsistence allowances have been raised for three consecutive years, the participation rate of basic medical insurance has reached over 95 percent and the monthly pensions of enterprise retirees has increased by 567 yuan per month.

The government's efficiency has continued to improve and it joined the first group of law-based government demonstration cities in Inner Mongolia autonomous region. Moreover, the municipal government continues to report on its activities to its residents and listen to their opinions.

Baotou, also goes by the name Lucheng city, which, roughly translated, means "a city with deer". [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The city is also home to many large-scale enterprises concerning steel, aluminum, equipment manufacturing and rare-earth processing industries. It contains important bases for energy, raw materials, rare earth, new-type coal chemical and equipment manufacturing industries. More than 20,000 enterprises have been launched in the city, including 619 large-scale companies.Known as the "steel city in the grassland" and the "capital of rare earth," Baotou boasts a variety of high-quality mineral resources. It contains many large storage facilities, making it an ideal place to harvest natural resources. 74 different minerals ranging from metals to rare earth have been found in Baotou, making it a world-level rare earth industrial cluster.

Baotou, also goes by the name Lucheng city, which, roughly translated, means "a city with deer". [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Baotou boasts plenty of attractions. Its historical and cultural scenic spots include the Site of A'shan, Machi Ancient City and the Great Walls constructed during the Warring States period (475-221 BC) and the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC). It also features famous cultural scenic spots such as Wudangzhao and Meidaizhao temples, landscapes involving Xilamuren Grassland, Jiufeng Mountain and Saihantala Ecological Park.

Baotou has shown its intention of prioritizing ecological development by building more than 20 parks, 30 plazas and over 120 urban landscapes.

It is also winners of many international and domestic appraisals for its ecology protection, including United Nations Habitat Scroll of Honor Award, National Forest City, National Garden City, National Sanitary City and National Outstanding Tourist City.