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".

Here are some of the achievements that Baotou city, located in Inner Mongolia autonomous region, reached in 2023.

Throughout the year, 374 projects were initiated in the city, with investments exceeding 100 million yuan ($13.98 million), and 6,031 5G base stations were constructed. The city waived taxes and fees totaling 3.27 billion yuan for enterprises. Additionally, 700 large-scale promotional events were held, boosting consumption by 7.07 billion yuan.

In 2023, Baotou saw the addition of 46 new high-tech enterprises and 177 newly registered national-level science and technology SMEs. Three new academician workstations and 71 innovation platforms at the Inner Mongolia autonomous region-level or higher were established. The city was also selected as a national innovation-driven demonstration city and one of the top 100 cities for sci-tech innovation in China.

Baotou established 10,000 mu (666.7 hectares) of high-efficiency and water-saving farmland, as well as achieved a 14-percent increase in milk production and a 7.2-percent increase in meat production.

The city carried out 30 road network renovation projects and installed 5,077 public charging piles. Renovation efforts covered 4.5 million square meters of old communities in the city's urban area, benefiting 52,000 households. Additionally, the city reconstructed 340 kilometers of roads in rural areas, and built 4,183 public toilets in rural areas.

Furthermore, Baotou focused on developing its healthcare sector in 2023. The Second Affiliated Hospital of Baotou Medical College was upgraded to a Grade A tertiary comprehensive hospital. The city also established the Stem Cell Research Institute of The First Affiliated Hospital of Baotou Medical College as well as the Organ Transplant Center of Baogang Hospital.

A total of 22 urban and rural elderly care service centers were built, providing 1,311 home care beds for those in need. Six communities in the city were recognized as national elderly-friendly demonstration communities.

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. 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.