Hohhot is the capital of Inner Mongolia and the political, economic, scientific and cultural center of the region and is recognized as one of China's better-known historical cities. The name Hohhot is Mongolian for "green city". It is known as a national forest city, a model tourist city, one of the global Top 20 for economic growth, China's Top 100 for economic strength, and China's Top 50 for investment and finance. It also has an abundance of dairy products. 

Geography

The cities of Baotou and Erdos lie to the west and Ulanqab to the east as well as Shanxi province to the south. It is a key point for China's western development strategy while, at the same time, providing a hub for the north, northwest, and the rest of the mainland. It also connects China with Mongolia, Russia and even Eastern Europe.

Climate

The city has a continental monsoon climate and distinct four seasons with long, cold winters, short, hot summers, and violent weather changes in spring and autumn. Its coldest temperature can be -12.7℃, and the hottest, 22.9℃. 

Administrative divisions

The city covers an area of 17,200 square kilometers, with a 2,065-sq-km urban area. The administrative area includes four districts, Xincheng, Huimin, Yuquan and Saihan, and four adjoining counties, Togtoh, Horinger, Qingshuihe, and Wuchuan -- and a banner called Tumd Left Banner, a national economic and technological development zone and a national high-tech development zone. It is home to nearly 3 million people.

Economic data 

Hohhot's total GDP reached 427.83 billion yuan ($61.67 billion) in 2025, with the added value of the primary industry at 18.13 billion yuan, the secondary industry at 128.85 billion yuan, and the tertiary industry at 280.85 billion yuan.

The total output value of agriculture, forestry, animal husbandry, and fisheries was 31.03 billion yuan. The output values of agriculture, forestry, animal husbandry, fisheries, and auxiliary activities all achieved positive growth compared to last year, with growth rates of 5.6 percent, 5.4 percent, 4.0 percent, 4.0 percent, and 7.0 percent, respectively. Agriculture accounted for 37.7 percent of these, with the production of fruits, oil crops, and vegetables increasing by 19.2 percent, 15.4 percent, and 10.8 percent year-on-year, respectively.The industrial added value of enterprises above the designated size increased by 6.7 percent year-on-year.

From January to November 2025, the operating income of service industries above the designated size was 129.88 billion yuan. In October 2025, retail sales for that year exceeded 100 billion yuan, which reached 123.23 billion yuan in December 2025.

In 2025, import and export trade totaled 26.43 billion yuan, with the Hohhot Comprehensive Bonded Zone's import and export volume reaching 10.8 billion yuan.

Sister cities