Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China
At a Glance
- Population: ~3,446,100
- Language: Mandarin Chinese, Mongolian
- Known For: Dairy industry leadership, ethnic Mongolian culture, higher education, industrial and economic development
- Sister City Since: July 11, 2024
About Hohhot
Hohhot, formerly known as Kweisui, is the capital city of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in northern China and serves as the region’s administrative, economic, and cultural center. The city’s name means “Blue City” in Mongolian, a color symbolizing the sky, eternity, and purity in Mongol culture. With a population of over 3.4 million residents, Hohhot is a major metropolitan hub composed of four urban districts, including the Hohhot Economic and Development Zone.
As a leading industrial city, Hohhot plays a central role in Inner Mongolia’s economy. Alongside Baotou and Ordos, it contributes more than 60 percent of the region’s total industrial output. The city is home to globally recognized dairy enterprises such as Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial Group and China Mengniu Dairy Company, both among the world’s top dairy producers. Hohhot has also been a key focus of China’s Western Development Strategy, driving significant urban expansion and economic growth since the 1990s.
Culturally, Hohhot reflects its diverse ethnic heritage, particularly its strong Mongolian influences. Historic areas such as Tongdao Road feature Islamic and Mongol-inspired architectural designs, and recent government initiatives have further emphasized Mongolian identity through urban design and public spaces. By regulation, all street signs and public transportation announcements are displayed in both Chinese and Mongolian. The city is also an important educational center and home to Inner Mongolia University, the region’s largest comprehensive university.
Our Connection
Lansing and Hohhot formally became Sister Cities on July 11, 2024, following several years of growing engagement and collaboration. Initial connections began in 2019, when LEAP and the Lansing Regional Sister Cities Commission led a Michigan delegation to Hohhot. The delegation met with municipal leaders, toured cultural landmarks, and held discussions with major dairy corporations Yili and Mengniu, as well as Inner Mongolia University and Inner Mongolia University of Technology, to explore economic and educational partnerships.
Later that year, Hohhot sent a delegation to Lansing that included government officials and senior executives from Yili and Mengniu. During this visit, Lansing Mayor Andy Schor and Hohhot’s Vice Mayor signed a Letter of Intent to pursue a formal Sister City relationship. A follow-up Michigan delegation returned to Hohhot in early 2020 to continue discussions on higher education exchange, agricultural collaboration, life sciences, and technology investment.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Hohhot demonstrated its commitment to the partnership by donating 10,000 N95-grade medical masks to Lansing-area healthcare workers, coordinated through LEAP and the City of Lansing.
After a pause in travel due to the pandemic, Hohhot officials reengaged with Lansing leadership in 2023, leading to a formal delegation visit in July 2024. During this visit, the Sister City Agreement was officially signed by Lansing Mayor Andy Schor and Hohhot’s Executive Vice Mayor. Mayor Schor plans to visit Hohhot in the coming years, with a potential trip anticipated in 2026.
Ongoing and future collaborative initiatives include youth summer camp exchanges, student and faculty exchange programs between Michigan State University and Inner Mongolia University, and expanded economic cooperation in the dairy industry. Additional areas of shared interest include environmental sustainability, dairy herd management, and nutrition science, reflecting both cities’ commitment to long-term, mutually beneficial global partnerships.
Contact
Chair/Co-Chair Name (s):
Keith Lambert
He Xian
Linda Lin