Inner Mongolia

Inner Mongolia, like Xinjiang and Tibet, is one of China's five autonomous regions. Obor Mongyol, its Mongolian name, translates as Southern Mongolia; more than 17% of the population is Mongolian despite the relocation of millions of Han Chinese to this region.

Much of the northern and eastern areas are grassland territory supporting ethnic Mongolians with nomadic lifestyles. The ecosystem of these areas is highly fragile however, and is threatened by overpopulation and overgrazing, which in turn is eroding traditional Mongolian values.