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Why are Baotou, Hohhot, and Jining important transportation centres?

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Wide autumn valley with golden grass in the foreground and low, tree-covered mountains of the Greater Khingan Range in the distance under a clear sky. — Inner Mongolia Da Hinggan (Greater Khingan) Range, southeast of Hailar, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China.

Baotou, Hohhot, and Jining serve as vital transportation hubs in Inner Mongolia, primarily due to their roles as major railway junctions that integrate the region into China’s national network.1

Railway Connectivity: These cities are central to the rail system connecting northern and northwestern China. Baotou acts as a key terminus and junction, linking to Lanzhou and facilitating trade with northwestern provinces. Jining historically served as a critical rail junction for international trade with Mongolia and Russia, connecting the Beijing-Baotou line with routes to Ulaanbaatar and the Trans-Siberian Railroad. Additionally, a line from Jining to Tongliao links the region to northeastern China.123
Highway Infrastructure: The cities are connected by an express highway that runs directly to Beijing, providing a crucial road link for the region.1
Aviation: Hohhot functions as the primary hub for international air travel in Inner Mongolia.1

These transportation networks have been essential for supporting the region's industrial development, including the movement of coal, iron, and steel, and for maintaining trade routes across northern China and beyond.12