Erlianhot Road Border Port in Inner Mongolia

The Erlianhot Port (二连浩特口岸) is the largest land border port between China and Mongolia. Located in Erlianhot (二连浩特) City in Xilin Gol League (锡林郭勒盟), Inner Mongolia (内蒙古自治区), it is the only comprehensive port in China that handles air, road, and rail transportation between China and Mongolia. This port is a vital hub for international trade and goods transit, facilitating trade in daily necessities, agricultural products, and much more.

Historical Development

Erlianhot Port has a rich history of development, starting with its establishment in 1955. Over the years, it has evolved into a critical logistics and trade center:

  • In 1955, the first national gateway (国门) was established in the Gobi desert.

  • In 1956, the international passenger train service between Beijing (北京), Ulaanbaatar (乌兰巴托), and Moscow (莫斯科) was launched, marking a significant step in cross-border transport.

  • In 1984, the second generation of the national gateway at Erlianhot Port was completed and put into use.

  • 1992: The State Council approved Erlianhot as one of China’s 13 open border cities.

  • In 2007, the third generation of the national gateway was established.

  • In 2014, the State Council approved the development of the Erlianhot Key Development and Open Experiment Zone.

  • By 2022, the port had introduced new railway lines and exceeded over 3,000 international freight trains per year.

  • In 2024, the port handled TIR transport (Transports Internationaux Routiers), with 113 imports, leading the nation in this category.

Economic Significance

As one of the largest land ports in China, Erlianhot Port is a crucial transit hub for over 70% of the trade goods and 80% of vegetables and fruits entering China from Mongolia. It also handles a variety of imports and exports, including crude oil, timber, copper ore, iron ore, and molybdenum powder. The port supports an annual cargo throughput of 8.54 million tons and a trade value of approximately 2.24 billion USD.

Erlianhot has earned the title of the “Golden Passage” (黄金通道) for its vital role in connecting China with Mongolia and facilitating cross-border trade. It has grown into a critical component of China’s Belt and Road Initiative and continues to drive both economic and cultural exchange between the two countries.

City and Port Infrastructure

Located just 9 km from Zamyn-Üüd (扎门乌德), the largest border city in Mongolia, Erlianhot enjoys excellent transportation links, making it the largest road and rail port in China. The city covers an area of 4,015 square kilometers with a population of around 100,000.

Erlianhot is also known for its significant paleontological discoveries, earning the nickname “Dinosaur Capital” (恐龙之乡). Just 8 km outside the city, there is a notable fossil site where visitors from around the world come to see the remains of ancient dinosaurs.

Key Data and Figures

  • Cargo Handling Capacity: 3.5 million tons

  • Trade Value: 21.92 billion RMB (as of mid-2025)

  • Imports and Exports: Goods come from more than 10 countries, including Mongolia, Germany, Poland, and others.

  • Annual Freight Volume: 8.54 million tons

  • Notable Imports: Crude oil, timber, copper ore, iron ore, and more.

  • Strategic Importance: Handles 70% of daily goods and 80% of vegetables and fruits between Mongolia and China.

Transportation and Connectivity

As a key port for cross-border trade, Erlianhot offers easy access to China’s largest rail and road port, facilitating seamless international logistics. With its efficient transport system, it continues to play a major role in driving both regional and national economic development.

Erlianhot’s role as a “Golden Passage” for trade and travel makes it an essential link for both goods and passengers moving between China and Mongolia, shaping the future of Sino-Mongolian trade and cultural exchange.

Geographical and Economic Importance

Erlianhot is strategically located as the most direct land route between China and Eurasia. It serves as the endpoint of the Jie’er Line (集二线), connecting Beijing to Moscow (莫斯科) through Erlianhot. The route is 1,140 kilometers shorter than the route through Manzhouli Port (满洲里口岸), providing a faster and more efficient connection to Eastern Europe.

Erlianhot also acts as a key gateway for Mongolia‘s trade, offering the shortest path to seaports for Mongolian goods. Since the opening of the port, trade volumes have increased steadily, and it is now an essential node in the Belt and Road Initiative (一带一路).

Key Statistics

  • Port’s Land Border Length: 68.29 kilometers

  • Distance to Moscow: 7,623 kilometers

  • Distance to Ulaanbaatar (乌兰巴托): 720 kilometers

  • Distance to Beijing (北京): 680 kilometers

  • Distance to Hohhot (呼和浩特): 380 kilometers

  • Maximum Freight Capacity: 10 million tons annually

Since 2002, the import/export volume has consistently increased, with the Erlianhot Port handling 421 million tons of goods in that year, setting a record. Over the years, the port has seen the growth of passenger and vehicle traffic, further boosting its status as a critical economic corridor.

Development and Expansion

  • 2002: Erlianhot’s import/export volume reached 421 million tons, a historic high.

  • 2014: The Chinese government officially approved the establishment of the Erlianhot Key Development Zone, boosting the city’s strategic importance.

  • 2022: China-Europe Railway Express (中欧班列) passing through Erlianhot exceeded 3,000 trains, continuing to strengthen its role in international trade.

The Erlianhot Port continues to improve infrastructure with the addition of modern rail lines, handling over 10 million tons of freight and contributing significantly to cross-border trade.

Strategic Location

Erlianhot’s geographical location offers exceptional advantages. It serves as the northern gateway to China, connecting it seamlessly with Mongolia, Russia, and Eastern Europe. The city benefits from its proximity to Beijing, Hohhot, and major Chinese economic regions like the Bohai Economic Circle (环渤海经济圈).

With its key role in border trade, processing trade, tourism trade, and service trade, Erlianhot is a major economic hub within Inner Mongolia (内蒙古自治区) and China. Its strategic location and access to Mongolia and Russia make it an important trade gateway for goods entering China from the northern regions.

Policy Advantages

Erlianhot has benefited from China’s membership in the WTO and the Western Development Strategy (西部大开发), which have contributed significantly to its growth and development. The 2003 visit of President Hu Jintao (胡锦涛) to Mongolia marked the establishment of a mutually beneficial trade relationship, which further accelerated the development of Erlianhot Port.

The port’s development has been supported with policies and funding from both Inner Mongolia and the Central Government, making it an attractive destination for foreign investment and business. The local government has also implemented policies to encourage the development of industries such as wood processing, creating a more favorable business environment.

Port Facilities

Ruyi International Building

Ruyi International Building (如意国际大厦) is located at the northwest corner of the intersection of Jianshe Road (建设路) and Yingbin Road (迎宾路) in Erlianhot (二连浩特). The building covers an area of approximately 15,040 square meters, with a total floor area of about 18,282 square meters. It is a multifunctional business hotel that combines modern, personalized, professional, and international architectural styles.

The building’s Sunshine Reception Hall serves as a platform for business transactions, information sharing, and services. The first floor is primarily used for the processing of import and export goods, while the second and third floors house offices for various entities, including the Train Station, Inspection and Quarantine Bureau, Mongolian border office, and Customs. The process that previously took several days can now be completed in just a few hours, providing an efficient and modernized approach for port operations and international trade.

New Joint Inspection Building

The New Joint Inspection Building (新联检楼) is located at the northernmost point of Qianjin Road (前进路), covering an area of 343,000 square meters. It has a maximum freight throughput of 2.4 million tons per year and passenger capacity of 3 million people annually. This facility includes the joint inspection building, customs special inspection area, freight declaration building, border inspection barracks, and related port supervision facilities.

The new joint inspection area features eight access channels, with the northern exit connected to the Mongolian border, and the southern exit linking to National Highway 208 (208国道) via the city. The area integrates customs inspection, storage, transportation, and living services, enabling simultaneous customs declaration, inspection, and fee collection processes.

Railway Port

The Erlianhot Railway Port (二连浩特铁路口岸) is located at the end of the Jie’er Line (集二线) and is the primary rail port connecting China with Mongolia. The port has 117 tracks in total, including 52 broad gauge and 65 standard gauge tracks. Within the station area, there are several storage operation zones, such as mechanical zones, technical cooperation zones, and customs supervision warehouses. The facility is equipped with modern loading and unloading equipment, such as gantry cranes, forklifts, and hoisting machines.

In 2000, the port invested 4.26 million RMB to build the Railway Port Joint Office Hall, streamlining operations and introducing a one-stop service for various logistics processes. In 2001, 3.125 million RMB was invested to create the H986 freight train inspection system, which further enhanced the port’s capacity for efficient inspection and operation.

Road Port

The Erlianhot Road Port (二连浩特公路口岸) began operation in 1992, following the transformation of the existing railway employee commuter route into a mixed-use cargo and passenger route. The infrastructure and inspection facilities were initially basic, but after 2000, significant upgrades were made with the approval of higher authorities.

In 2000, the new joint inspection channel was built, significantly expanding the port’s capacity. The new facility, located at the northern end of Qianjin Road, covers 343,000 square meters and includes a joint inspection building, customs inspection building, freight declaration building, and border inspection barracks. With a maximum freight throughput of 2.4 million tons and 3 million passengers annually, the port has seen a considerable improvement in its ability to handle customs clearance and facilitate trade.

Port Overview

Erlianhot Port boasts Asia’s largest bulk cargo yard, a wheel-changing facility, and an advanced H986 freight train inspection system. It handles substantial volumes of imports such as crude oil, wood, copper ore, iron ore, and molybdenum ore. Around 70% of Mongolia’s vegetables and daily necessities pass through this port.

Since China’s reform and opening up, the port has seen increased passenger and cargo volumes. In 2002, 421 million tons of goods passed through, marking a record for Erlianhot Port, with close to 800,000 passengers crossing the border. By 2005, the port handled 854 million tons worth $2.24 billion in goods. Additionally, 3.8 billion RMB was invested to expand the railway facilities, which will increase the freight throughput capacity to 10 million tons upon completion.

Consular and International Relations

In 1996, the Mongolian Consulate General (蒙古国驻呼和浩特总领事馆) established an office in Erlianhot to further strengthen diplomatic and consular ties. In 2005, China and Mongolia agreed to upgrade the consulate office to a permanent consulate (常驻二连浩特领事馆), which officially opened in 2007. Since then, the port has also facilitated visa services, allowing third-country nationals and business visitors to obtain on-site visas at the port.

Port Crossing Tips for Travelers

As the largest land border port between China and Mongolia, travelers entering or exiting Erlianhot (二连浩特) should take note of the following essential points:

Documentation Requirements

  • Chinese Citizens: Must carry their ID card and a valid passport.

  • Mongolian Citizens: Must carry their passport and visa.

Customs Procedures

  • Arrival Time: It is recommended to arrive at least 2 hours before departure, especially during peak travel seasons like summer vacation, when there may be long queues.

  • Language Tips: There are fewer Chinese signs inside Mongolia, so it is advised to bring earplugs in case you encounter noisy fellow travelers.

Cross-Border Transportation Suggestions

International Bus

  • Erlianhot International Bus Station offers buses to Zamiin-Uud (扎门乌德), Mongolia. The journey takes about 1.5 hours. It is necessary to purchase tickets in advance and confirm the bus type (Standard/VIP).

Train Connections

  • From Zamiin-Uud (扎门乌德) Train Station, you can transfer directly to Mongolian trains heading to Ulaanbaatar (乌兰巴托). Be sure to buy tickets in advance and check the station’s operating hours.

Recommended Travel Routes

Border Gate Scenic Area

  • Visit the largest land border port between China and Mongolia to capture stunning views of the border landscape.

Dinosaur Geopark

  • Discover Asia’s earliest dinosaur fossil sites, perfect for science enthusiasts.

China-Mongolia Market

  • Shop for unique Mongolian products (e.g., dairy products, handicrafts). Be sure to compare prices and quality before making a purchase.

Additional Tips

  • Currency in Mongolia: The local currency is Tugrik. It is recommended to exchange cash in advance or use international credit cards.

  • Network Connectivity: Signal reception may be unstable in the border area, so downloading offline maps and essential apps beforehand is advised.

Erlianhot Fast Track Crossing Tips 🛂

Want to travel from Zamiin-Uud (扎门乌德) to Erlianhot quickly? Here’s a fast-track guide to make your journey smoother!

  • 7:20 AM: After arriving at Zamiin-Uud Train Station, don’t rush to catch a bus. The real shortcut is to take a private car! Private cars are available right at the station, costing 100 RMB per person, and they are much faster and more convenient than buses.

  • The private car will take you to the Zamiin-Uud border inspection point. Here’s a tip: switch to a vehicle that is already in line for inspection. This can save you a lot of time! Customs start processing at 8:00 AM, and the vehicles begin to move toward the checkpoint much faster than buses.

  • Once you reach the border inspection hall, although there may be a crowd, private cars have fewer passengers, so you will have a shorter wait time. After passing through the inspection, you’ll continue on the same private car to the Erlianhot border checkpoint.

  • By 9:45 AM, you’ll reach Erlianhot City! The entire process is quick and smooth, with no need to worry about missing your flight.

Summary: Key Tips for Fast Border Crossing

  1. Switch to a vehicle already in line for inspection to save time.

  2. Private cars have fewer passengers, so waiting time is shorter.

💡 Tip: Erlianhot does not have a duty-free shop, so be sure to keep that in mind!

Helping Foreign Self-Driving Tourists Enter with Ease

A convoy of 12 vehicles and 21 people from seven countries, including Germany, Switzerland, and the United Arab Emirates, entered China through the Erlianhot Border Port (二连浩特口岸). The group plans to undertake a 40-day self-driving tour within China.

Entering Through Erlianhot Road Border Port

On the day of their entry, the convoy arrived at the border during the weekend. Officers from the Erlianhot Traffic Police (二连浩特交警) arrived at the accommodation of the foreign tourists. They efficiently conducted safety inspections on each vehicle, checked the required documentation, and assisted the travelers in quickly processing temporary driving permits and vehicle entry permits.

Temporary Vehicle and Driver Permits

The police officers provided the temporary driver’s licenses and temporary vehicle entry plates for the foreign tourists, while also educating them about China’s traffic laws.

The tourists were grateful, with one remarking: “We never expected to receive such service on the weekend. You solved a major problem for us!”

Traffic Regulations and Road Safety Awareness

While assisting with the documentation, the officers also took the opportunity to educate the foreign drivers about China’s road traffic regulations, explaining the country’s traffic rules, common road signs, and signals. They also kindly reminded the tourists to strictly adhere to these regulations.

The German driver of the convoy praised the local police, saying, “Our first stop in China has made us feel the warmth and excellent service of the local traffic police.”