In what ways do Mongolia and China share similarities?

Travel Destinations

By Meagan Drillinger

Mongolia and China

Mongolia and China are neighboring countries in East Asia with intertwined histories and cultures. While they have distinct identities, there are several similarities that they share in terms of geography, history, language, culture, and economy. This article will explore some of the ways in which Mongolia and China share similarities.

Geographic Similarities

Mongolia and China share a vast land border that spans over 4,600 km. Both countries have vast territories with diverse landscapes, including mountains, plateaus, deserts, grasslands, and forests. They also share several river systems, such as the Yellow River, that have played a crucial role in their respective histories and economies. Additionally, Mongolia and China have a similar climate, with cold and dry winters and hot and rainy summers.

Historical Connections

Mongolia and China have a long history of interactions, including conflicts, alliances, and cultural exchanges. Mongolia’s ancient nomadic tribes have played a significant role in Chinese history, especially during the Han dynasty when they were frequently at war. Later, the Mongol Empire, led by Genghis Khan, conquered China and established the Yuan dynasty in the thirteenth century. Since then, Mongolia and China have had a complex relationship, with Mongolia becoming a communist state under Soviet influence in the twentieth century. Today, Mongolia and China maintain diplomatic relations and cooperate on various economic and cultural initiatives.

Language and Writing Systems

Mongolian and Chinese share some similarities in their language and writing systems. Both languages belong to the Altaic language family, and they share some grammatical and lexical features. However, they use different writing systems, with Chinese using a logographic writing system and Mongolian using a modified version of the Cyrillic alphabet. Mongolian script was also influenced by the Uighur alphabet in the thirteenth century, which was derived from the Syriac alphabet.

Traditional Clothing and Garments

Mongolian and Chinese traditional clothing share some similarities in terms of design, materials, and functionality. Both cultures have a long history of pastoralism, and their clothing reflects this with loose and comfortable garments ideal for riding horses or camels. Mongolian traditional clothing consists of a deel, a long, loose-fitting robe made of silk or cotton, often decorated with colorful embroidery. Chinese traditional clothing includes the qipao, a form-fitting dress that was popularized in the early twentieth century, and the hanfu, a loose-fitting robe that dates back to the Han dynasty.

Folklore and Mythology

Mongolian and Chinese folklore and mythology share some similarities, with both cultures having rich traditions of oral storytelling, myth-making, and religious beliefs. Mongolian folklore includes tales of heroes, tricksters, and magical creatures, such as the mighty Khan Garid, the trickster Khaan Kharangui, and the shapeshifting werewolves known as the Khalkha. Chinese folklore includes legends of gods and goddesses, such as the Jade Emperor, Chang’e, and the Monkey King. Both cultures also share some religious beliefs, such as ancestor worship, shamanism, and Buddhism.

Culinary Culture

Mongolian and Chinese culinary cultures share some similarities, with both cuisines featuring meat, dairy, grains, and vegetables as staples. Mongolian cuisine is known for its hearty meat dishes, such as buuz (steamed dumplings), khuushuur (fried dumplings), and khorkhog (roasted meat cooked in a pot with hot stones). Chinese cuisine is known for its diverse flavors and cooking styles, such as stir-frying, steaming, and roasting. Some popular Chinese dishes include dumplings, noodles, and rice dishes.

Nomadic Lifestyle and Herding Practices

Mongolian and Chinese cultures share a history of pastoralism, with many people living a nomadic lifestyle and herding livestock. The Mongolian steppe and the Chinese grasslands are ideal for grazing animals such as yaks, camels, sheep, and horses. Both cultures have developed unique herding practices, such as using horses and trained eagles to hunt, and using yurts or tents as mobile homes.

Arts and Crafts

Mongolian and Chinese arts and crafts share some similarities, with both cultures having a long tradition of skilled craftsmanship and artistic expression. Mongolian crafts include embroidery, felting, and leatherwork, as well as music, dance, and throat singing. Chinese crafts include pottery, calligraphy, painting, and paper-cutting, as well as martial arts, opera, and music.

Religious and Spiritual Beliefs

Mongolian and Chinese cultures share some religious and spiritual beliefs, with both cultures having a rich history of spiritual practices and beliefs. Mongolian shamanism is an ancient belief system that revolves around the worship of nature spirits and ancestral spirits, and it is still practiced by some Mongolians today. Buddhism has also played a significant role in Mongolian history, with Tibetan Buddhism being the dominant form of Buddhism in Mongolia. In China, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, and other religious and philosophical systems have coexisted for centuries, with many Chinese people practicing a blend of different beliefs.

Economic Ties

Mongolia and China share strong economic ties, with China being Mongolia’s largest trading partner and investor. China imports a significant amount of Mongolia’s natural resources, such as coal, copper, and gold, and exports goods such as electronics, machinery, and consumer products to Mongolia. Additionally, China has invested in several infrastructure projects in Mongolia, such as highways, railroads, and power plants. These economic ties have helped to strengthen the relationship between Mongolia and China and to promote regional stability and prosperity.

Conclusion: A Shared Cultural Heritage

In conclusion, Mongolia and China share many similarities in terms of geography, history, language, culture, and economy. Despite their distinct identities and differences, they have a shared cultural heritage that can be seen in their traditional clothing, folklore, cuisine, and herding practices. By recognizing and celebrating these similarities, Mongolia and China can build stronger cultural and economic ties that promote mutual understanding and respect.

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Meagan Drillinger

Meagan Drillinger, an avid travel writer with a passion ignited in 2009. Having explored over 30 countries, Mexico holds a special place in her heart due to its captivating cultural tapestry, delectable cuisine, diverse landscapes, and warm-hearted people. A proud alumnus of New York University’s Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute, when she isn’t uncovering the wonders of New York City, Meagan is eagerly planning her next exhilarating escapade.

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