GUIDE TO THE PAO-T'OU AREA

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP84-00825R000100760001-2
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 25
• Document Creation Date: December 12, 2016
• Document Release Date: November 14, 2001
• Sequence Number: 1
• Publication Date: October 1, 1966
• Content Type: IR

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CIA/BI GR 67-6
October 1966
Intelligence Report
GUIDE TO THE PAO-T'OU AREA
DIRECTORATE OF INTELLIGENCE
For Release 2002/01/04
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This material contains information affecting
the National Defense of the UnitE,d States
within the meaning of the espionage laws,
Title 18, USC, Secs. 793 and 794, the trans-
mission or revelation of which in any manner
to an unauthorized person is prohibited by law
GROUP 1
Excluded from automatic
downgrading and
declassification
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1. General Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
II. Places of Interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
A. Industrial Installations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1. Pao-t'ou Iron and Steel Complex . . . . . . . . 3
2. Shih-kuai Coal Mine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
3. Powerplants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
4. Heavy-Fabrication Plants . . . . . . . . . . . 4
5. Construction-Materials Plants . . . . . . . . . 4
6. Pao-t'ou City Motor Vehicle Repair Plant . . . 4
7. Pao-t' ou Sugar Refinery . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
8. IMAR Woolen Mill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
9. Pao-t'Qu Woodcraft Factory . . . . . . . . . . 5
10. Papermi l l . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . 5
11. Pao-t'ou Leather Factory . . . . . . . . . . . 5
B. Cultural Attractions in and Near Pao-t'ou . . . . . 6
1. Educational and Health Institutions . . . . . . 6
2. Genghis Khan Shrine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
3. Geologic Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
4. Paleontological Relics . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
5. Pai-yun-o-po . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Photographs
(following page 6)
? Figure 1. Construction material being shipped on Pao-lan Railroad
Figure 2. View of lamasery in district of K'un-to-lun
Figure 3. Workers' housing under construction
Figure 4. Beginning of construction of steel plant
Figure 5. Main street of downtown Pao-t'ou
Figure 6. Hotel in downtown Pao-t'ou
Figure 7. Blast furnace at iron smelting plant in Pao-t'ou
Figure 8. Shih-kuai coal mine in the Ta-ch'ing Shan
Figure 9. Pao-t'ou Sugar Refinery, with sugarbeets stacked in
foreground
Figure 10. Interior of Pao-t'ou Sugar Refinery
Figure 11. Shoe shop of Pao-t'ou leather factory
Figure 12. Tomb of Ghengis Khan in Ordos Desert
Maps
(following page 6)
54816 Pao-t'ou
54817 Pao-t'ou and Vicinity
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I. General Description
See Maps 54816 and 54817
Pao-t'ou (40?40'N 109?55'E) is the site of a newly developed
Chinese Communist iron and steel base and the major industrial
center of the Inner Mongolian Autonomous Region (IMAR). The city
is also a regionally important transportation center, being served
by railroads (see Figure 1), highways, and airlines. It is locally
significant as a port on a stretch of the Yellow River (Huang Ho)
navigable to small craft. With the recent industrial growth of the
city, the population has increased markedly from about 80,000 in
1949 to an estimated 800,000 today.
Pao-t'ou was selected for development as an iron and steel
center by the Chinese Communist regime because of its location near
sources of minerals, fuel, and power needed for an important indus-
trial center. Regionally, Pao-t'ou was a logical site for an
economic center to serve the middle Yellow River area. Strategic
reasons also were important in that Chinese Communist planners --
with World War II and Korean War experiences fresh in mind -- were
anxious to construct new industrial centers in the interior away
from the vulnerable coastal areas.
Present-day Pao-t'ou has evolved into four separate districts
-- K'un-to-lun, Shih-men, Ch'ing-shan, and Tung-ho -- each with its
own post office. K'un-to-lun is the site of the central post office,
the sprawling Pao-t'ou Iron and Steel Complex, and a sizable lamasery
(see Figure 2). It also. is a key railroad junction. About 14 miles
east of the Iron and Steel Complex is the old city of Pao-t'ou, now
called Tung-ho. Industrial installations and storage areas extend
east of Tung-ho for several miles along the railroad. A variety of
industrial plants and houses for workers have been built between
these two districts, in Shih-men and Ch'ing-shan (see Figure 3).
The city of Pao-t'ou is located on a flat plain of the Yellow
River at an elevation of about 3,200 feet. The surface of the
plain is broken by numerous small streams, mostly intermittant,
that rise in the east-west trending Ta-ch'ing Shan (mountains) to
the north. Mountain crests rise approximately 1,200 to 2,200 feet
* This report has been produced solely by CIA. It was prepared by
the Office of Basic Intelligence.
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above the plains. Most slopes are steep, and the terrain is gener-
ally rugged. Northeast and east of Tung-ho the plain is only about
1 to 5. miles wide; to the northwest and west, however, it widens to
about 10 miles or more, thus providing adequate land for construction
of the newer districts of the city.
Natural vegetation in this semiarid region is sparse, consisting
chiefly of short grasses with a few scattered shrubs. The few trees
grow mainly in villages and are widely spaced elsewhere, even along
watercourses. Small areas near Pa.o-t'ou are devoted to agriculture.
Crops consist mainly of grains, mostly grown by dry farming but some-
times under irrigation. The major agricultural areas are in the
Kuei-sui Plain east of the city, in the loop of the Yellow River
centered at Wu-yUan in the west, and in the Ku-yang Basin north of
the Ta-ch'ing Shan.
Until relatively recent times, Pao-t'ou was a small frontier
village. The main commercial activity traditionally was the exchange
of wool, hides, salt, and other agricultural and mineral products
of northwest China for the foodstuffs and manufactured products of
north China. The modern development of the city began in 1922 when
the railroad line between Peking and Kuei-sui (now called Hu-ho-hao-
t'e) was extended to Pao-t'ou. Economic development was slow, how-
ever, and from 1922 to 1949 the only modern industries were a small
powerplant, a small-scale waterworks, and a tannery.
The development of Pao-t'ou took place in three phases. Plan-
ning was accomplished during the 1.950-53 period and included the
survey of all physical resources in the area, the requisition of
Soviet aid, and the selection of a site for the Iron and Steel
Complex. Construction began during the second phase (see Figure 4),
1954-57, with the acquisition of labor, housing, and materials and
the building of auxiliary plants and railroads; the important line
to Lan-thou and local lines to tap nearby mineral deposits were
built during this period. Phase three, from 1958 to 1965, included
the construction of the main plant area of the Iron and Steel Complex,
the installation of equipment, and the initiation of production runs.
Today the Iron and Steel Complex and its attendant industries dominate
the Pao-t'ou landscape.
The development of the Iron and Steel Complex has attracted many
other industries to the area, including a few heavy-fabrication plants,
many light-fabrication plants, mechanical and heat-processing indus-
tries, thermal electric powerplants, ore concentration facilities,
small iron smelters, a textile mill, and concrete and clay products
plants. Facilities for processing; food and grain have multiplied
and include a large new modern sugar refinery. Large storage facil-
ities are also located in the area.
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The phenomenal growth of Pao-t'ou in the last 10 years has
focused considerable attention on the area (see Figures 5 and 6).
The town offers a wide range of attractions for anyone interested
in the industry, culture, and historical development of the planned
hub of a large, heterogeneous industrial complex. Although the
urban complex undoubtedly would be of greatest interest to the
ordinary traveler, the hinterland of Pao-t'ou also would be of
interest, bath physically and culturally. Sharp contrasts exist
between densely settled agricultural lands and adjoining barren,
often dune-covered desert country, as well as between the settled
agricultural communities of the Chinese and the nomadic encampments
of the Mongols. Control of the famed and turbulent Yellow River
that flows through the area is the most widely publicized of all
environmental problems facing the Chinese Communist regime. Among
the control measures that can be seen near Pao-t'ou are small dams
designed to trap runoff on Yellow River tributaries, sand-dune
stablization projects, and shelterbelts.
A list of industrial and other attractions in and near Pao-t'ou
follows. Brief descriptions are provided for each attraction,with
details that may suggest possible points of interest and discussion
for visitors with specific technical or professional backgrounds.
All of the attractions, however, are of sufficient general interest
to appeal in some degree to any visitor to the Pao-t'ou area.
II. Places of Interest
A. Industrial Installations
1. Pao-t'ou Iron and Steel Complex
The Pao-t'ou Iron and Steel Complex, in the K'un-to-lun
district, is one of three integrated iron and steel bases in Commu-
nist China. This vast installation, comprising scores of workshops,
was constructed with the aid of the Soviet Union and has been highly
publicized. The iron smelting plant has the four largest and most
modern blast furnaces in Communist China, capable of producing 90,000
tons of iron each year. The largest of these furnaces (see Figure 7)
is approximately 1,513 cubic meters in volume. Two shops in the
refractory materials plant produce about 100,000 tons of refractory
materials a year. The steel plant has six large open-hearth furnaces
and a large converter. The general machinery plant, constructed in
1959, has 14 shops. The coking plant has four coke furnaces, an
ammonium workshop, and plants for coal preparation, coking, and
chemical recovery.
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2. Shih-kuai Coal Mine
This mine (see Figure 8) is located 18 miles northeast
of Pao-t'ou. Coking coal produced from the mine is used at the
Iron and Steel Complex.
3. Powerplants
Three powerplants supply electrical power and steam to
the industries of Pao-t'ou. The first is approximately 12 miles
northwest of the Tung-ho district in the heart of the coke, iron,
and steel combine. It was built with room for expansion in keeping
with the total plan for this industrial city. The second plant is
10 miles northwest of Tung-ho. It is the newest of the plants and
has the most modern design. The third plant is just northeast of
Tung-ho, in an old section of town. Of the three plants, this is
the least modern in design.
4. Heavy-Fabrication Plants
Two heavy-equipment plants and a vehicle plant are
located within the Pao-t'ou industrial complex. One of the heavy-
fabrication plants is situated near the coking plant of the Iron
and Steel Complex. The other is along the branch rail line between
the complex and the district of Tung-ho. The vehicle plant is near
the second heavy-fabrication plant and probably operates in con-
junction with it. In addition to its facilities for producing
vehicles, it has a large area for testing equipment.
5. Construction-Materials Plants
Several construction-materials plants are located in
Pao-t'ou. The Concrete Products plant produces cement pipes and
telegraph poles. The absence of wood in the area and the prevalence
of high winds and duststorms, which quickly erode wood, make this
an important industry. The Pao-t'ou Refractory Materials plant,
according to the Chinese, is capable of producing tiles at a rate
considerably above normal. The Ceramics Factory of Pao-t'ou is
now producing a Ts'ao-yuan brand of ceramics that is sold through-
out the IMAR.
6. Pao-t'ou City Motor Vehicle Repair Plant
Pao-t'ou has a plant for repairing motor vehicles, but
its location is not known. In 1958 this plant purportedly developed
and manufactured a multipurpose motor vehicle. Actually, the vehicle
probably was a product more of "Great Leap Forward" thinking than a
machine of practical value.
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7. Pao-t'ou Sugar Refinery
The Pao-t'ou state-operated Sugar Refinery (see Figure
9), 12 miles east of Tung-ho on the north bank of the Yellow River,
was planned and built with the aid of East Germany. It began pro-
duction in December 1955. Equipment and safety devices are of
modern design (see Figure 10). The plant is capable of processing
1,000 tons of sugarbeets daily and about 26,000 tons of refined
sugar a year. Byproducts include fusel oil, alcohol, and yeast;
the final residue is used as animal fodder or for paper pulp.
8. IMAR Woolen Mill
The IMAR Woolen Mill, probably in the Shih-men housing
area, is engaged in combing, spinning, weaving, and dyeing serge,
gabardine, and twill. Experimental labs also are equipped for the
production of synthetic fibers. The mill has 100,000 spindles and
2,000 looms.
9. Pao-t'ou Woodcraft Factory
This plant manufactures furniture and presumably was
planned to accommodate the growing city. It depends largely upon
the rail lines for the importation of woods and probably is located
near them, in either the Shih-men or Tung-ho district. The plant
probably is using synthetic materials to supplement timber, which
is in short supply.
Papermill
A papermill is situated in the vicinity of Pao-t'ou,
but its exact location is not known. It may be located near a
woodcraft factory or, since wood pulp is lacking in this area, it
may be associated with a chemical plant for manufacturing a paper
substitute. As the residue of the sugarbeet is used in making
paper pulp, a road or rail connection must exist with the sugar
plant.
11. Pao-t'ou Leather Factory
The main leather factory of the IMAR is the outgrowth
of an old tannery in the Tung-ho district. It produces all types
of leather goods and reportedly can manufacture more than 50,000
pairs of shoes a year (see Figure 11). A visitor would find this
an opportune place from which to purchase tailored leather goods.
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B. Cultural Attractions in and Near Pao-t:'ou
1. Educational and Health Institutions
In addition to general educational and medical facil-
ities in the city, the Pao-t'ou Iron and Steel. Complex reportedly
sponsors and maintains educational and medical. or public health
facilities for the large labor force employed at the various
factories.
2. Genghis Khan Shrine
In the Ordos Desert, about 50 miles south of the Yellow
River, is the tomb of Genghis Khan (see Figure 12). The historian,
archeologist, or casual visitor would be interested in this shrine
grotto.
3. Geologic Features
Stratigraphically, the area within a 50-m.ile radius of
Pao-t'ou is of significance. This area contains crystalline rock
of pre-Cambrian origin having a predominance of iron ores and
associated ore materials. A visiting geologist would, be particular-
ly interested in discussing with local geologists the granitization
theory as it applies to this locality.
4. Paleontological Relics
The Cenozoic and Oligocene deposits of the Ordos Desert
have yielded fossils of the hornless rhinoceros and fossils that
reveal the development of the rodent. Conceivably, a.rcheopaleon-
tological finds might be obtained along the old Yellow River alluvial
terraces of this area.
5. Pai-yun-o-po
The town of Pai-yun-o-po, 75 miles northwest of Pao-t' ou,
offers additional attractions to the Pao-t'ou visitor. Industrially,
the development of Pai-yun-o-po has kept pace with the growth of
Pao-t' ou. Pai-yun-o-po is the ore-supply base for the Pao-t' ou
Iron and Steel Complex, and the town has grown with the development
of the local iron ore mines.
Culturally, the principal attraction in Pai-yun-o-po is the Obo
festival, which is usually held in. January and April. This is one
of the most elaborate and meaningful Obo festivals celebrated in
China, and it is attended by large crowds. Included among the events
are feasts, dances, and rodeos. For the duration of the festival the
Chinese Communists remove the normal tax imposed on slaughtering sheep
and also relax the usual restrictions on purchases of' cloth.
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Figure 1. Construction material being shipped on
Pao-lan Railroad. This. railroad plays an important
role in the development of industry and agriculture
in the IMAR. 1964
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Figure 2. View of lamasery in district of K'un-to-lun. 1959
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Figure 3. Workers' housing under construction.
Plant buildings are visible in background. 1957
Figure 4. Beginning of construction of steel plant
of Pao-t'ou Iron and Steel Complex. 1957
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Figure 5. Main street of downtown Pao-t'ou. 1956
Figure 6. Hotel in downtown Pao-t'ou. 1959
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Figure 7. Blast furnace at iron smelting plant in Pao-t'ou.
The extensive flat areas evident in this view are well suited
to construction.
Figure 8. Shih-kuai coal mine in the Ta-ch'ing Shan,
north of Pao-t'ou. This mine serves the Pao-t'ou Iron
and Steel Complex. 1958
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Figure 9. Pao-t'ou Sugar Refinery, with sugar-
beets stacked in foreground. This refinery ships
sugar to north and northwest China. 1964
Figure 10. Interior of Pao-t'ou Sugar Refinery. 1956
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Figure 11. Shoe shop of Pao-t'ou leather factory. 1959
Figure 12. Tomb of Ghengis Khan
in Ordos Desert south of Pao-t'ou.
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PAO-T'OU AND VICINITY
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 I A
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Transmitted herewith is one copy of
CIA/BI GR 67-6, Guide to the Pao't'ou Area.
FOLD HERE TO RETURN TO SENDER
FROM: NAME, ADDRESS AND PHONE NO.
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1L Nov66
STATINTL
FORM bNO. 237 Use previous editions (40)
U.B. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE : 1961 0-587282
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Before Reprods I- or, anc
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CENTRAL iNIET L IGENCE AGENCY
Geography Division, ORR
Project Initiation Memorandum
Date: 2 December 196+
Project No.: 61.2246
1. Sub ect of ose d pro ect: Locality Guides: China
2. Statement of Problem: To prepare unclassified
3. Requester:
.. Re nsible tynaZ}yst Branch: GG/F
5. Cooperation Desired From: 25X1 A
a. Other Divisions of GRA: Loan of maps from D/GL; possible
cartographic support from D/GC.
b. Other Parts of CIA: Loan of materials from OCR.
6. Estimated Manhours in DGG: 50 hours per study - total 300.
7. Target Date for Issuance: First study to be issued in January 1965;
series to be completed by end of April 1965.
8. P122 Publication: CIA RR GS
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Ad hoc distribution, to be determined in consultation with requester
upon completion of first study.
10. Comment: These guides are to be similar in content and organization
to CIA RR GP 61.98:L, August 1961.
Approved:
Chief, Geography Division
III Research Daet ~.
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