Quick Answer: What Is a Mongolian Ger in China?
A Mongolian ger is a portable round dwelling known in Chinese as a menggubao (蒙古包, měnggǔbāo). Craft records from Inner Mongolia (内蒙古, Nèi Měnggǔ) describe a wooden lattice wall, roof poles that converge at a crown, and felt covers held in place with ropes.[1]
- Wall: Wooden lattice sections make a circular enclosure and fold for transport.[1][4]
- Roof: Poles radiate from a central crown toward the wall.[1]
- Cover: Separate pieces of felt cover the wall, roof and crown opening.[1]
Ger forms and materials vary by locality. The dwelling is part of the broader heritage of Mongolian communities in China.[2][3]
Inside a ger, the diamond-shaped lattice changes to a fan of poles above head height. Outside, the felt can hide that change in the frame. The join between these parts is easier to see before the covering is put on.[1]
How the Frame and Covering Fit Together
The lattice forms the wall at ground level. The upper edge of the wall supports the outer ends of the roof poles, while the crown brings their inner ends together. One piece covers the crown opening and the other pieces wrap the roof and wall.[1]
The separate pieces can be carried and reused.[1]
What Two Inner Mongolian Craft Records Show
A national heritage profile from West Ujimqin Banner (西乌珠穆沁旗, Xī Wūzhūmùqìn Qí) describes a traditional ger with four lattice wall sections. The maker learned from his father, practiced skills including woodwork and felt making, and later taught apprentices.[2]
A profile from Chen Barag Banner (陈巴尔虎旗, Chén Bā’ěrhǔ Qí) records a local variant with a reed top covering, willow wall sections and horsehair rope. The craftswoman learned in her family and gained experience working on dwellings for relatives and friends.[3]
How Makers Carry the Craft Forward
In 2025, a Hohhot newspaper reported on Liang Lihua (梁丽华, Liáng Lìhuá) making lattice in a local workshop. The report describes a lattice of willow rods with leather fasteners at the intersections. The connected rods can change angle as the panel opens or folds, which is why the wall can be compact when it is carried.[4]
Round portable houses also include Kazakh yurts in China. They share a portable round form, with vocabulary and details particular to Kazakh makers.
FAQs About the Mongolian Ger in China
Is a Ger a Yurt?
Yurt is a broad English term used for related portable round dwellings. Ger is the Mongolian name for this dwelling tradition.
Does Every Ger Have Four Wall Panels?
Four is the number described in one West Ujimqin tradition. The parts and materials of local ger types can vary.[2][3]
Which Heritage Lists Recognize Ger Making?
China’s 2008 national intangible heritage list includes ger building from Inner Mongolia. In 2013, UNESCO inscribed a separate entry on ger craft and customs nominated by Mongolia.[5][6]
Источники
[1] China Intangible Cultural Heritage Network. Mongolian Ger Construction Techniques
[2] China Intangible Cultural Heritage Network. Representative Practitioner of the West Ujimqin Ger Craft
[3] China Intangible Cultural Heritage Network. Representative Practitioner of the Chen Barag Ger Craft
[4] Hohhot Daily. Ger Construction and Craft Transmission
[5] State Council of China. Notice Announcing the Second National Intangible Heritage List
[6] UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. Decision on Mongol Ger Craftsmanship and Associated Customs