Inner Mongolia’s Cheese Park: A $14M Tourism Boost
The park is poised to become a significant economic engine for the region. Data indicates that the facility employs over 200 workers and is projected to generate an annual revenue exceeding 100 million yuan ($14 million) this year. The industrial park produces 21 distinct varieties of specialty dairy products, including traditional items like naipi (milk skin) and chula (cheese). With these products, it has already secured over 45% of the market share in Xilinhot, demonstrating strong local demand and brand presence.
A key differentiator of the park’s products is its unique manufacturing process. According to Ulaan, president of the Xilingol League Traditional Dairy Products Association, their cheese-making avoids high-temperature treatment. This method is crucial for preserving the nutritional integrity of the products, resulting in higher levels of proteins, microorganisms, and trace elements compared to other dairy offerings. This commitment to quality and traditional techniques is a central pillar of their brand identity.
Beyond its production facilities, the park functions as a major tourist destination, holding a 3A rating under China’s national tourism system. It offers visitors engaging activities like camping, cultural festivals, and cheese tastings. This tourism component is a strategic move to diversify the local economy beyond traditional industries and stimulate “night-time spending.” By attracting visitors, the park creates a new revenue stream that supports the broader economic ecosystem of the region.
The success of the Shoufang Xilingol Cheese Cultural Industrial Park is a powerful case study in modern dairy economics. It demonstrates how integrating tourism with agricultural production can create a synergistic model that generates wealth and revitalizes local communities. The park’s leadership hopes to position its products as a “gift of the grasslands to the world,” showcasing how cultural heritage and innovation can be combined to build a sustainable and prosperous future for Inner Mongolia’s dairy industry.
