Snapshots of modern life in Inner Mongolia

STORES AND E-COMMERCE

Inner Mongolia is in north China and borders Mongolia and Russia. It has a population of more than 25 million, including 4.6 million Mongolians -- nearly one-fifth of the region's total population.

In addition to the material changes, people's mindsets have also changed as well. In history, ethnic minority groups including Mongolians paid very little attention to business.

Siqinbater, who grew up in a pasture in Xianghuang Banner, runs a store selling dairy products. Being a merchant was not regarded as a decent job when he was young.

"Mongolians never sold their sheep or cattle in the past, but things are different now. Everything is market-oriented, and we will change our livestock production structure in accordance with the market needs," Siqinbater said.

The Internet has brought products from around the country to Enhgyirigarlang Village in the East Ujimqin Banner, Xilin Gol League, where herders live as far as dozens of kilometers from the city center.

Su Mongh manages an e-commerce station where herders can pick up the products they buy online. He said local residents in the past expected the postman to bring their letters, but now, they expect products they have bought online.

"The Internet has not only shortened the distance between us and the world but also allows herders access to the global marketplace, even in remote areas," Su Mongh said.