Ulaanbaatar, also simply known as UB city, is the capital of Mongolia. It is located on the banks of the Tuul River, at an elevation of 1350 meters, on a windswept plateau. With a population of around 1.5 million, it is Mongolia’s largest city and serves as the political, commercial, industrial, and cultural center of the country. Whether for business or leisure travel, you will likely come to the city at least once. Understanding and exploring the city helps you better grasp the nation’s history and its remarkable people. You will often see the past coexisting with the present.
In the history of the Mongolian people, there were many famous capital cities such as Kharkhorum during the time of the Great Mongol Empire in the 13th century. However, none of them remained an active capital until the 16th century. Most of Ulaanbaatar’s modern architecture began to take shape in the 20th century under Russian influence. Today’s Ulaanbaatar features a blend of Soviet-style buildings, ger districts, Buddhist temples, and 21st-century skyscrapers. The most famous Buddhist temples include Gandantegchinlen Monastery, Choijin Lama Temple, and the Winter Palace Museum of Bogd Khan.
