On the vast plateau of the Mongolian Highlands, cold wind from Siberia blows across the Gobi desert and grasslands, while many big white tents withstand the harsh winter. They are the Mongolian yurts.

The Mongolian yurt is the traditional dwelling of the nomads in northwest China of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, as well as in the neighboring countries, over to as far as in Turkey.

Features

The yurt is round felt tent built using a wooden, accordion frame. The emergence of Mongolian yurts is closely related to their nomadic lifestyle. Mongolians always move around to seek new water sources and pastures and the Mongolian yurt meets their requirements. Thus, yurts are designed to be taken down easily, made compact for carrying, and reassembled. Despite this portability, they are warm enough to keep the coldest winter temperatures at bay and strong enough to withstand strong winds and meet the housing needs of a whole family.

Construction Process

The Mongolian yurt is usually set up inthe placewhere it is suitable for grazing. People draw a suitable circle at first and then begin to set up the yurt according to the circle. Three to four layers of felt are placed on the frame, with the felt traditionally made from sheep’s wool, and an outer layer of waterproof canvas. The felt and canvas are secured to the wooden frame and the resulting structure can stand securely in one place for months or even years at a time.

When it is finished, people decorate the inner of yurt with flowers, carpet or mirrors. Nowadays, there they include furniture and household appliances which make the nomads' lives more comfortable.

Modern Yurts

In recent decades, some Mongolians in China have gradually started to abandon their nomadic lifestyles. They have build permanent residences and formed villages, towns and cities. So they have start to use bricks and concrete to build yurts.

Mongolian yurts are attracting interest from people in many parts of the world as an ecologically friendly and attractive living space that can be used for a variety of purposes.