ISSN: 2222-6990
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With China's rapid urbanisation, ethnic minority groups, including Mongolian herdsmen, are increasingly transitioning to urban life. This study investigates the integration of Mongolian herdsmen into urban society, focusing on Ronghuayuan Ethnic Street in Xilinhot, Inner Mongolia, China. The challenges, adaptation process, and factors hindering integration are explored through in-depth interviews and direct observation. Findings reveal economic benefits juxtaposed with the rising cost of living, highlighting the importance of financial management. Training programs and entrepreneurial endeavours are pivotal for integration, yet language barriers and cultural conflicts pose challenges. Cultural identity preservation is a concern, emphasising language fluency and cultural maintenance. Socially, informants grapple with loneliness and difficulty forming meaningful connections. This research underscores the multifaceted nature of pastoral-to-urban transitions, advocating for holistic approaches to address economic, cultural, and social challenges and prioritising migrating herdsmen's well-being and cultural identity.
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