Hulunbuir City and Genghis Khan Park-Square: Architecture, Symbo­lism and Politics of Memory

Introduction. Hulunbuir, a region located at the crossroads of Mongolian steppes, Manchurian forests, and Siberian expanses, possesses a rich history of cultural interaction. In the 21st century, one of its most iconic architectural projects — the “Genghis Khan Square” garden and park complex — was established and opened in 2006. This complex has become not only an important tourist attraction but also a significant element of China’s state memory policy, emphasizing the role of Inner Mongolia as a bridge between Chinese civilization and the heritage of nomadic empires. The aim of the study is to identify the specific features of integrating Mongolian cultural heritage into the modern Chinese national narrative through the lenses of architecture and symbolism. Materials and Methods. The research material includes the architectural ensemble of Genghis Khan Square, bilingual memorial steles (in Chinese and Old Mongolian), as well as current tourist and local history sources. The study employs a structural-semiotic approach developed by Yu. M. Lotman and Roland Barthes, considering the complex as a multifaceted semiotic system combining visual, historical, and ideological codes. Results and Discussion. The study reveals that the bilingual texts on the steles represent a complex historical-cultural phenomenon, merging epic narratives, official chronicles, and modern memorial discourse. The architectural complex functions as a symbol of regional identity and simultaneously as an instrument of state policy promoting interethnic harmony. Special attention is paid to the connotative meanings of architectural and textual elements, including quotations  from Marks, highlighting the ideological role of the complex as a tool of “soft power.” The discussion addresses research limitations related to the multiplicity of interpretations and the dynamic nature of ethnocultural processes. Conclusions. The Genghis Khan Square garden and park complex serves as a significant example of successful integration of Mongolian historical heritage into the Chinese national cultural discourse. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of mechanisms shaping regional identity and the application of cultural memory policies in a multiethnic state.

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