Just back from this 4 day trip to the Inner Mongolia Autonomous region. All the buildings & signs had a 3rd signage, local mongol characters. Also major rail construction is ongoing for freight & people.

Huhhot the capital city is about 10 years behind BJ & SH. Its the 2nd largest city in IM & they do want industry & overseas investment. The shangri-la is abet dated, but near the center of the city which is really spread out.
The best hotel is the Xin Cheng in Huhhot.

Ordus, its all about coal & energy here, & then coal... The heavy industry that has some new retooling, very bumby roads due to hundreds of large trucks in this area. This city is about 20 years behind SH & BJ. Not a place to live, as its 2-3 times more expensive than Huhhot and Baotou, and they truly need skilled workers in Ordus. The ghost city is still there, interesting to see, but not many people due to the high real estate prices.... ( set by local external government committee !) If you invest here, you "might" be able to get a china green card from the local people's government of Ordus !.

Baotou, The largest city in IM & really nice friendly people. Some local dialect issues, but really great local food & lamb. They have a grassland park, surrounded by city with mountains in the background. Heavy metal & aluminum industry area, but also an economic hi-tech development area that leverages on the rare earth products.
The Baotou tourism board is promoting the city & the green grassland parks & the clean blue sky. Some modern shopping here that is not available in Ordus. This Baotou city/area will grow & it's attracting the best china type investors.

Baotou & Huhhot both have city liaison offices in BJ, but they really like to drink the local liquor !.