Aral implemented the "division and city integration" (师市合一, shī shì héyī) management system, it shares the same leader group with the 10th Division.

Beitun covers an area of 910.5 square kilometres (351.5 sq mi), has a population of 76,300, and is located on the Irtysh River.

Its name comes from the accolade "China's northernmost cultivation land" (Chinese: 中国最北的屯垦重地; pinyin: Zhōngguó zuìběi de túnkěn zhòngdì).

Beitun Station, located a few kilometers southwest of the city center (47°19′20″N 87°45′30″E / 47.32222°N 87.75833°E / 47.32222; 87.75833), has direct passenger railway service from Urumqi.

An extension of this railway toward Altay City is under construction; it was expected to open in 2016.