Heilongjiang
Name : Heilongjiang
Chinese name : 黑龙江 (Hēilóngjiāng)
Status : province
Capital : Harbin
Population : 38,350,200 inhabitants (2013)
Area : 460,000 km²
Heilongjiang, also known as the "Black Dragon River," sits at the extreme north of Chine, bordering Russia and Inner Mongolia, making it the coldest province in the country. Heilongjiang enjoys a distinctly unique atmosphere shaped by its challenging climate. The province has masterfully turned its brutal winters into a tourism asset, offering visitors numerous tailored activities and captivating celebrations, including the internationally renowned ice festival held annually in Harbin. Rich in history and tradition, the province also welcomes travelers with stunning natural landscapes and exceptional ski slopes.
History
Heilongjiang forms the northernmost part of the region once known as Manchuria. Its recent history, like that of other provinces in the Chinese Dongbei (Northeast), has been profoundly shaped by neighboring countries, particularly Russia, which borders it to the north and east.
In ancient times, Heilongjiang lay far from any literate civilization, and some historical sources indicate the region was inhabited by peoples such as the Buyeo, Mohe, and Khitan.
The Mongol Donghu people inhabited Inner Mongolia and the western portion of Heilongjiang. Eastern Heilongjiang was governed by the kingdom of Balhae between the 7th and 10th centuries. The Jurchen Jin dynasty (1115–1234), which would later rule much of northern Chine, first emerged within Heilongjiang's borders.
Heilongjiang became an administrative entity in 1683 during the Kangxi era of the Manchu Qing dynasty, northwest of present-day Jilin province. At that time, Heilongjiang encompassed only the western portion of today's province and was overseen by the general of Heilongjiang, whose authority extended, under the Treaty of Nerchinsk, northward to the Stanovoy Mountains. The eastern portion of present-day Heilongjiang remained under the supervision of the Jilin general, whose power reached to the Sea of Japan. These remote Manchurian regions were closed to Han Chinese migration.
In the mid-19th century, Russia annexed portions of the territory. In the late 1890s, construction began on a railway line connecting Vladivostok with Harbin and Dalian.
Following the 1917 revolution, numerous political refugees also fled to the region. Harbin preserves Russian-style architecture from this era.
Today
Heilongjiang has transformed its climate—one of Asia's harshest—into a major tourism asset, drawing visitors who brave subzero temperatures and Siberian blizzards to witness the breathtaking ice sculptures at the Harbin Ice Lantern Festival.
You'll savor local dishes designed to warm you from within before experiencing the magical festival or admiring the sweeping plains, snow-capped mountains, and frozen lakes.
Heilongjiang also offers excellent winter sports at Yabuli, including skiing, sledding, ice skating, and more.
Regardless of the season, Harbin will enchant you with its Russian architecture and pedestrian streets, particularly Daolsiqu, the quarter near the river. When the sun emerges, nothing beats a riverside stroll or a walk along Zhongyang Dajie, a lovely cobblestone plaza, stopping to enjoy steamed corn bread and Russian sausages. Harbin is undoubtedly a historic city worth discovering on your Heilongjiang visit. The capital also features a new museum dedicated to the city's Jewish heritage, remarkable Buddhist and Confucian temples, a wildlife park focused on protecting the rare Siberian tiger, and a museum documenting the horrific experiments conducted by the Japanese during the war.
From May to September, you can explore nature reserves, remote forests, and lakes, including Jingbo, also known as the Mirror Lake. The volcanic region of Wudalian Chi, dotted with hot springs, and the Zhalong nature reserve, home to wild cranes, offer perfect opportunities for a relaxing retreat and fresh mountain air.
Climate
Located at Chine's extreme north on the Russian border, Heilongjiang experiences a continental climate with warm summers and bitterly cold winters.
Summer temperatures can reach 28°C (82°F), while winter brings dry cold and snow with temperatures plunging to -25°C (-13°F) and even -40°C (-40°F) near the Russian frontier.
Nevertheless, Heilongjiang can be visited year-round. Pleasant summers are ideal for enjoying the province's natural attractions, while winter offers equal charm, transforming cities and mountains beneath a pristine blanket of snow. Winter is also when numerous festivals take place, allowing tourists to revel in celebration while braving the cold.
How to Reach Heilongjiang?
Harbin serves as the gateway to Heilongjiang province. Connected to other cities across the country by train, bus, and plane, it is the logical starting point for any visit to China's far north.
From Harbin, you can easily reach Qiqihar to the west, Wudalian Chi and border regions with Russia to the north, or Yabuli, Mudanjiang, and Jingpo Hu to the east.
Heilongjiang also boasts an excellent highway network allowing buses to traverse the region with ease. While trains can sometimes be slow, they offer an interesting experience; however, buses remain the better option. For trips to Inner Mongolia, direct trains connect Harbin to Hailaer and Manzhouli.
Languages
Most inhabitants speak northeastern Mandarin, which closely resembles that spoken in Beijing. However, you may encounter a few dialects or Mandarin variations such as Jilu or Jiaoliao.
What to Do in Heilongjiang?
- Attend the Harbin ice festival, the region's most renowned winter event.
- Discover Harbin's Russian architecture and visit the Jewish Heritage Museum in the Daoliqu district.
- Observe the last remaining wild cranes in the marshes of the Zhalong nature reserve.
- Ski the lovely slopes at Yabuli, China's largest winter complex.
- Enjoy hiking through the lava fields of the Wudalian Chi volcanic reserve.
- Marvel at the waterfalls and beauty of Jingbo Lake.
