Heilongjiang - China Tourist Guide: Ten Thousand Whys

Author: Zhang Limei
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2007-01-01
Features: On this beautiful land of Asia lies a fascinating oriental ancient country—China. In its northeastern frontier lies a rich and enchanting fertile land—Heilongjiang Province. The beautiful and prosperous Heilongjiang Province is named after the Heilong River, the fifth-longest river in Asia, which flows through it. On the map of China, it resembles a beautiful swan taking flight, hence earning the nickname "Black Swan." Heilongjiang Province is China's northernmost, easternmost, and highest-latitude province, stretching from 43°25′ north latitude to 53°33′ north latitude, covering a distance of 1,120 kilometers north to south, spanning 10 latitudes and two temperature zones. It extends from 121°11′ east longitude to 135°05′ east longitude, covering a distance of 930 kilometers east to west, spanning 14 longitudes and three humid zones.
In the north and east, Heilongjiang Province borders Russia across the Heilong River and the Ussuri River, with a land and water boundary of approximately 3,045 kilometers. In the west, it borders the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, and in the south, it borders Jilin Province. With a total area of 454,600 square kilometers, it accounts for 4.8% of China's total area and ranks sixth among all provinces and regions in the country.
Heilongjiang Province boasts a beautiful and mystical land, naturally crafted and diverse in its wonders. Here, you will find towering mountains and rolling hills, vast rivers and misty lakes; boundless fertile plains and lush wetlands; primeval forests and volcanic wonders; the majestic Great River and the magnificent Great Ice and Snow. The six major mountain ranges (Daxing'anling, Xiaoxing'anling, Zhangguangcai Ridge, Laoyeling, Taipingling, and Wanda Mountain) and the four major rivers (Heilong River, Songhua River, Ussuri River, and Nenjiang River) surround the land, embracing the three major plains of Songnen, Sanjiang, and Xingkai. Countless rivers, such as the Mudanjiang River, Suifen River, Muling River, and Tangwang River, meander through the plains and valleys. Lakes like Xingkai Lake, Jingpo Lake, and Wudalianchi, like clear and sparkling pearls, are nestled among the fertile lands and mountains.
Except for the Daxing'anling area in the northwest, the rest of Heilongjiang Province experiences a distinct temperate continental monsoon climate with four seasons. The average annual temperature across the province ranges between -5°C and 5°C. In spring, the mountains are in full bloom, the land is lush with greenery, and the wilderness is brimming with vitality. Summer is cool and brief, with green mountains and clear waters, creating a refreshing world. Autumn brings clear skies, abundant harvests, and colorful mountains in golden splendor. Winter covers the land in snow, with ice and snowflakes stretching across the northern landscape.
The province enjoys abundant rainfall, with an average annual precipitation of 400 to 500 millimeters in the western region and 500 to 600 millimeters in the eastern mountains. Most areas are semi-humid, where gentle drizzles nourish all things, and freezing snow enriches the soil. The plains are mostly grasslands and wetlands, while the mountains are dominated by coniferous forests of larch and fir, and mixed forests of red pine, spruce, birch, aspen, oak, basswood, and ash.
Heilongjiang is a multi-ethnic northern frontier province of China, where ethnic groups such as the Hezhe, Oroqen, Daur, Evenk, Sibo, Kirgiz, Korean, Manchu, Mongolian, and Hui have lived for generations. They excel in fishing and hunting or farming and herding, and are hardworking, sincere, and brave. They have not only inherited the excellent traditional culture of ancient Heilongjiang but also preserved their distinctive ethnic traditions, forming a diverse northern ethnic culture with unique customs and traditions. The mysterious Shamanism, exquisite ethnic costumes, unique means of transportation, extraordinary lifestyles, and colorful ethnic festivals (Water Festival, Deer God Festival, Nowruz Festival) paint a vibrant picture of ethnic culture. For thousands of years, the ethnic minorities and Han Chinese in this region have jointly written a long and profound history and cultural heritage.
A story of a black dragon defeating a white dragon gave rise to the magical Heilong River and shaped the vast black land. History flows like the vast Heilong River. The history of human habitation in Heilongjiang can be traced back to the late Paleolithic Age, approximately 20,000 to 30,000 years ago. Over the millennia, the ancestors of the black land have thrived here. As time passes, the distant history and culture of this land become increasingly mysterious and enigmatic, but the truth of history is always etched and hidden in the land, forests, rivers, and lakes. The history and culture of Heilongjiang will continue to be passed down through written records and generations of myths and legends. The five thousand years of Chinese history are inseparable from this magical land!
Exploring Heilongjiang, whether wandering through the forests and snowfields or traversing the wetlands and grasslands, whether swimming in rivers and lakes or lingering in border towns, the rugged and magical nature of Heilongjiang will leave you in awe. When you embrace the embrace of the Daxing'anling Mountains, you will be immersed in the vast "oxygen bar" of lush greenery. When you gallop across the vast Songnen Plain, you will feel the firm connection with the earth. When you stroll on the tranquil Jingpo Lake, you will be captivated by the magnificent scenery of the lake and mountains. When you stand at the crater of Wudalianchi Volcano, the vast "sea of stones" and winding "stone dragons" will make you feel the fierce and fiery power of volcanic eruptions in the past. The snow-covered winter and crystal-clear ice formations will cleanse your soul and leave you refreshed.
A land nurtures its people, and as you step into Heilongjiang, you will witness the grandeur of its mountains, the beauty of its waters, the vastness of its plains, the elegance of its lakes, and the primal depth of its forests. You will experience the cold of Heilongjiang's winters, the purity of its snow and ice, the coolness of its summers, and the gentle harmony of its winds and rains. You will truly understand the character of the people of Heilongjiang: the men are tall, robust, and generous, with a spirit of chivalry and righteousness—shaped by generations of journeys through mountains, forests, and howling winter winds. The women are strong, cheerful, and graceful, with a kind and simple nature—nurtured by generations of farming in the black land, toiling in rivers and lakes, and refreshing summer winds and rains.
Over half a century of socialist construction, the people of Heilongjiang have contributed towering timbers from the vast forests, golden wheat and millet from the black land, and surging oil from the grasslands. The people of Heilongjiang are selfless, dedicated, and brave—qualities bestowed by the forest. In the tide of reform and opening up, they are dynamic, pragmatic, and energetic—temperaments forged by the volcano. The people of Heilongjiang are exceptionally patient and resilient—characteristics honed by the harsh winters. Primal, rugged, magnificent, and magical—this is the result of the artistry of nature and the tireless efforts of generations of Heilongjiang people, creating the magnificent landscape of Heilongjiang.
The grandeur of Daxing'anling, the dignity of Xiaoxing'anling, and the tranquility of Wanda Mountain will deeply attract you. The vast Heilong River, the winding Songhua River, and the gentle Ussuri River will fill you with endless inspiration. The vast Xingkai Lake, the picturesque Jingpo Lake, and the waterlogged Zhanglang Wetland will also leave you deeply in love. The boundless snowfields, snow-covered mountains, sparkling rime ice, crystal-clear ice sculptures, and thrilling yet fun snow sports will transport you to a world of wonder. The splendid culture, fertile land, abundant resources, and customs of Heilongjiang will also make you feel the simplicity and kindness of the people of Guandong, leaving you with unforgettable memories.
If you wish to understand the customs and traditions of Heilongjiang, appreciate its history and culture, explore its mountains and waters, or grasp the character of its people, if you wish to read about Heilongjiang, China Travel Guide: 10,000 Whys—Heilongjiang is the key to unlocking the door to Heilongjiang, providing a "map" for those who love and visit this land. May those who read this book develop a longing for Heilongjiang and a love for it.