Heilongjiang Basics

History

Heilongjiang as an administrative entity was created in 1683, during the Kangxi era of the Manchu Qing Dynasty, from the northwestern part of the Jilin province. In 1945 Japanese were defeated by Soviet Army. During Chinese Civil War Heilongjiang became the first province to be completely controlled by the Chinese communists and Harbin the first major city to be controlled by them.

Culture

Heilongjiang's culture is part of a culture of Northeast China that is relatively homogeneous across this region, known in Mandarin Chinese as "Dongbei" (the northeast). Ethnic Minority Groups,with a population of over 36.8 million, there are about 35 ethical groups living in Heilongjiang.Among them the most characteristic ethical groups are Hezhe fishermen, Ewenki Hunters and Daur ethnical group, who raises mainly cattle. Their life styles are very different from each others.

Tourism

The long, cold winter is the backdrop for its famed ice sculpture exhibitions. In 2007 already the 8th Ice and Snow World opened to visitors in Harbin. More than 2000 ice sculptures were on display at the annual event. Wudalianchi Lakes are a series of five lakes formed between 1719 and 1721 when volcanic eruption shaped one section of a tributary of the Amur into five interconnected lakes. The second lake in particular is renowned for its irregular geological sights. Lake Jingbo, in Ning'an County, is a section of the Mudan River that has been narrowed and shaped by volcanic eruption into a series of sights, including the Diaoshuilou Falls.

Climate

In summer, you will feel cool and comfortable. Average temperature is around 18C to 23C in July. It"s definitely a summer resort. In winter, you will experience harsh and extreme cold. Winter in Heilongjiang is long, cold and dry. In January, average temperature is about -31C to -15C, and the record low temperature was -52.3C. So wrap up before you go, or purchase the fine quality leather hats, overcoats and shoes there to keep you warm. Annual average rainfall is 250 to 700 millimeters (9.8 to 27.56 inches), so the crops grow well and the typical northeast foods are dumplings, bread and sausage.