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Heilongjiang

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Heilongjiang is a major province located in northeast China. It holds a unique position as the northernmost and easternmost province in the country.

The province contains China's northernmost point in Mohe City. It also contains the country's easternmost point at the confluence of the Amur and Ussuri rivers. The name Heilongjiang comes from the Amur River. In Mandarin, this name means "black dragon river." This river serves as the natural border between the People's Republic of China and Russia.

Koppen-Geiger Map v2 CHN Heilongjiang 1991–2020
Koppen-Geiger Map v2 CHN Heilongjiang 1991–2020

The geography of the province features many different types of terrain. Large mountain ranges dominate much of the landscape. These include the Greater Khingan Range and the Lesser Khingan Range. The Zhangguangcai, Laoye, and Wanda mountains are also found here. The Greater Khingan Range is especially important for the forestry industry. It contains China's largest remaining virgin forest. The highest point in the province is Datudingzi Mountain. This peak sits on the border with Jilin province.

雪乡风光 - panoramio - 江上清风1961 (24)
雪乡风光 - panoramio - 江上清风1961 (24)

Water plays a massive role in the physical layout of Heilongjiang. The eastern and southwest regions are relatively flat and low in altitude. Several large rivers flow through these areas. These include the Muling, Naoli, Songhua, Nen, and Mudan rivers. All of these rivers are tributaries of the Amur. Xingkai Lake is another major feature located on the border with Russia's Primorsky Krai. These waterways help define the borders and the landscape of the region.

The climate in Heilongjiang is primarily a humid continental climate.

Koppen-Geiger Map v2 CHN Heilongjiang 1991–2020
Koppen-Geiger Map v2 CHN Heilongjiang 1991–2020

Some areas in the far north experience a subarctic climate. The weather is defined by long and bitter winters. In January, average temperatures in Harbin can drop to -12.5 degrees Celsius. Summers are much shorter and can be quite warm. In July, Harbin averages about 27.9 degrees Celsius. Most of the annual rainfall occurs during the summer months. The Songnen and Sanjiang plains also provide great sources of wind energy.

History shows that many different groups have inhabited this land. Ancient records mention the Sushen, Buyeo, Mohe, and Khitan people. The Jurchen Jin dynasty also arose within these modern borders. The province was officially created in 1683 during the Qing dynasty.

镇守黑龙江等处地方将军印,黑龙江将军府
镇守黑龙江等处地方将军印,黑龙江将军府

At that time, it was part of the northwestern Jilin province. The Military Governor of Heilongjiang managed the area. The seat of the governor moved several times. It started in Heilongjiang City, then moved to Nenjiang, and finally to Qiqihar. These moves helped with supplies and defense against neighbors.

The borders of the province changed significantly in the 19th century. In 1858 and 1860, the Qing government gave up land beyond the Amur and Ussuri rivers. This land went to the Russian Empire. This change gave Heilongjiang its current northern and eastern borders. Later, the region saw much movement of people. By the early 20th century, Han Chinese migrants became the dominant group. In 1931, Japanese forces invaded the province. It became part of the puppet state known as Manchukuo. In 1945, Soviet forces defeated the Japanese in the region.

Today, Heilongjiang is an important part of China's economy. The province produces significant amounts of agricultural goods. It also provides raw materials like timber, oil, and coal. Harbin is the capital and the largest city.

Cathedral of Holy Wisdom, Harbin 5
Cathedral of Holy Wisdom, Harbin 5

Other major cities include Qiqihar, Mudanjiang, Jiamusi, and Daqing. The province has a very large road and rail network. The Harbin-Dalian high-speed railway is a major line. It is expected to carry 51 million passengers per year by 2030. There are also many airports, including the large Harbin Taiping International Airport.

Main Building HIT
Main Building HIT
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🖼️ Images & Media (11)
File:Cathedral of Holy Wisdom, Harbin 5.jpg
Cathedral of Holy Wisdom, Harbin 5.jpg
File:CEM-44-La-Chine-la-Tartarie-Chinoise-et-le-Thibet-1734-Amur-2572.jpg
CEM-44-La-Chine-la-Tartarie-Chinoise-et-le...
File:镇守黑龙江等处地方将军印,黑龙江将军府.jpg
镇守黑龙江等处地方将军印,黑龙江将军府.jpg
File:Koppen-Geiger Map v2 CHN Heilongjiang 1991–2020.svg
Koppen-Geiger Map v2 CHN Heilongjiang...
File:雪乡风光 - panoramio - 江上清风1961 (24).jpg
雪乡风光 - panoramio - 江上清风1961 (24).jpg
File:黑龙江省人民政府大楼2017夏.jpg
黑龙江省人民政府大楼2017夏.jpg
File:China_Heilongjiang_pop_SbA5y_pyramid2019.png
China_Heilongjiang_pop_SbA5y_pyramid2019.png
File:ハルビン極楽寺玄関.jpg
ハルビン極楽寺玄関.jpg
File:黑龙江日报报业集团2017.jpg
黑龙江日报报业集团2017.jpg
File:Harbin Siberian Tiger Park 2.JPG
Harbin Siberian Tiger Park 2.JPG
File:Main Building HIT.jpg
Main Building HIT.jpg
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