Heihe history

The history of Heihe is a chronicle of a city born on the border of two worlds. Its formation is inextricably linked to its geographical location on the Amur River and its interaction with its northern neighbour.

Foundation and First Mentions

• The predecessor of modern Heihe is considered to be the fortified city of Aigun (also known by its Manchu name, Sahaliyan), founded on December 13, 1683.
• It was originally built as a military post of the Qing Empire to monitor the movements of Russian Cossacks in the Amur region.
• Archaeological findings indicate that people were engaged in economic activities in this region as early as the Paleolithic era.

Key Factors of Formation

• Strategic Location: Its position on the right bank of the Amur, directly opposite the Russian city of Blagoveshchensk, determined Heihe's destiny as a key border point.
• Political Role: Aigun quickly turned into an important military-administrative centre, becoming the residence of the Heilongjiang General (military commander).
• Trade: The signing of the Treaty of Aigun in 1858, which defined the border along the Amur, officially secured the city's status as a centre of border trade between the inhabitants of the Russian and Qing Empires.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

• This territory is historically the cradle for many peoples of Northeast China, including the Manchus, Daurs, and Evenks, creating a unique cultural diversity.
• By the beginning of the 18th century, Aigun was already a well-fortified and representative city, confirmed by the records of European missionaries who visited it in 1709.
• The economy of the early city relied on its administrative status and the trade permitted by the treaty with the Russian population living on the other side of the river.

Key Dates in the History of Heihe

• 1683 — The city of Aigun (the old name for Heihe) is founded as a Manchu military outpost to control the actions of Russian settlers in the Amur region.
• 1685 — Aigun becomes the temporary residence of the Heilongjiang General (military governor) following the siege of Albazin.
• 1690 — The residence of the military governor is moved to the city of Nenjiang, but Aigun retains important strategic significance.
• May 28, 1858 — The Treaty of Aigun is signed in Aigun between the Russian Empire and the Qing Empire, establishing the border along the Amur River.
• 1900 — During the Boxer Rebellion, the Aigun garrison participated in the shelling of the Russian city of Blagoveshchensk.
• 1912 — Following the Xinhai Revolution and the fall of the monarchy in China, the Republic of China was formed, and Aigun came under its jurisdiction.
• 1945 — The city is liberated from Japanese occupation, which had lasted since the early 1930s.
• 1956 — Aigun County is renamed Aihui County (爱辉县) to avoid associations with the "unequal" Treaty of Aigun.
• November 15, 1980 — The county-level city of Heihe is established, with its administrative centre located in the settlement of Hailanpu.
• 1993 — Heihe receives the status of a prefecture-level city, highlighting its growing economic role.
• 2016 — Construction begins on the first road bridge across the Amur, connecting Heihe and Blagoveshchensk.
• 2019 — Heihe becomes part of the new Heilongjiang Pilot Free Trade Zone, giving a powerful impulse to the development of the cross-border economy.
• June 10, 2022 — Cargo traffic opens on the "Blagoveshchensk — Heihe" road bridge, marking a historic event for both border cities.

Stages of Transformation: From Outpost to Trade Gateway

The development of Heihe is a vivid example of how a border city can transform into a dynamic economic centre. Key transformations in its history were closely linked to its unique geographical location and changing political and economic conditions.

• From Military Post to Trade Centre (19th Century): Originally founded as the military settlement of Aigun, the city gained new significance after the signing of the Treaty of Aigun in 1858. This document not only defined the border but also legalized border trade, transforming Heihe from a fortress into an important point for trade connections between the inhabitants of the Qing and Russian Empires.
• Formation of the Modern City (1980–1993): Within the framework of China's reform and opening-up policy, the county-level city of Heihe was officially established in 1980, and in 1993 its status was upgraded to a prefecture-level city. These administrative changes laid the foundation for accelerated urban and economic growth, turning it into a fully-fledged administrative centre.
• Era of Border Cooperation (1980s – 1990s): With the warming of relations between the countries, Heihe became one of the first cities to resume active trade with its northern neighbour. This period was marked by the rapid growth of markets, the emergence of joint ventures, and the development of "shuttle" trade, which radically changed the appearance of the city and its economy.
• Creation of the Free Trade Zone (2019): The inclusion of Heihe in the Heilongjiang Pilot Free Trade Zone provided a powerful boost to the economy. This allowed for the attraction of large investments, the creation of new production facilities, and the development of modern trade formats, including cross-border e-commerce.
• Opening of the Road Bridge (2022): The launch of cargo traffic on the first road bridge across the Amur, connecting Heihe with Blagoveshchensk, was a historic event. This mega-project radically improved transport logistics, reduced costs for businesses, and opened a new era in economic relations, strengthening Heihe's status as a key transport and logistics hub.
• Development of a Cultural and Tourism Centre: Thanks to its location, Heihe has become a place of unique cultural exchange. The city actively develops cross-border tourism, hosting joint festivals and fairs. The appearance of numerous signs in Russian, as well as restaurants and shops oriented towards guests, has formed the unique atmosphere of a "city at the junction of two cultures".

The architectural appearance of Heihe is a clear reflection of its turbulent history as a border city, which over a few decades transformed from a small settlement into a modern metropolis. Several key stages can be distinguished in its development, each leaving its unique mark.

Traditional Manchu and Chinese Architecture (17th–19th Centuries)

The historical core of the region was not Heihe itself, but the city of Aigun (now the Aihui historical district) located 30 km to the south. It was founded in the 17th century as a military outpost of the Qing Empire. This period was characterized by:

• Fortress Architecture: The city was surrounded by defensive structures typical of Manchu fortifications of that time.
• Traditional Buildings: Buildings were erected in the classic Chinese style. Today in the historical district of Aihui, one can see reconstructed buildings stylized as "antique", giving an idea of the old city's appearance. An example of religious architecture from that period is the Guandi Taoist Temple, built in the 18th century.

Russian and European Influence (Late 19th – Early 20th Centuries)

After the signing of the Treaty of Aigun in 1858 and the start of active border trade with the Russian Empire, European features began to appear in Heihe's architecture. This style can be characterized as provincial eclecticism.

• European Style Buildings: Historical buildings reminding one of the architecture of neighbouring Blagoveshchensk have been preserved on the city streets.
• Mixing of Styles: In the development of that time, Russian architectural motifs were combined with local traditions, creating a unique border flavour. This trend is especially noticeable in the old part of the city.

Socialist Period and Modernism (Mid-20th Century – 1990s)

After the formation of the PRC and especially with the beginning of the reform and opening-up policy in the 1980s, a period of rapid growth began for Heihe. Urban planning of this time focused on functionality and quickly solving housing issues.

• Functional Development: Standard residential and administrative buildings appeared, often influenced by the Soviet architectural school.
• Beginning of Transformation: In the 1980s and 1990s, dilapidated single-storey buildings began to be demolished en masse, freeing up space for more substantial structures. The city began to grow rapidly, turning from a "small village" into a large settlement.

Contemporary and Post-Modern Architecture (Late 1990s – Present Day)

Modern Heihe is a city built literally over the last few decades, which defined its architectural appearance. It is often called China's "calling card", demonstrating economic power on the border.

• High-Rise Development: The urban landscape today is defined by modern high-rise residential complexes, office buildings, and large shopping centres, such as "Huafu".
• Eclecticism and Post-Modernism: In search of identity, modern architects often chaotically use elements of traditional Chinese architecture (for example, turrets in the form of pagodas) on the roofs of modern buildings, which does not always look harmonious.
• Large-Scale Infrastructure Projects: Symbols of the newest era are iconic structures emphasizing Heihe's status as an international hub. These include the "Blagoveshchensk — Heihe" Road Bridge, opened in 2022, and the world's first cross-border cable car currently under construction.
• New Districts: Active construction is underway not only in the centre but also on the outskirts, for example, in the railway station area, where a new business centre of the city is being formed.

Distinguished Personalities in the History of Heihe

The history of Heihe and its predecessor, the city of Aigun, is closely connected with key events in the history of China. Several historical figures played a particularly important role in the formation and development of this border region.

• Sabsu (萨布素)

  Role: Manchu commander, the first Military Governor (General) of Heilongjiang.

  Historical Significance: Considered the founder of the city of Aigun. In 1683, by order of the Kangxi Emperor, he founded a fortified point which became his residence and the main outpost of the Qing Empire on the Amur to counter Russian advancement in the region.

• Yishan (奕山)

  Role: Manchu aristocrat, Adjutant General, Commander-in-Chief on the Amur.

  Historical Significance: A key figure in the diplomatic history of the city. In 1858, on behalf of the Qing Empire, he signed the famous Treaty of Aigun in Aigun with the Governor-General of Eastern Siberia, N. N. Muravyov-Amursky. This document established a new border between the Russian and Qing Empires along the Amur River.

• Jiraminga (Dyraminga)

  Role: Assistant Division Commander, Manchu dignitary.

  Historical Significance: Alongside Yishan, his signature stands on the Treaty of Aigun of 1858 on behalf of the Qing Empire. He was one of the highest military officials in Aigun and took a direct part in the negotiations that determined the fate of the Amur region.

• Shoushan (寿山)

  Role: Manchu General, Deputy Military Governor (Lieutenant-General) of Aigun.

  Historical Significance: He was one of the leaders of the Chinese troops in Manchuria during the Boxer Rebellion of 1900. Under his orders, artillery fire was opened from Aigun on the Russian city of Blagoveshchensk, which became one of the most dramatic episodes of the conflict on the Amur.

• Ma Zhanshan (马占山)

  Role: General, Governor of Heilongjiang Province during the Republic of China period.

  Historical Significance: A national hero of China, famous in the early 1930s as one of the first to offer armed resistance to the Japanese intervention in Manchuria. As the governor of the province, he led the defence, and although his troops had to retreat, his unbending spirit became a symbol of the struggle for independence. There is a memorial hall in Heihe dedicated to his activities.