Jiamusi history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of Jiamusi begins in 1886, when a small trading post named Dongxing was established on this site. Prior to this, despite the fertile lands, the region remained sparsely populated due to the harsh climate. In 1910, Huachuan County was officially formed, with its administration located in Dongxing. Later, the settlement was renamed Jiamusi, a name believed to be of Manchu origin. Jiamusi officially received city status in 1937.

Key Factors of Establishment

The development of the city was driven by several key factors. Firstly, its strategic location on the banks of the navigable Songhua River, the largest tributary of the Amur, transformed it into a vital river port and transport hub. Secondly, the construction of railway lines in the 1930s, connecting Jiamusi with Harbin and other major cities, provided a powerful impetus for its growth. Thirdly, the city became an administrative centre: in 1934, the government of the new Sanjiang province was established here, reinforcing its political significance.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

From the very beginning, the economy of Jiamusi was closely linked to its geographical position. The city became a centre for the processing of agricultural produce arriving from the fertile plains of Northeast China. The food industry (oil pressing, flour milling, sugar refining), wood processing, and pulp and paper industries developed actively here. Over time, mechanical engineering was added to these sectors, including the production of agricultural and transport equipment. Thanks to its industrial and transport importance, Jiamusi quickly evolved into one of the key economic centres of Heilongjiang province.

Chronology of Jiamusi History

• 1886 — The small trading post of Dongxing is founded, becoming the predecessor of the modern city.
• 1910 — Huachuan County is established, with its administration housed in the settlement of Dongxing, later renamed Jiamusi.
• 1932 — Following the Japanese invasion of Manchuria, the city becomes part of the puppet state of Manchukuo.
• 1934 — Jiamusi becomes the administrative centre of the new Sanjiang province, significantly elevating its status.
• 1937 — The settlement of Jiamusi officially receives city status.
• 1937–1940 — The construction of strategic railway lines connects Jiamusi with Harbin and other key locations, turning it into a major transport hub.
• 17 August 1945 — During the Soviet-Japanese War, the city was occupied by Soviet forces, marking the end of the Japanese occupation.
• November 1945 — Jiamusi becomes the capital of the new Hejiang province under the administration of Chinese communist forces.
• 1949 — Hejiang province is abolished, and Jiamusi becomes the administrative centre of the Hejiang Prefecture within Songjiang province.
• 1954 — Songjiang province is merged into Heilongjiang province, and Jiamusi becomes part of the latter.
• 1957 — One of China's largest pulp and paper mills is built in the city, cementing its status as an industrial centre.
• 1 January 1985 — Hejiang Prefecture is dissolved, and in its place, the prefecture-level city of Jiamusi is formed in its modern administrative structure.

Key Milestones in the Development of Jiamusi

The history of Jiamusi is a journey from a small trading post to a significant industrial, transport, and educational centre in Northeast China. The key stages of its transformation reflect the dynamic development of the entire region.

• Transformation into a Transport Hub (1930s). The construction of railways connecting the city to Harbin and other key points, along with its location on the navigable Songhua River, laid the foundation for economic growth. This allowed Jiamusi to become a central link in the region's logistics chain.
• Acquisition of City Status and Administrative Centre Role (1934–1937). In 1934, Jiamusi became the capital of the new Sanjiang province, and in 1937 it officially received city status. These events strengthened its political and administrative importance.
• Founding of Jiamusi University (1947). The establishment of the university was a crucial step in cultural and social development. Today, it is one of the largest comprehensive higher education institutions in Heilongjiang province, training specialists for the entire country.
• Emergence as a Heavy Industry Centre (1950s). During the First Five-Year Plan, one of the country's largest pulp and paper mills was built in the city. This event secured Jiamusi's status as a powerful industrial hub, also specialising in mechanical engineering and the production of construction materials.
• Arrival of "Educated Youth" and Land Reclamation (1950s-60s). Tens of thousands of demobilised soldiers and educated youth were sent to the region to reclaim land and develop agriculture. This massive project not only transformed the agricultural sector but also had a profound impact on the cultural character of the city.
• Formation of the Modern Prefecture-Level City (1985). Administrative reform, resulting in the formation of the prefecture-level city of Jiamusi within its current boundaries, optimised governance and facilitated further comprehensive territorial development.
• Development as a Centre of International Trade (Late 20th – Early 21st Centuries). Thanks to its geographical position, Jiamusi actively develops trade relations, particularly with Russia. The creation of modern logistics centres has strengthened its role as an important export hub for agricultural products.

The architectural appearance of Jiamusi is a visual chronicle of its rapid development in the 20th century. Being a relatively young city, it does not boast ancient dynastic structures; however, its buildings and layout clearly reflect the key stages of its formation — from an industrial centre to a modern metropolis.

Early Industrial Period (1930s – 1940s)

The foundations of Jiamusi's urban planning were laid during the period when it became a vital transport hub and the administrative centre of Sanjiang province. The architecture of this time was primarily of a functional character. Industrial facilities, railway infrastructure, and administrative buildings were constructed. The style of these structures shows the influence of pragmatic modernism with elements characteristic of architecture in Manchuria during that period.

Era of Socialist Construction (1950s – 1980s)

After the founding of the PRC, urban planning in Jiamusi developed under the strong influence of the Soviet architectural school. This period was marked by the appearance of large industrial giants, such as the pulp and paper mill, and the formation of workers' districts. Residential development was characterised by standardised apartment blocks, while monumental public and administrative buildings in the spirit of socialist classicism were erected in the city centre. A vivid symbol of that era is the memorial tower commemorating the fallen soldiers of the Soviet Army, located in one of the city parks. Squares, such as Zhiqing (Square of the "Educated Youth"), are also important urban elements that immortalise the history of the region's development.

Modern Stage (1990s to Present)

With the onset of the reform and opening-up policy, the architectural landscape of Jiamusi began to change rapidly. The city experienced a construction boom characteristic of all of China. Modern high-rise residential complexes, shopping and entertainment centres with glass façades, and new office buildings appeared. Significant attention is paid to infrastructure development: new bridges are being built, roads are being widened, and public spaces are being landscaped. Although modern architecture dominates within the city itself, new iconic structures are being erected in the wider region, sometimes referencing traditional aesthetics, such as the nine-story Dongji Pagoda in Fuyuan County.

Distinguished Personalities Connected to Jiamusi

The city of Jiamusi and its surrounding region, known as the "Great Northern Wilderness" (Beidahuang), became a cradle and a place of formation for many iconic figures in Chinese history and culture. Here, the destinies of revolutionary heroes, writers who defined an entire era, and popular artists intertwined.

• Liu Ying (1905–1938) — Revolutionary heroine and martyr. As one of the leaders of the Northeast Anti-Japanese United Army, she led an active partisan struggle in the region centred around Jiamusi. She died in battle not far from the city and is honoured as one of the most iconic figures of resistance in the history of Northeast China.
• Ma Jixiang (1915–1938) — Commander of the Anti-Japanese Army. He was a significant military leader who fought against Japanese forces on the Sanjiang Plain. He died in battle within the territory of Huachuan County, which is under the administration of Jiamusi, and is considered a local hero of the liberation struggle.
• Liang Xiaosheng (born 1949) — Prominent writer. Although not born in Jiamusi, his name is inextricably linked to this region. As a representative of the "educated youth," he spent years here working on state farms, which formed the basis of his most famous works. His novels, describing the life and ideals of that generation, have become classics of "Zhiqing literature" and an important part of Jiamusi's cultural heritage.
• Fu Disheng (born 1966) — Renowned singer. Born in Jiamusi, Fu Disheng achieved nationwide popularity in the 1990s, particularly thanks to his duet "Honey, Let's Go Home Together" (Zhi Xin Ai Ren), performed with his wife, singer Ren Jing. He is one of the most recognisable pop artists of his generation to hail from this city.
• Song Yang (born 1983) — Popular actor. A native of Jiamusi, Song Yang graduated from the Beijing Film Academy and built a successful career in film and television. He is known for his roles in projects such as "The Sword Identity", "Crimson Skies", and the historical blockbuster "The Eight Hundred", representing the modern generation of talent from Jiamusi.