Jixi history

The city of Jixi, located in Heilongjiang Province, has a history closely intertwined with the region's rich natural resources. Although these lands have been inhabited since ancient times, the city's modern appearance and significance were formed relatively recently.

Until the early 20th century, the territory of modern Jixi remained sparsely populated. A key moment in the city's history was the discovery of coal deposits in 1909, which triggered its rapid development and population growth. In 1941, Jining County was established here, which was renamed Jixi in 1949. Jixi officially received the status of a prefecture-level city in 1956–1957.

The main drivers of the city's growth were its geographical location and natural wealth. The rise of Jixi is inextricably linked to the following factors:

• Mining: Jixi quickly turned into one of China's most important centers for the coal industry. In addition to coal, the region possesses the largest graphite reserves in Asia, earning it the unofficial title of "China's Graphite Capital."
• Industrial Development: A machinery manufacturing industry was established in the city to service the mining sector.
• Transport Connections: The development of the railway network connected Jixi with other major cities in the province, such as Jiamusi and Mudanjiang, ensuring the transport of resources and further growth.

From the very beginning, Jixi's economy was oriented towards coal mining and processing. This also left its mark on cultural life. In the 1980s, a unique art movement emerged — Jixi prints. Local artists often depicted the daily life of miners, harsh northern landscapes, and regional culture in their works, thanks to which this movement gained fame across China.

Key Milestones in Jixi's History

The history of Jixi is a journey from ancient settlements to one of the key industrial centers in Northeast China. The city's development is inextricably linked to rich coal deposits, the discovery of which in the 20th century defined its destiny for decades to come.

• Around 4000 BC: The Xinkailiu culture emerges on the shores of Lake Khanka (Xingkai), and the lands are inhabited by ancient Sushen tribes, ancestors of the Manchus.
• Tang Dynasty (618–907): The territory of modern Jixi was part of the Balhae (Bohai) Kingdom.
• Qing Dynasty (1644–1912): The lands were under the administration of a military governor (General) with residence in Ninguta.
• 1908: As part of Manchuria's transition to civil administration, the Mishan Prefecture was established, which included these lands.
• 1909: Rich coal deposits were discovered, triggering rapid industrial development and population growth in the region.
• 1935: During the period of Japanese administration, the construction of the Jixi railway station was completed, becoming an important transport hub.
• 1941: Jining County, the predecessor of the modern city, was established.
• 1949: After the founding of the PRC, Jining County was officially renamed Jixi.
• 1954: Jixi County comes under the direct administration of Heilongjiang Province.
• 1957: Jixi officially receives the status of a prefecture-level city, cementing its role as an important administrative and industrial center.
• 1980s: The city develops actively; Mishan and Hulin are added to its jurisdiction. At the same time, Jixi printmaking art emerges and gains fame, depicting the life of miners and northern nature.
• 1991: Jixi ranks second in China in terms of coal production volume.
• 2009: Jixi Xingkaihu Airport opens, significantly improving the city's transport accessibility.

The development of Jixi is the story of a small settlement transforming into a major industrial and cultural center in Northeast China. Each of the key milestones left a noticeable mark on the city's appearance, transforming its economy and way of life.

• Beginning of Industrial Development (1909)
  The discovery of rich coal deposits became the foundation of the region's economy. This event turned a sparsely populated territory into a strategically important energy hub, causing the first mass influx of population and specialists.
• Railway Construction (1930s)
  Inclusion in the railway network became a powerful driver of urbanization. Transport accessibility allowed scattered mining settlements to be linked into a single agglomeration and ensured the uninterrupted export of resources, which accelerated the city's growth.
• Official City Status (1957)
  Administrative transformation allowed for centralized management and a transition to planned urban development. During this period, modern residential areas, social infrastructure, and a unified architectural appearance began to form, replacing temporary structures.
• Birth of "Jixi Prints" (1980s)
  A crucial cultural transformation. The emergence of its own artistic school gave the industrial city a unique brand. The art of local masters helped form an urban identity distinct from purely production-based themes.
• Economic Diversification: "Graphite Capital"
  The discovery and large-scale development of graphite reserves allowed the city to reduce its dependence on the coal industry. This paved the way for the development of high-tech manufacturing and attracted new investments, strengthening economic stability.
• Opening of Xingkaihu Airport (2009)
  The launch of air connections brought the city out of the transport periphery. The airport not only improved the business climate but also opened up opportunities for tourism development, making the natural beauty of Lake Khanka accessible to travelers from afar.

The architectural appearance of Jixi is a visible chronicle of its industrial history in the 20th and 21st centuries. Unlike the ancient cities of China, you will not find imperial palaces or medieval pagodas here. The urban environment was formed under the influence of industrialization, which defined its functional and pragmatic character, eventually evolving into modern urban trends.

The foundation of urban development was laid in the mid-20th century, following the city's official establishment. During this period, architecture was dominated by Soviet functionalism, known in China as the "Su style." This style, common in industrial centers of the country's northeast, prioritized practicality over decorative refinement. The urban development of that time is represented by standardized residential blocks for workers and austere administrative buildings, whose main task was to meet the needs of the growing industrial center. These structures formed the initial framework of the city, subordinate to the logic of production and transport arteries connecting mines to the railway network.

Since the late 20th century, and especially today, Jixi is undergoing a stage of large-scale modernization. Old residential areas and utilitarian structures are gradually giving way to modern residential complexes, shopping centers, and well-appointed public spaces. Active construction is transforming entire neighborhoods, creating a more comfortable and aesthetically attractive urban environment. The appearance of new parks, squares with fountains, and modern buildings reflects the city's desire to move away from the image of an exclusively industrial center and become modern and convenient for living.

Notable People Associated with Jixi

Despite its relatively short industrial history, Jixi and its surrounding territories have become the birthplace or place of activity for a number of notable figures in various fields — from politics and science to art and sports.

Wang Zhen (1908–1993)

Statesman and Military Leader. One of the "Eight Immortals" of the Communist Party of China. Although not a native of Jixi, Wang Zhen played a key role in the post-war development and industrialization of Heilongjiang Province. His activities, aimed at developing the coal industry and creating new industrial centers, laid the foundation for the city's modern economy.

Jiang Yonghua (born 1973)

Athlete (Cycling). Born in Jidong County, which is under the administration of Jixi. Jiang Yonghua is a silver medalist of the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens in the 500m time trial. Her achievement became an important milestone in the history of Chinese cycling and brought fame to her home region on the world stage.

Zhang Zhenqi (1930–2010)

Printmaker/Artist. One of the founders and key representatives of the "Great Northern Wilderness" (Beidahuang) art movement, to which the famous Jixi prints belong. In his works, he captured the cultivation of virgin lands, the harsh nature, and the daily life of people in Northeast China, making an invaluable contribution to the region's cultural heritage.

Gong Xibin

Actor. Born in the city of Mishan, which is administratively subordinate to Jixi. He is known for his roles in classic Chinese films shot in the 1970s and 1980s, such as "Entrepreneurs." His work is an important part of China's cinematic heritage of that period.

Jiang Huilin (born 1945)

Optical Scientist. A native of Jidong County and an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering. He is a leading specialist in the field of optical technologies and makes a significant contribution to the development of modern science and technology in China.

Lü Pin (born 1972)

Athlete (Footballer). Born directly in Jixi. As a defender, she played for the China women's national football team, including at the 1995 World Cup. She is one of the shining examples of the city's sporting achievements.