Longjiang

The city of Longjiang (龙江), located in northeastern China in Heilongjiang Province, has a rich administrative history that is closely intertwined with the development of the entire region. Its name, like the name of the province, translates as "Black Dragon River"—the Chinese name for the Amur River. This emphasizes the city's inseparable connection with the geography and history of the Amur River region.

The history of modern Longjiang as an administrative unit begins in the early 20th century, during the late Qing dynasty. In 1905, as part of a reform to transition from a military to a civilian management system, the Heishui Commissariat was founded here. As early as 1908, its status was raised to a prefecture, named Longjiang Prefecture (龙江府). After the Xinhai Revolution in 1913, the prefecture was transformed into Longjiang County, which consolidated its status for many years.

Key factors in the city's formation were its advantageous geographical and administrative position. Its location at the junction of the Greater Khingan mountain system and the fertile Songnen Plain, as well as its status as an important administrative center, contributed to its economic and social growth. Throughout the 20th century, the administrative boundaries of the county changed repeatedly, reflecting general political transformations in the country. Initially oriented towards agriculture due to the fertile lands around it, over time Longjiang also developed an industrial sector, becoming an important part of the economic structure of Heilongjiang Province.

Key Dates in the History of Longjiang

• Qing Dynasty Period (until 1905): The territory of modern Longjiang County was inhabited by nomadic tribes and was under the administration of the Qiqihar fudutong (military governor).
• 1905: As part of the administrative reform of the Qing Empire, the Heishui Commissariat (黑水厅) was founded, which was the first step towards creating a civil administration in the region.
• 1908: The status was raised to Longjiang Prefecture (龙江府), so named because it housed the residence of the Governor of Heilongjiang Province, emphasizing its capital status.
• 1913: After the Xinhai Revolution and the fall of the monarchy, during the reorganization of the Republic of China's administration, the prefecture was transformed into Longjiang County (龙江县).
• 1934–1945: During the Japanese occupation, the county was part of the puppet state of Manchukuo as part of Longjiang Province.
• 1946: After the end of World War II, Longdong County (龙东县) was temporarily created from the eastern part of the county.
• 1948: Longdong County was disbanded, and its territory returned to Longjiang County.
• 1949: After the formation of the PRC, Longjiang County became part of the newly formed Heilongjiang Province.
• 1955: The county government moved from Fularji to Zhujiakan, which later became the modern administrative center—Longjiang Town.
• 1956: The territory of neighboring Jingxing County (景星县) was included in Longjiang County, leading to the enlargement of the administrative unit.
• 1985: After the disbandment of Nenjiang Prefecture, Longjiang County was officially placed under the jurisdiction of the prefecture-level city of Qiqihar.

The development of Longjiang as an important county center in northeastern China reflects the key stages of transformation for the entire region. From an administrative outpost to a modern agro-industrial city—these are the main milestones of its history.

• Foundation and Role as a Transport Hub (early 20th century). The city's formation began with the establishment of the Heishui Commissariat in 1905, which was elevated to the Longjiang Prefecture in 1908. A key role in its early development was played by its proximity to the Chinese Eastern Railway (CER), built between 1897 and 1903. This turned Longjiang into an important logistical and administrative point, connecting the region with the rest of the country and the outside world.
• Formation of the County (1913). After the Xinhai Revolution and the fall of the Qing Empire, the prefecture was transformed into Longjiang County in 1913. This step consolidated its administrative status, which it maintains to this day, and became the basis for further urban and social development.
• Manchukuo Period (1932–1945). During the existence of the state of Manchukuo, Longjiang became part of the province of the same name with its center in Qiqihar. Infrastructure development continued during this period, although it was subordinated to the interests of the new administration.
• Agrarian Reform and Development of the "Great Northern Wilderness" (1950s). After the formation of the PRC, the region known as "Beidahuang" ("Great Northern Wilderness") became the center of a large-scale campaign to develop virgin lands. Thanks to its location on the fertile Songnen Plain, Longjiang turned into one of the country's key food bases, specializing in the cultivation of soybeans, corn, and wheat.
• Industrialization (1950s–1970s). Within the framework of the first five-year plans, active industrial construction began in Heilongjiang Province with the assistance of the USSR. This process also affected Longjiang, where processing and light industry enterprises began to appear alongside agriculture, diversifying the local economy.
• Economic Reforms (since the 1980s). The "reform and opening-up" policy gave an impetus to the development of market relations. In Longjiang, this was expressed in the modernization of agriculture, the emergence of private enterprises, and the deeper processing of agricultural products. The city began to integrate more actively into the economy of the province and the country.
• Modern Stage: Focus on Green Economy. In recent decades, Heilongjiang Province has set a course for the development of environmentally friendly production and tourism. For Longjiang, this opens up new perspectives in agritourism, the production of organic products, and the introduction of modern "green" technologies in industry.

The architectural appearance of Longjiang is a reflection of its relatively young but rich history, which began in the 20th century. Unlike the ancient cities of China, you will not find monuments of imperial dynasties, Gothic, or Renaissance styles here. Urban development was dictated by practical needs and historical events in the region, creating an eclectic but uniquely interesting urban landscape.

Main architectural influences and eras:

• The Chinese Eastern Railway (CER) Heritage (early 20th century). The city's foundation was closely linked to the construction of the Chinese Eastern Railway. Several dozen buildings from that time have been preserved along the railway line, mostly in a Russian utilitarian style. These were functional buildings: railway stations, residential houses for employees, water towers, and technical structures. Although they do not feature lavish decoration, these brick and wooden structures are important witnesses to the era that laid the foundation for the city's development.
• Soviet Influence and Functionalism (1950s–1970s). After the formation of the PRC, Soviet functionalism prevailed in architecture. During this period, typical residential buildings, administrative buildings, and industrial facilities were built in Longjiang, as throughout the country. The main principles were simplicity, economy, and speed of construction. These structures, devoid of decorative excesses, still make up a significant part of the urban landscape.
• Modern Chinese Architecture (from the 1980s to the present). With the start of the reform and opening-up policy, the face of Longjiang began to change rapidly. Modern multi-story residential complexes, shopping centers, and public buildings made of glass and concrete appeared. New construction actively exists alongside buildings of previous eras, reflecting the dynamic economic development of modern China. In recent years, Heilongjiang Province has focused on preserving historical heritage and creating a "characteristic style" for border cities, which may influence the future development of Longjiang.

Thus, the architecture of Longjiang is not a frozen history but a living chronicle of the 20th and 21st centuries. A walk through the city allows you to trace how priorities and opportunities changed: from the utilitarian buildings of the railway era to the standard buildings of the socialist period and modern high-rises symbolizing economic growth.

Although Longjiang County is not the birthplace of many world-famous figures, its history and culture are associated with several individuals significant to China in the fields of politics, military affairs, and science. Some were born here, while others played a key role in the development of the region at different historical stages.

Zhai Zhigang (翟志刚)

Role: Cosmonaut (taikonaut), Major General of the PLAAF. Significance: Zhai Zhigang is the most famous native of Longjiang County and a national hero of China. He made history on September 27, 2008, becoming the first Chinese astronaut to perform a spacewalk during the Shenzhou 7 mission. His achievement is a symbol of the country's technological breakthrough in space exploration and a subject of great pride for his fellow countrymen.

Lesele (勒色禮)

Role: Qing military and administrative figure. Significance: In 1710, during the reign of Emperor Kangxi, Lesele was appointed the first Deputy Lieutenant-General (fudutong) of Qiqihar. This post was established to strengthen the defense and management of the northwestern territories of Heilongjiang Province, which included the lands of modern Longjiang. Thus, Lesele became one of the first high-ranking administrators responsible for the region during its early development by the Qing dynasty.

Tu Fengshu (涂凤书)

Role: Statesman, prefect. Significance: Tu Fengshu served as the Prefect of Longjiang (龙江府知府) in the final years of the Qing dynasty, after its administrative status was elevated in 1908. His duties included managing civil affairs during the transition from a military to a civilian system. He was one of the leaders who laid the foundations for the city's modern administrative structure, which was finally formalized with the transformation of the prefecture into a county in 1913.

Zhang Wenlian (张文廉)

Role: Anti-Japanese resistance figure. Significance: During the Japanese occupation of Manchuria, Zhang Wenlian was the secretary of the Communist Party working committee in Longjiang County (龙江工委书记) and one of the organizers of the partisan movement within the Northeast Anti-Japanese United Army. He contributed to the organization of resistance in the region but was captured and executed in the winter of 1940. His activities are part of the heroic history of the Chinese people's struggle against invaders.

Wang Zhen (王震)

Role: General, statesman of the PRC. Significance: Although Wang Zhen was not a native of Longjiang, his name is inextricably linked to the large-scale development of the "Great Northern Wilderness" (Beidahuang) in the 1950s. It was he who directed the dispatch of tens of thousands of demobilized soldiers to Heilongjiang Province to turn virgin lands into an important food base for the country. This campaign fundamentally changed the economy and social character of the entire region, including the agrarian Longjiang County.

Liang Jun (梁军)

Role: Agricultural labor model. Significance: Liang Jun is a symbolic figure of the era of developing virgin lands. In 1948, she became the first female tractor driver in China and worked in the fields of the "Great Northern Wilderness." Her image, captured on the one-yuan banknote of the third series, personifies the spirit of selfless labor and enthusiasm of the pioneers who turned the abandoned lands of Heilongjiang, including Longjiang County, into prosperous agricultural areas.