Qiqihar history

Qiqihar, one of the oldest cities in Northeast China, boasts a rich and multi-layered history closely tied to its strategic location and shifting cultural influences. Its past reflects the region's dynamic development from nomadic settlements to an important industrial and transport hub.

Foundation and first mentions. Although settlements existed in this region earlier, the official founding date of the fortress city is considered to be 1691. Initially, this territory was inhabited by nomadic Daur and Tungusic tribes. The name "Qiqihar" derives from a Daur word meaning "border" or "natural pasture." In 1674, during a period of border conflicts between the Qing Empire and Russia, a large garrison was established here. In 1699, the seat of the military government of Heilongjiang Province was moved to Qiqihar, solidifying its administrative and military status.

Key factors of formation. The development of Qiqihar was defined by several aspects. Its geographical position on the fertile plains by the Nenjiang River made the city a natural center of the region. Furthermore, for centuries, Qiqihar served as a vital military-strategic outpost for the Qing Dynasty. Finally, from around 1700, the city became a hub for trade between China and Russia, and a new impulse for development was provided by the construction of the Chinese Eastern Railway (CER) in 1903, transforming Qiqihar into a major transport junction.

Early cultural and economic features. Initially, only Manchus were permitted to live in the city, but over time it became predominantly Han Chinese. For a long period, Qiqihar remained a frontier city where convicts were exiled. Despite this, culture and crafts flourished here. By the 18th century, schools for Manchus and Chinese had already been opened. The early economy relied on trade, particularly in furs, as well as traditional crafts. With the arrival of the railway and the active migration of Chinese settlers, new agricultural methods began to be introduced, contributing to the further economic growth of the region.

Key Milestones in the History of Qiqihar

1333 — Establishment of the first settlement on the site of the modern city by Mongol tribes.

1674 — Deployment of a river fleet base in this area due to border conflicts between the Qing Empire and Russia.

1691 — Official founding of the fortress city of Bukui, which became an important military outpost.

1699 — Transfer of the residence of the Military Governor of Heilongjiang Province to Qiqihar, strengthening its administrative status.

1903 — Construction of the Chinese Eastern Railway (CER) near the city, turning it into a significant transport hub.

1907 — Beginning of the transformation of military administrative structures into civil ones, resulting in the formation of the Longjiang administrative district.

1911 — Signing of the Qiqihar Protocol, which defined the border between the Russian and Qing Empires in the Transbaikal region.

1931 — Occupation of Manchuria by Japanese troops; one of the first battles occurred in the city's vicinity.

1934 — Qiqihar becomes the capital of Longjiang Province within the puppet state of Manchukuo.

1945 — On August 19, the city was occupied by troops of the Transbaikal Front during the Soviet-Japanese War.

1946 — After the withdrawal of Soviet troops, control of the city passed to the Chinese Communists.

1954 — The capital of Heilongjiang Province is moved from Qiqihar to Harbin.

1985 — The modern prefecture-level city of Qiqihar is formed through the merger of the city and the surrounding district.

Major Stages of the City's Transformation

The development history of Qiqihar is a journey from a frontier garrison to a modern industrial and tourist center. The city's key transformations can be divided into several significant stages, each of which radically changed its appearance and economy.

• 1691: Founding of the Fortress City. The construction of a fortified garrison for the Qing Empire marked the starting point of the region's urbanization. This event turned a territory of nomadic camps into an administrative outpost, providing conditions for the development of settled trade and the formation of the first urban infrastructure.
• 1903: Railway Breakthrough. The launch of the Chinese Eastern Railway (CER) integrated the city into the international logistics system. This led to an economic boom, an influx of migrants, and the emergence of a unique architectural environment where Chinese traditions mixed with European Art Nouveau.
• 1950s: Industrialization. During the First Five-Year Plan, the city was chosen as one of the key bases for heavy industry in China. The construction of the "First Heavy Machinery Works" (CFHI) defined the region's economic profile as a "forge of equipment," providing thousands of jobs and developing technical infrastructure.
• 1979: Ecological Branding. The official creation of the Zhalong Nature Reserve secured the city's status as the "City of Cranes." This event launched the development of eco-tourism, making the protection of rare birds an important part of the city's cultural identity and international reputation.
• 2000s: Course for "Green Food." Modernization of the agricultural sector earned the city the title of "Capital of Green Food." The transition to producing organic and ecologically clean food products allowed for economic diversification and reduced dependence on heavy industry.
• 2015: Integration into the HSR Network. The opening of a station for high-speed trains and the launch of the Harbin — Qiqihar line became a catalyst for a new stage of urban planning. This event stimulated the development of the city's southern districts and significantly accelerated business and tourist exchanges with neighboring metropolises.

The architectural appearance of Qiqihar is a unique canvas upon which different eras and cultures have left their marks. Growing from a Manchu fortress, the city has absorbed features of traditional Chinese architecture, European Art Nouveau, Japanese Art Deco, and Soviet functionalism, creating a multi-layered and intriguing urban environment.

Traditional Chinese and Manchu Architecture

The foundation of the historic built environment in Qiqihar consists of structures from the Qing Dynasty era. The city was founded as a military fortress, and its early layout was subject to defensive objectives. Examples of traditional architecture, such as ancient residences and temple complexes, have survived to this day. For instance, the Bukui Mosque stands as a testament to the city's multi-ethnic history and demonstrates classic features of Chinese temple architecture with characteristic curved roofs and axial pavilion arrangement. These buildings reflect the age-old traditions and construction canons that lay at the heart of urban planning in imperial China.

Legacy of the CER and Russian Influence

The construction of the Chinese Eastern Railway (CER) in the early 20th century introduced entirely new features to the city's architecture. In the Ang'angxi district, which was a key railway hub near the city, an entire quarter formed in a European style. Here lies the famous "Russia" Street, officially recognized as a historical and cultural monument of China. It preserves over 100 buildings constructed by Russian engineers and employees in the Art Nouveau style, which was popular in Russia at that time. The complex includes former station buildings, a railway employees' club, a hospital, and residential houses, creating the atmosphere of a Russian provincial town from the turn of the last century.

Manchukuo Period and Japanese Art Deco

In the 1930s, when Qiqihar became the administrative center of Longjiang Province within Manchukuo, new landmark structures appeared in the city. The most striking example of this period is the old railway station, built by the Japanese in 1934–1936. This impressive building in the Art Deco style, with its monumental portal, is considered one of the city's architectural masterpieces and symbolizes the influence of the Japanese urban planning school of that time.

Modern Development

Post-war industrialization brought features of Soviet functionalism to the city, especially in industrial and residential areas. In the 21st century, urban development continues: a new modern station for high-speed trains was built next to the historic Japanese station (2015), creating a striking contrast between the architectural styles of two eras. Today, Qiqihar is actively being developed with modern residential complexes, shopping centers, and public buildings, reflecting its role as an important economic center in Northeast China.

Distinguished Figures Associated with Qiqihar

The city of Qiqihar and its surroundings have been the birthplace of many famous figures in China who have left their mark on military history, politics, science, and modern culture.

• Ma Zhanshan (1885–1950) — A military commander and national hero. As the governor of Heilongjiang Province, he was one of the first to offer organized armed resistance to Japanese troops during the invasion of Manchuria in 1931. The battle for the bridge over the Nenjiang River under his command became a symbol of defiance and brought him widespread fame throughout China.
• Zhou Tienong (1938–2023) — A prominent political figure. A native of Qiqihar, he held high positions in the PRC state hierarchy, including serving as Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, which is one of the key posts in the country's legislative authority.
• Liu Boming (born 1966) — An astronaut (taikonaut) and Major General of the PLAAF. Born in Yi'an County, which is part of the Qiqihar prefecture-level city, he became one of the first Chinese astronauts to perform a spacewalk during the Shenzhou-7 mission in 2008, and also participated in the construction of the Chinese space station Tiangong.
• Jia Hongsheng (1967–2010) — A theater and film actor. Although born in Jilin Province, his childhood and youth were spent in Qiqihar. Jia Hongsheng was an iconic figure of the "Sixth Generation" of Chinese film directors and became famous for his roles in independent cinema, particularly in the film "Suzhou River."
• Mao Buyi (born 1994) — A popular singer and songwriter. A native of Tailai County (Qiqihar prefecture), he gained nationwide fame after winning the music competition "The Coming One" in 2017. His lyrical and soulful songs resonate with millions of listeners and are often used in soundtracks for popular films and TV series.