Cultural Heritage of Heilongjiang in “Getting to Know Heilongjiang” Series

Heilongjiang Province is not only a multinational frontier province, but also a province with a great many of immigrants. More than 90% of the populations in Heilongjiang are from the Han ethic group. The minorities account for a small section of the population in this area though, there are diverse ethic groups, of which 10 ethic minorities, Man, Hui, Chaoxian, Mongolian, Dawoer, Elunchun, Ewenk, Kerk, Hezhe, Xibo inclusive, have been living here for over generations. Moreover, Ethic minorities like Man, Mongolian, Elun, Kwenk and Dwoer have ample mythologies inherited from ancient times. Lengthy poems have been handed down in Hezhe and Eluchun Ethic Groups. For example, in Hezhe Minority, there is “Yimakan”, in Elunchun there is “Mosukun” and in Dawoer there is “Wuqin”. These kinds of epic poems are definitely valuable treasures for national culture in Heilongjiang Province.

Since modern, Heilongjiang, the multinational frontier province, has gradually formed into a province, which is frontier, national and Chinese-western compatible. The traditional excellent culture of the Chinese Nation and folk customs in Northeast, which were brought forth by the migration to the northeast after “exile” and “prosperity of the land” emerging in early Qing Dynasty, began to merge with the indigenous culture Heilongjiang Province. In the early 20th century in Heilongjiang Province, especially in the city of Harbin, Heihe and Suifenhe, several international trade centers had been founded. In addition, foreign countries such as Russia, Japan, Germany, Holland and France had demonstrated various characteristics of civilization in religion, culture, education, health etc. These characteristics, together with the regional culture in Heilongjiang Province, turned into an important component of modern Heilongjiang Valley Civilization.

There are diverse resources of intangible cultural heritages in Heilongjiang Province. Some of these heritages have already been under creation of all kinds of categories in art and literature, producing a large number of excellent works; while some have edged into cultural tourism, bringing about both social and economic benefit. However, 57 items are included in the first batch of intangible cultural heritages at the provincial level, which was announced by Heilongjiang Government on Mar.21,2007. Besides, there are 9 asterisked items rank at the national level.