Approaching Heilongjiang Province—Cultural Heritage

Heilongjiang is a border province where many ethnic groups and immigrants live. The population of Han nationality occupies 90% of the total population. Although the population of minorities is small, there are many kinds of minorities among which 10 minorities permanently reside in Heilongjiang, including Man, Hui, Mongolian, Daur, Oroquen, Owenk, Kirgiz, Hezhen, Xibe ethnic groups and Korea ethnic group in China. Most of these native minorities experience historical changes and shape folk customs by living in their own compact communities. Man, Mongolian, Oroquen, Owenk, Daur and some other ethnic groups have inherited lots of mythologies. Among Hezhens, Oroquens and Daurs, the long talking and singing music with the topic of hero has been passed on for a long time, such as “Yimakan” of the Hezhens, “Mosukun” of the Oroquens and “Wuqin” of the Daurs. These talking and singing music of epic nature is the invaluable treasure of Heilongjiang’s cultural heritage.

Since modern and contemporary times, Heilongjiang, the vast border province with many nationalities, gradually forms a civilized character with the nature of border, nation and combination of china and the west. Since the Qing dynasty, the excellent traditions of Chinese nation brought by the “exiled criminals” and immigrants from shanhaiguan after the northeastern China, the so-called “the place where the Mans start their domination” was open, were fused with the primitive culture of Heilongjiang. In the beginning of the 20th century, Heilongjiang, especially Harbin, Heihe, and Suifenhe became international trade centers. The different civilization characters shown in building, religion, culture, education and sanitation of many east and west countries like Russian, Japan, German, Dutch and France clashed and fused with the local culture of Heilongjiang and later became a significant part of the modern and contemporary culture of Heilongjiang.

Heilongjiang is rich in intangible cultural heritage. Some of them have contributed to the various creations of literature and art, inspiring many writers and artists to produce excellent works. Some of them are taken advantage by tourism, creating social and economic benefits. On March 27, 2007, the government of Heilongjiang published the first Heilongjiang Province Intangible Cultural Heritage, including 57 items among which the 9 items with a “★” are included in the National Intangible Culture Heritage.