Daqing, a prefecture-level city in western Heilongjiang Province, China, is famously known as the "Oil Capital of China" due to its pivotal role in the country’s petroleum industry. Situated on the Songnen Plain, Daqing combines its industrial might with rich ecological and cultural attractions, including wetlands, lakes, and a history shaped by oil exploration and multiethnic influences. Its development as a modern city is closely tied to the discovery of the Daqing Oilfield in 1959, which transformed it from a sparsely populated region into a bustling economic hub.
Location: Daqing is located in western Heilongjiang Province,
approximately 160 km northwest of Harbin, the provincial capital, and
1,400 km northeast of Beijing. It lies on the Songnen Plain, a fertile
agricultural region, with the Nen River flowing nearby.
Topography:
The city spans flat plains interspersed with wetlands, marshes, and
lakes, earning it the nickname "City of a Hundred Lakes." Its low
elevation and black soil make it ideal for agriculture, while
underground oil reserves define its industrial landscape.
Climate:
Daqing has a cold, continental monsoon climate with long, harsh winters
(November to March) and short, warm summers (June to August). Winter
temperatures often drop to -20°C to -30°C (-4°F to -22°F), while summer
averages 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). Annual precipitation is about
400–500 mm, mostly in summer, with heavy snowfall in winter supporting
ice-based activities.
Area and Administrative Divisions: Daqing’s
prefecture-level city covers approximately 22,161 km², with the urban
core (Sartu, Longfeng, Ranghulu, Honggang, and Datong districts)
occupying about 5,100 km². It administers five districts, four counties,
and one autonomous county (Dorbod Mongol Autonomous County).
Natural
Features: Daqing’s wetlands, such as the Longfeng Wetland, are critical
ecosystems for migratory birds like red-crowned cranes. The city’s
numerous lakes and rivers enhance its scenic beauty and ecological
significance.
Daqing’s modern history is inseparable from its oil industry, but its
roots trace back to indigenous and imperial eras:
Early History:
The region was historically inhabited by Tungusic peoples, including the
Daur, Oroqen, and Mongols. It was part of the Mongol Empire and later
the Qing Dynasty’s Heilongjiang General jurisdiction. The area remained
sparsely populated, with nomadic herding and fishing as primary
livelihoods.
Qing Dynasty (17th–19th Century): Known as “Saertu” (a
Daur word meaning “moonlit place”), the region was a frontier outpost
with limited settlement. The Qing restricted Han Chinese migration to
preserve Manchu and Mongol territories.
Oil Discovery and Modern
Development: The turning point came in 1959 with the discovery of the
Daqing Oilfield, China’s largest, during a national push to achieve
energy self-sufficiency. Named after the “Great Celebration” (Daqing) of
the 10th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China, the city rapidly
developed around oil extraction. The “Iron Man” Wang Jinxi, a legendary
oil worker, became a national symbol of hard work and patriotism,
inspiring the “Daqing Spirit.”
Japanese Occupation (1931–1945):
During the Manchukuo period, the region saw minor Japanese
infrastructure development, but its significance grew only post-1949.
Post-1949: Daqing became a model for Chinese industrialization, with the
oilfield contributing significantly to national energy needs. By the
1980s, it was a major urban center, with planned districts built around
oil facilities. Recent decades have seen diversification into
petrochemicals, agriculture, and tourism.
Daqing’s culture reflects its industrial heritage, multiethnic
population, and natural surroundings:
Ethnic Composition: The
population is predominantly Han Chinese (over 95%), with Mongol, Daur,
Oroqen, and Hui minorities. The Dorbod Mongol Autonomous County
preserves Mongol traditions, while Daur influences are visible in local
crafts.
Cuisine: Daqing’s food is hearty, suited to its cold climate,
with influences from Northeast China and minority groups:
Northeastern Chinese (Dongbei) Cuisine: Popular dishes include di san
xian (stir-fried eggplant, potato, and peppers), suancai dun fen tiao
(pickled cabbage noodle stew), and jiaozi (dumplings).
Local
Specialties: Freshwater fish from Daqing’s lakes, such as carp and
crucian, are staples, often grilled or stewed. Wild vegetables and
mushrooms from nearby wetlands add unique flavors.
Mongol Influence:
Grilled lamb and dairy products like milk tea and cheese are common in
Dorbod County.
Festivals and Traditions:
Daqing Oilfield
Anniversary (September): Celebrates the 1959 oil discovery with
exhibitions, performances, and tributes to the “Daqing Spirit.”
Wetland Festival: Highlights Daqing’s ecological role, with
birdwatching, photography contests, and eco-tours in Longfeng Wetland.
Mongol Nadam Festival: Held in Dorbod County, featuring wrestling, horse
racing, and archery, showcasing Mongol heritage.
Language: Mandarin
is the official language, with a local Dongbei dialect. Minority
languages like Mongol and Daur are spoken in specific communities, but
their use is declining. English is limited outside tourist areas.
Arts and Crafts: Daqing is known for wetland-inspired art, including
paintings and calligraphy, as well as Daur embroidery and Mongol
leatherwork. The city’s museums highlight oil industry memorabilia and
indigenous crafts.
Daqing’s economy, with a GDP of approximately ¥260 billion (2023
estimate), is anchored by its oil and petrochemical industries,
complemented by agriculture and emerging sectors:
Oil and
Petrochemicals: The Daqing Oilfield, operated by China National
Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), remains China’s largest, producing about
30 million tons of crude oil annually (2023 estimate). Daqing is a hub
for refining, producing gasoline, diesel, and chemicals like ethylene
and plastics. Companies like Daqing Petrochemical Company drive
industrial output.
Agriculture: The Songnen Plain’s fertile soil
supports soybeans, corn, rice, and dairy farming. Daqing is a key
supplier to Heilongjiang’s agricultural sector, with food processing
(e.g., soybean oil and milk) as a growing industry.
Tourism: Daqing’s
wetlands, lakes, and oil-related attractions draw domestic tourists. The
Longfeng Wetland and Lianhuan Lake are popular for eco-tourism, while
the Iron Man Wang Jinxi Memorial Museum appeals to industrial history
enthusiasts.
Emerging Sectors: Daqing is investing in renewable
energy (wind and solar), high-tech manufacturing, and logistics. The
Daqing High-Tech Industrial Development Zone fosters innovation in
electronics and green technology.
Transportation: Daqing’s
connectivity includes Daqing Saertu Airport (domestic flights to
Beijing, Shanghai, and Harbin), high-speed rail to Harbin (1 hour) and
Qiqihar (30 minutes), and highways linking to Inner Mongolia and Jilin.
The city’s rail and road networks support oil transport and trade.
Daqing’s attractions blend industrial heritage, natural beauty, and
cultural sites:
Iron Man Wang Jinxi Memorial Museum: A tribute to
Wang Jinxi and the Daqing Spirit, showcasing oilfield history, drilling
equipment, and worker stories. It’s a patriotic landmark and educational
site.
Longfeng Wetland: A 50 km² wetland reserve, home to red-crowned
cranes, white-naped cranes, and other migratory birds. Boardwalks,
observation towers, and eco-tours make it a top spot for nature lovers.
Lianhuan Lake Scenic Area: A chain of 18 interconnected lakes covering
550 km², ideal for boating, fishing, and birdwatching. The area hosts
water festivals and is a summer retreat.
Daqing Oilfield History
Museum: Chronicles the oilfield’s development with exhibits on geology,
technology, and its economic impact. Interactive displays appeal to
families and students.
Daqing Museum: Features artifacts from the
region’s indigenous history, oil industry relics, and wetland ecology
exhibits, offering a comprehensive look at Daqing’s past and present.
Dorbod Mongol Autonomous County: A cultural hub with Mongol yurts,
traditional performances, and Nadam festivals, providing an immersive
experience of Mongol heritage.
Songnen Grassland: A vast prairie with
grazing lands, ideal for horseback riding and photography, especially in
summer.
Daqing Forest Park: An urban green space with lakes, trails,
and pavilions, popular for relaxation and outdoor activities.
Children’s Park: A family-friendly park with amusement rides, gardens,
and a small zoo, located in Sartu District.
Energy Security: Daqing’s oilfield remains critical to China’s energy
supply, though declining reserves have prompted investment in enhanced
recovery techniques and renewables.
Ecological Conservation: Daqing’s
wetlands are vital for biodiversity, protecting endangered species and
supporting global migratory bird routes. The city’s “Green Oilfield”
initiative promotes sustainable practices in oil extraction.
Urban
Planning: Daqing is a model of planned urbanization, with wide
boulevards, modern infrastructure, and green spaces. Its districts are
designed around oil facilities, balancing industry with livability.
Cultural Identity: The “Daqing Spirit” of hard work and innovation
continues to shape the city’s ethos, celebrated in education and media
as a symbol of China’s industrial rise.
Population: Daqing’s prefecture-level city had 2,781,087 residents as
of the 2020 census, down from 2,904,532 in 2010, reflecting Northeast
China’s population decline. The urban core has about 1.4 million
inhabitants.
Lifestyle: Daqing’s residents, many tied to the oil
industry, lead a modern, urban lifestyle with access to malls,
restaurants, and cultural venues. Winters drive indoor socializing in
hot pot restaurants and bathhouses, while summers see outdoor activities
like lake picnics and wetland tours. The city’s multiethnic community
adds diversity to social life.
Transportation: Daqing’s public
transit includes buses and taxis, with bike-sharing in urban areas.
High-speed rail and highways ensure easy access to Harbin and Qiqihar.
The flat terrain supports cycling, a popular commuting option.
Oil Dependency: Declining oil reserves threaten Daqing’s economic
stability. Diversifying into petrochemicals, renewables, and services is
critical to sustain growth.
Population Decline: Outmigration to
larger cities and an aging workforce challenge Daqing’s vitality.
Attracting young talent through education and job opportunities is a
priority.
Environmental Impact: Oil extraction has caused land
subsidence and wetland degradation. Daqing is investing in ecological
restoration and green energy to mitigate these effects.
Tourism
Potential: Daqing’s wetlands and cultural sites are underexploited
compared to Harbin’s Ice Festival. Enhanced marketing and infrastructure
could boost eco-tourism and international visitors.