Jixi, a prefecture-level city in southeastern Heilongjiang Province, China, is a vibrant hub known as the "Coal City" and "Graphite Capital of China" for its significant coal and graphite reserves. Located near the Russian border, Jixi is also celebrated for its agricultural productivity, natural beauty, and historical significance as a reclamation area for educated youth during the Cultural Revolution. Its position in the Sanjiang Plain, coupled with its proximity to Russia and Japan, makes it a key player in Sino-Russian trade and regional connectivity. Jixi’s blend of industrial grit, fertile lands, and multiethnic heritage, including Han Chinese, Manchu, and Korean influences, creates a unique cultural and economic landscape.
Location: Jixi is situated in southeastern Heilongjiang Province,
approximately 450 km (280 miles) east of Harbin, the provincial capital,
and 1,400 km from Beijing. It borders Russia’s Primorsky Krai to the
east, with the Ussuri River and Khanka Lake forming parts of the
boundary. Nearby Chinese cities include Mudanjiang (120 km west) and
Qitaihe (70 km northeast).
Topography turma: Jixi lies in the western
part of the Sanjiang Plain, with the Wanda Mountains to the southeast
and low hills to the west. The Muling River and smaller streams flow
through the city, supporting agriculture and wetlands. The region’s
black soil, among the world’s most fertile, underpins its farming
economy, while coal and graphite deposits drive industry.
Climate:
Jixi has a cold, temperate continental monsoon climate with long, harsh
winters (November to April) and short, warm, humid 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 500–600 mm, mostly in summer, with heavy snowfall
in winter supporting ice-based activities.
Area and Administrative
Divisions: Jixi spans approximately 22,488 km², with an urban core
covering about 1,500 km². It administers four districts (Jiguan,
Hengshan, Didao, Lishu), two county-level cities (Hulin, Mishan), and
three counties (Jidong, Mishan, Hulin). The city includes 43 towns and
numerous villages.
Natural Features: Forests cover about 35% of Jixi,
with pines, birches, and larches in the Wanda Mountains supporting
wildlife like deer, bears, and migratory birds. Wetlands, such as those
near Khanka Lake, are critical for biodiversity, hosting red-crowned
cranes and oriental storks. Khanka Lake, shared with Russia, is a UNESCO
Biosphere Reserve.
Jixi’s history is shaped by its natural resources, indigenous
peoples, and industrial development:
Early History: The region
was inhabited by Tungusic peoples, including the Hezhen, Manchu, and
Oroqen, who relied on fishing, hunting, and herding. Jixi was part of
the Jin Dynasty (1115–1234) and later under Mongol and Qing control. The
name “Jixi” (meaning “auspicious stream”) likely refers to the Muling
River.
Qing Dynasty (17th–19th Century): Jixi was a frontier outpost
under the Heilongjiang General, with limited Han Chinese settlement to
preserve Manchu lands. The Treaty of Aigun (1858) and Treaty of Peking
(1860) established the Russia-China border, increasing Russian trade
along the Ussuri River and Khanka Lake.
Coal and Graphite Discovery:
Coal mining began in the late 19th century, with significant development
during the Japanese occupation (1931–1945). Japan exploited Jixi’s coal
and built infrastructure, including the Jixi-Mudanjiang railway.
Graphite deposits, discovered later, became a major resource.
Japanese Occupation (1931–1945): Jixi was a key industrial base in
Manchukuo, with coal mines and railways supporting Japanese military
efforts. Anti-Japanese resistance, led by local partisans, left a legacy
of heroism.
Post-1949: Jixi was designated a city in 1956, driven by
coal and graphite production. The Jixi Mining Bureau became a major
employer, supplying coal for China’s industrialization. During the
Cultural Revolution (1966–1976), Jixi was a destination for educated
youth sent to reclaim land, shaping its agricultural and social history.
The city’s Korean minority, descendants of early 20th-century migrants,
added cultural diversity.
Recent Decades: The decline of coal demand,
driven by China’s green energy policies, has challenged Jixi’s economy.
The city is transitioning to agriculture, graphite processing, and
tourism, leveraging its natural and cultural assets.
Jixi’s culture reflects its industrial roots, multiethnic population,
and reclamation history:
Ethnic Composition: The population is
predominantly Han Chinese (over 95%), with Manchu, Korean, Hezhen, and
Hui minorities. The Korean community, concentrated in Mishan and Hulin,
maintains distinct traditions, while the Hezhen are known for fishing
along the Ussuri River.
Cuisine: Jixi’s food is hearty, suited to its
cold climate, with influences from Dongbei, Korean, and Hezhen cultures:
Northeastern Chinese (Dongbei) Cuisine: Staples include suancai (pickled
cabbage) stew, di san xian (stir-fried eggplant, potato, and peppers),
and jiaozi (dumplings).
Korean Influence: Kimchi, cold noodles
(lengmian), and barbecue (shaokao) are popular, especially in Korean
enclaves. Jixi’s “Korean cold noodles” are a local specialty.
Hezhen
Influence: Fish skin dumplings and smoked Ussuri River fish reflect
Hezhen traditions.
Local Specialties: Wild mushrooms, berries, and
rice from the Sanjiang Plain are featured in organic dishes.
Festivals and Traditions:
Jixi Ice and Snow Festival
(January–February): Features ice sculptures, snow sports, and
river-based activities, though smaller than Harbin’s festival.
Hezhen
Fish Festival (Hulin): Celebrates Hezhen culture with fishing
competitions, fish feasts, and craft displays.
Korean Chuseok
Festival: Held in Mishan and Hulin, this harvest festival includes
traditional dances, food, and games.
Reclamation Culture Events:
Commemorate the educated youth era with exhibitions and performances,
honoring Jixi’s agricultural pioneers.
Language: Mandarin is the
official language, with a Dongbei dialect incorporating Manchu and
Korean loanwords. Korean is spoken in minority communities, while Hezhen
is nearly extinct. Russian is used in border trade, but English is rare
outside tourist areas.
Arts and Crafts: Jixi is known for Hezhen fish
skin art, Korean embroidery, and Manchu woodcarving. Graphite sculptures
and reclamation-themed art reflect the city’s industrial and historical
identity.
Jixi’s economy, with a GDP of approximately ¥30 billion (2023
estimate), is driven by coal, graphite, agriculture, and trade, with
emerging green energy and tourism sectors:
Coal and Graphite:
Jixi’s coal reserves, estimated at over 6 billion tons, fuel its mining
industry, with major mines in Hengshan and Didao. The city produces
high-quality coking coal for steelmaking. Jixi is also China’s largest
graphite producer, with reserves of 900 million tons, supplying 70% of
the nation’s graphite for batteries, electronics, and industrial uses.
Agriculture: The Sanjiang Plain’s black soil supports rice, soybeans,
corn, and vegetables. Jixi is a major grain producer, with Hulin and
Mishan known for high-quality rice. Organic farming and food processing,
including soybean oil and dairy, are growing sectors.
Industry:
Beyond mining, Jixi produces machinery, chemicals, and building
materials. The Jixi Graphite Industrial Park fosters innovation in
graphite processing for high-tech applications like lithium-ion
batteries.
Trade: Proximity to Russia, with ports in Hulin and
Mishan, supports trade in coal, graphite, timber, and agricultural
products. The Suifenhe-Mishan railway and nearby Dongning Port
facilitate exports to Russia’s Far East and Japan, aligning with the
Belt and Road Initiative.
Tourism: Jixi’s wetlands, forests, and
cultural sites attract domestic tourists. Khanka Lake, Xingkai Lake
National Park, and Hezhen villages draw eco-tourists and cultural
enthusiasts.
Green Energy: Jixi is investing in wind and solar power,
leveraging its open plains and hills. Biomass energy, using agricultural
waste, is also emerging.
Transportation: Jixi Xingkaihu Airport
offers flights to Beijing, Shanghai, and Harbin. Railways connect to
Harbin (5 hours), Mudanjiang (2 hours), and Russia’s Vladivostok.
Highways link to Qitaihe and Shuangyashan, while public buses and taxis
serve the city. River ports support trade and tourism.
Jixi’s attractions highlight its natural beauty, industrial
heritage, and cultural diversity:
Xingkai Lake National Park
(Khanka Lake): A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve shared with Russia, this
4,380 km² lake is China’s largest freshwater lake. It features
wetlands, migratory birds (red-crowned cranes, oriental storks), and
Sino-Russian border views. Boating, fishing, and birdwatching are
popular.
Hutou Fortress and Sino-Japanese War Museum: A
historical site in Hulin, featuring Japanese-built fortifications
from the 1930s and exhibits on anti-Japanese resistance. The “Tiger
Head” fortress overlooks the Ussuri River and Russia.
Hezhen
Ethnic Village (Hulin): Showcases Hezhen culture with fish skin
craft workshops, traditional boats, and performances. Visitors can
try fish banquets and learn about shamanistic rituals.
Muling
River Scenic Area: Offers riverside trails, fishing, and winter ice
activities, with views of the Wanda Mountains.
Jixi Coal Mining
Museum: Chronicles the city’s coal industry with exhibits on mining
equipment, worker life, and geological history, highlighting the
challenges of resource depletion.
Graphite Industrial Park
Visitor Center: Provides insights into Jixi’s graphite industry,
with displays on mining and high-tech applications.
Wanda
Mountain Forest Park: A forested area with hiking trails,
waterfalls, and wildlife, ideal for summer retreats and winter snow
activities.
Jixi People’s Park: An urban green space in Jiguan
District with gardens, pavilions, and a small lake, popular for
family outings.
Korean Cultural Village (Mishan): Features Korean
architecture, food, and performances, reflecting the region’s Korean
minority heritage.
Sino-Russian Trade: Jixi’s border ports and railways make it a key
gateway for trade with Russia and Japan, strengthened by the Belt and
Road Initiative. Exports of graphite and agricultural products are
growing.
Graphite Industry: Jixi’s dominance in graphite production
positions it as a critical supplier for global high-tech industries,
particularly electric vehicle batteries.
Agricultural Powerhouse:
Jixi’s grain and organic produce contribute to China’s food security,
with increasing exports to Asian markets.
Ecological Conservation:
Xingkai Lake and local wetlands are vital for biodiversity, protecting
endangered species and supporting global migratory bird routes. Jixi’s
clean air and water are marketed as tourism assets.
Cultural
Preservation: Efforts to preserve Hezhen and Korean cultures, through
festivals and museums, ensure minority heritage endures amid
modernization.
Population: Jixi had 1,502,060 residents as of the 2020 census, down
from 1,862,165 in 2010, reflecting Northeast China’s population decline
due to outmigration. The urban core has about 800,000 inhabitants.
Lifestyle: Jixi’s residents, many tied to mining, agriculture, or trade,
lead a practical, community-oriented lifestyle. Winters drive indoor
socializing in hot pot restaurants and bathhouses, while summers see
outdoor activities like fishing and hiking. The Korean and Hezhen
communities add cultural vibrancy, with markets and festivals drawing
locals.
Transportation: Public buses, taxis, and bike-sharing serve
the city. Railways and highways ensure connectivity to Harbin,
Mudanjiang, and Russia, while Xingkaihu Airport supports air travel.
Mandarin is essential, as English is rarely spoken outside tourist
areas.
Coal Dependency: Declining coal demand and mine closures have caused
economic strain. Diversifying into graphite processing, green energy,
and tourism is critical but slow.
Population Decline: Outmigration to
larger cities threatens Jixi’s workforce and tax base. Attracting young
professionals through high-tech jobs and tourism is a priority.
Environmental Legacy: Coal and graphite mining have caused land
subsidence and pollution. Wetland preservation and reforestation efforts
are ongoing but require significant investment.
Tourism Potential:
Jixi’s wetlands, cultural sites, and border attractions are
underexploited. Improved infrastructure, English-language services, and
marketing could boost tourism, particularly from Russia and Japan.
Infrastructure Gaps: While Xingkaihu Airport is an asset, limited
high-speed rail access hinders connectivity. Upgrading transport links
could enhance trade and tourism.