What Historical and Cultural Heritage Does Jiamusi Possess?

Jiamusi lies in the heart of the Sanjiang Plain, where the Heilongjiang, Ussuri and Songhua Rivers converge. It stretches 340 kilometers from east to west and 190 kilometers from north to south. Separated from Russia by the Heilongjiang and Ussuri Rivers, it boasts a 580-kilometer border line. As China’s easternmost city, it ranks third in size in Heilongjiang Province, only after Harbin and Qiqihar, and is widely known as "The First City of the East".

At Jiamusi’s easternmost extremity sits the Fuyuan Delta, commonly referred to as Heixiazi Island, located at the confluence of the Heilongjiang and Ussuri Rivers — this spot marks the easternmost point of China. Its most representative tourist attraction is the Sanjiang Estuary, featuring diverse and picturesque scenery. The surging river water displays two sharply distinct hues, black and yellow, which remain unmixed for dozens of li as they flow eastward, forming a breathtaking natural wonder.

Jiejinkou nestles against mountains and rivers with pleasant scenery. A fishing platform stands tall along the riverbank, overlooking the vast blue stretch of the Heilongjiang River dotted with shuttling fishing boats. In winter, the boundless snow and ice expanse of the Sanjiang Plain allows visitors to enjoy hunting and skiing. In summer, golden wheat waves ripple, rice blossoms fill the air, layered mountains stretch far into the distance, and rivers crisscross the land.

The Hezhe people mainly live along the banks of the Heilongjiang, Ussuri and Songhua Rivers in Heilongjiang Province, Northeast China. A small number are scattered across Huanchuan, Yilan, Fujin Counties and downtown Jiamusi. They are the only ethnic group in northern China that makes a living entirely through fishing and hunting.

The Hezhe have their own language, which belongs to the Manchu-Tungusic branch of the Altaic language family. They do not have a written script, and most people use standard written and spoken Chinese. They practice Shamanism. Dog sleds serve as their primary means of transportation.

Fishing forms the backbone of Hezhe life. The Hezhe not only eat fish meat but also wear clothing and ornaments crafted from fish bones. They process the hides of silver carp, common carp, white fish, chum salmon and other fish until the leather becomes as soft as cloth. Multiple specially treated fish hides are stitched together seamlessly to create exquisite garments. Additionally, they grind fish bones and spines into wearable ornaments. These rustic, elegant accessories reflect the unique aesthetic taste and lifestyle of northern fishing and hunting ethnic groups.

Distinctive Hezhe fish-skin robes and boots, as well as jewelry carved from polished fish bones and spines, are well-known tourist souvenirs in Jiamusi.

The Hezhe have traditional wedding escort customs. In spring, summer and autumn, decorated covered boats carry the wedding party along waterways. In winter, rivers freeze solid and land is blanketed in snow. The Hezhe then ornately decorate dog or horse-drawn sleds to fetch the bride. Three elaborately adorned sleds race across the icy river like three train carriages, creating an unparalleled spectacular scene.

"Kyrgyz" is the self-appellation of the ethnic group, derived from Turkic with meanings of "forty maidens", "forty tribes" or "steppe dwellers". The Kyrgyz mainly reside in Fuyu County of Heilongjiang and the Kizilsu Kyrgyz Autonomous Prefecture in Xinjiang.

Kyrgyz women usually wear loose, collarless front-opening blouses that fall above the knee, paired with long skirts trimmed with animal fur. Men favor white round-collared shirts embroidered with lace, covered by collarless sheepskin or cotton long robes called chapan, fastened with leather belts. They wear wide-legged trousers and tall leather boots. Hats of varied styles best embody Kyrgyz ethnic characteristics. Men wear small corduroy round caps in red, green, blue, purple or black all year round, layered under fur or felt hats. The white wool felt hat most commonly worn by locals is revered as the "Sacred Hat", the most iconic symbol of the Kyrgyz people.

Most Kyrgyz live in circular yurts woven of red willow and felt, as well as flat-roofed earthen houses. Their diet centers on meat, dairy products and refined grains. Handicrafts such as camel-skin bowls, kettles, buckets and elegant wall hangings feature distinctive shapes and exquisite craftsmanship, with high collectible value. Kyrgyz folk music is melodious, resonant and grand. During festivals and gatherings, the Kyrgyz sing and recite their heroic epic Manas. Together with the Tibetan epic King Gesar and Mongolian epic Jangar, Manas ranks among China’s Three Great Heroic Epics. It depicts the long, valiant struggles and stirring heroic tales of the Kyrgyz nation striving for ethnic unification and independence, showcasing the nomadic steppe people’s profound wisdom and unyielding resolve in pursuit of freedom. Kyrgyz weddings are grand celebrations that generally last three days, mostly scheduled for month-end. Festivities include horse racing, sheep snatching and wrestling, extending the joy of marriage for all attendees. Sheep snatching is a thrilling equestrian contest where skilled riders race to seize a young lamb, immensely popular among nomadic herdsmen.

Most Kyrgyz adhere to Islam, while a small number practice Lamaism or Shamanism. Muslim Kyrgyz celebrate the Corban Festival. "Corban" means sacrificial offering. During the festival, families slaughter a black ram born that year as an offering. After congregational prayers at mosques, three or more days of recreational activities follow. For the Roza Festival (Eid al-Fitr), all family members complete full ritual ablutions, bathe and change into clean new clothes, then attend congregational prayers at mosques or meadows designated by imams. Various entertainment activities are held after worship.

Islamic Kyrgyz are forbidden from eating the meat of pigs, dogs, cats, rats and ferocious wild beasts. They also avoid all animal blood and animals that have died naturally. After marriage, women must cover their heads with scarves or cloth wraps when going out; only the eyes, nose and mouth may be exposed, otherwise they will be publicly reproached.