Festivals and Events in Heihe

The Heilongjiang International Volcanic Tourism Festival & Wudalianchi Holy Water Festival is a grand ceremonial gathering for several ethnic minorities in northern China, as well as a major folk custom festival and cultural event in Heilongjiang Province. It embodies the integration of diverse ethnic customs and pluralistic cultures. Listed among China’s Top 100 Festivals in 1992, it was designated one of the province’s first batches of Intangible Cultural Heritage by the Heilongjiang Provincial Government in 2008. Carrying profound traditional and ethnic cultural connotations, the festival constitutes a vital component of local tourism culture.

Wudalianchi mineral spring water has been used by local residents for over 200 years, earning it the reputation of "Divine Spring" and "Holy Water". In ancient times, ancestors of multiple ethnic groups including the Daur, Oroqen, Mongolian, Manchu and Han peoples inhabited this magical land. They drank the holy spring water and multiplied here, gradually turning the area into a renowned sacred site for spring worship famed across northern China and even overseas. People of all ethnic groups hold unique rituals to pay homage to the divine springs. Every Dragon Boat Festival, they voluntarily travel here to make pilgrimages and drink the spring water, which eventually evolved into the Volcanic Holy Water Festival.

Wudalianchi boasts world-class tourism resources. Its unrivaled volcanic wonders and premium mineral springs, suitable for both drinking and bathing, have won it the laudatory title of "A Paradise for Wellness with Magical Mountains and Sacred Springs".

Introduction: Every early spring, before trees fully leaf out and grass shoots emerge, while snow still lingers in remote mountain valleys, Dahurian rhododendrons here burst into bloom. On the west side of Longmen Mountain lies a 2-square-kilometer viewing belt of rhododendrons across primitive lava terraces. The blossoms stretch like vast pink clouds, exuding an enchanting fragrance that lingers in the air. Artists, photographers, painters and writers from near and far gather here annually for the Rhododendron Art Festival. They admire the flowers, conduct field sketching and seek creative inspiration, immersing themselves in seas of blossoms to truly appreciate the unique charm and grace of these wild flowers.

June 18 each year marks Gulunmutar Festival, the traditional festival of the Oroqen ethnic group. On this day, Oroqen people light bonfires, sing and dance to celebrate their ethnic holiday.

The Oroqen have a long-standing tradition of fire worship. They believe fire can ward off evil spirits and impurities; heating utensils and clothing over flames purifies them. There is a custom of sending the Fire God to heaven on the 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month. On Lunar New Year’s morning, offerings are presented to the Fire God, and worshippers kowtow beside bonfires to pray for blessings. When guests come for New Year greetings, they must first pay tribute to the Fire God.

A strict set of taboos governs the Oroqen’s relationship with fire: no casually splashing water, throwing trash or spitting into the fire; no poking the flames sharply with knives, sticks or other pointed objects, for fear of offending or hurting the Fire God.

When lighting bonfires, branches and logs must be laid flat and neatly, never scattered randomly. Firewood that may send flying sparks is avoided to prevent injuring the Fire God’s eyes. When relocating, the fire must never be extinguished with water; embers are carried from the old dwelling to the new one.

The Oroqen ancestors shared an inseparable bond with fire. They hunted deep in primeval forests all year round, and fire enabled their survival amid struggles against nature, allowing generations to thrive. Thus they hold a special affection for fire and feel deeply attached to bonfires.

Time: Dragon Boat Festival every year Activities: Song and dance parades, grabbing zero-hour holy spring water, artistic performances, economic and trade fairs, fireworks galas, torch temple fairs, lantern shows along springs and lakes, spring outings and more.

Introduction: Wudalianchi Spring-Water Drinking Festival is the grandest annual celebration of the city, with a three-day consecutive holiday. Right after midnight on Dragon Boat Festival, crowds gather beside the drinking springs and rush to draw water from lined water pipes. Every person drinking the water wears a warm smile and exchanges best wishes with others. Legend holds that spring water drawn at midnight on Dragon Boat Festival is auspicious "divine holy water" capable of curing all ailments; those who drink it will be spared misfortune throughout the year.

Introduction: Wudalianchi boasts distinctive winter volcanic landscapes and abundant ice and snow resources. The scenic area hosts the Volcanic Ice and Snow Festival annually, opening before New Year’s Day and concluding on the second day of the second lunar month. Festival events include volcanic ice-snow sightseeing tours, Sino-Russian International Winter Swimming Invitational Tournament, visits to volcanic ice and snow parks, skiing, archery hunting, winter fishing and ice angling.