Northeast China

Northeast China (Chinese: 东北; pinyin: Dōngběi) is a big area in China made up of the provinces Liaoning, Jilin, and Heilongjiang. This part of China is very important because it has rich soil and grows a lot of food, making up over 20% of all the food China makes. It is also known for being one of the first places in China to start making factories and big machines.

The land in Northeast China is very flat and wide, called the Northeast China Plain, and it is the biggest plain in all of China. It is close to Russia, North Korea, and the sea, which makes it a special place for trade and travel. Even though it used to be very strong in making things, it has had some hard times in recent years, with many people losing jobs and moving away.

To help this area grow again, leaders in China started a plan in 2003 called the Northeast Area Revitalization Plan. This plan includes some parts of Inner Mongolia too, hoping to bring back jobs and make the region strong once more.

Names

Further information: Etymology of Manchuria

The name Manchuria comes from a Japanese word. It started being used in the 18th or 19th century, but not by the people who lived there. The name reached European languages through Dutch. Today, in China, this area is called the Northeast.

Historically, this area had different names. During the Ming dynasty, it was called Nurgan. Later, the Qing dynasty used names like Guandong or the Three Eastern Provinces for Jilin, Heilongjiang and Liaoning.

Administrative divisions

Cities with urban area over one million in population

Provincial capitals in bold.

History

Main article: History of Manchuria

Northeast China has been home to many different groups of people, such as the Koreans, Manchus, and Han Chinese. Over time, many different kingdoms and empires ruled the area, including the Yan, Gija Joseon, Wiman Joseon, Goguryeo, Tang dynasty, Liao dynasty, Jin dynasty, Ming dynasty, Qing dynasty, and the Republic of China.

In more recent history, Russia built a railway through the city of Harbin. Later, Japan took control of the region and set up its own railway. During a time of unrest in China, a leader named Zhang Zuolin ruled the area until he was killed by the Japanese. After World War II, the area became important for the Chinese Communists, who used it as a base before they took control of China in 1949.

Demographics

Northeast China has a population of about 107 million people, which makes up 8% of China's total population. Most people are Han Chinese, and many of their ancestors moved there during a migration in the 19th and 20th centuries called "Chuang Guandong".

Besides Han Chinese, there are other groups such as the Manchus, Mongols, ethnic Koreans, and many more. In the Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture, about 35% of the people are ethnic Koreans.

Religion

Main article: Religion in Northeast China

People in Northeast China follow different beliefs such as Taoism, Chinese Buddhism, and Chinese folk religions. There are also some folk religions and Confucian churches in the area.

Economy

The Northeast was one of the first areas of China to become industrialized, especially during a time when Japan had control over the region. Many big factories and companies in the area started during this period.

Today, the Northeast remains a key industrial area of China, known for making steel, cars, ships, airplanes, and oil products. Major cities such as Shenyang, Dalian, Harbin, and Changchun are important centers for these industries. The region also grows a lot of food, including crops like corn, soybeans, and wheat, thanks to its wide, flat lands. However, the economy has faced challenges in recent years, and the government is working to bring new growth to the area.

Culture

Northeast China’s culture comes from North China and Shandong, where many Han Chinese settled during the Chuang Guandong. It also includes influences from the Tungusic peoples.

Two main types of Mandarin Chinese are spoken there. The most common is Northeastern Mandarin, known as dongbeihua. It is spoken in Heilongjiang, Jilin, and most of Liaoning. It is very similar to standard Mandarin but has its own special sounds and words. The second type is Jiaoliao Mandarin, spoken in parts of Liaoning and Shandong. It sounds quite different from standard Mandarin.

Northeastern Chinese cuisine mixes cooking styles from different groups, including Han, Manchu, and Korean traditions. It often uses fresh vegetables and pickled Chinese cabbage, called suan cai. Rice is eaten more often than in other parts of Northern China, and pork is a popular meat, especially in cold weather.

Traditional entertainment includes dances like Errenzhuan and yangge, as well as Jilin opera and walking on stilts. The region is also known for its winter sports, such as ice hockey and ice skating. In recent years, there has been growing interest in the culture of Northeast China, with artists exploring themes of nostalgia and humor.

Major universities

Northeast China has many important schools for higher learning. Some of the well-known universities include Jilin University, Northeast Agricultural University, and Northeast Normal University. Other notable institutions are Harbin Institute of Technology, Northeastern University, and Liaoning University. There are also specialized schools such as Shenyang Agricultural University, Dalian Maritime University, and Northeast Forestry University, among others.