Mudanjiang (牡丹江)

1. Introduction

Mudanjiang City, abbreviated as Mu, is a prefecture-level city under the jurisdiction of Heilongjiang Province, People's Republic of China, and also served as the capital of Songjiang Province in the Republic of China. Located in the southeastern part of Heilongjiang Province, it is named after the Mudan River that flows through the urban area. The city borders Jixi City and Qitaihe City to the northeast, Harbin City to the west, Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture of Jilin Province to the south, and Primorsky Krai of Russia to the east. Situated in the valley between the Zhangguangcai Range and the Laoye Range, the city boasts a high forest coverage rate. The Mudan River, a tributary on the right bank of the Songhua River, runs through the entire territory, with Jingpo Lake—China's largest alpine barrier lake—located in its upper reaches. In the east lies the Muling River, a tributary of the Ussuri River, while in the southeast, the Suifen River flows into Amur Bay of the Sea of Japan. The People's Government of Mudanjiang City is located at No. 12 Wolong Street, Dong'an District.

Mudanjiang City is the third-largest city in Heilongjiang Province, the southernmost city in the province, and the largest city in eastern Heilongjiang, serving as the political, cultural, transportation, technological, and economic center of the region. Dongning City, located along the Suifen River within the city's territory, is an important port for border trade between China and Russia. Mudanjiang Hailang Airport operates six international routes and several domestic routes, making it one of the seven major aviation hubs in Northeast China.

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2. History

The name Mudanjiang is derived from the Manchu word "Mudan Ula," which was later adapted into Chinese. In Manchu, "Mudan" means "winding," and "Ula" means "river." Thus, the name Mudanjiang essentially translates to "the winding river."

Mudanjiang City boasts a long history. For over 2,300 years, from the Shang Dynasty to the Sui Dynasty, it was the ancestral homeland of the Sushen, Yilou, and Wuji peoples, who were the predecessors of the Manchu ethnic group. During the Tang Dynasty, the area was part of the Bohai Kingdom, serving as its capital, Shangjing Longquanfu, which was also the foremost among the kingdom's five capitals. The city's layout was modeled after the Tang capital, Chang'an, covering an area of 16 square kilometers. It was divided into an outer city, an inner city, and a palace city. The outer city had earthen walls, the inner city had stone walls, and the palace city was enclosed by basalt walls. Five grand halls connected by corridors were arranged along a north-south axis. The Bohai Kingdom, once known as the "Victorious Kingdom East of the Sea," experienced a period of economic prosperity and was one of the states that maintained the closest relations and exchanges with the Tang Dynasty. At that time, Bohai had close ties with the Korean Peninsula. The people of Bohai considered themselves successors to Goguryeo, and together with the Korean Peninsula, they were referred to by outsiders as the "Northern and Southern Kingdoms."

After the Bohai Kingdom was conquered by the Khitan in 926 AD, its northern territories were annexed by the Khitan, while parts of its southern territories were absorbed by Goryeo.

During the Liao Dynasty, the area belonged to the Huli Gai Circuit of Shangjing. In the Jin and Yuan Dynasties, it was under the direct jurisdiction of a Wanhu Fu (myriarchy). In the Ming and Qing Dynasties, it was governed by the Ningguta and Jilin Military Commanders. Due to the Qing court's policy of prohibiting land reclamation on the grounds that it was the "sacred land of ancestral origins," development was limited until 1898 when Tsarist Russia constructed the Chinese Eastern Railway and established Mudanjiang Railway Station, marking the beginning of the city's growth.

2.1 Russian Influence Period

In 1914, Mudanjiang attracted a group of merchants from Japan, Russia, Britain, France, Denmark, and other countries. Foreign banks and trading companies began to appear, including the French company Lifeng, the British company Hua Ying, the Russian company Baolong Yanghang, and the Danish company Baolong Yanghang, all of which set up agencies in Mudanjiang, leading to a boom in the city's commerce. In February 1923, Ma Jun, one of the organizers of the May Fourth Movement, returned to Mudanjiang to organize underground media and began spreading new culture, profoundly influencing the city's younger generation. In 1925, the Japanese company Sasaki opened an opium den in Mudanjiang, the first of its kind in the city.

In July 1929, the "Chinese Eastern Railway Incident" erupted. The Republic of China government declared war on the Soviet Union on July 7th, deploying National Revolutionary Army division commander Zheng Zesheng to fortify Mudanjiang. An airfield was constructed at Xinlitun with three aircraft, marking Mudanjiang's first airport. However, it was bombed and destroyed by Soviet air forces in October of the same year, rendering all aircraft inoperable.

2.2 Japanese Occupation Period

During the Manchukuo period, the Mudanjiang area was a base for the 2nd Route Army of the Northeast Anti-Japanese United Army, led by commander Zhou Baozhong. The famous incident of the "Eight Female Martyrs" who drowned themselves in the river occurred in Linkou County within Mudanjiang. After the Mukden Incident, Zhou Baozhong's forces were defeated, and Mudanjiang became a Japanese colony. To exploit the abundant timber and coal resources around Mudanjiang City, railway construction was further intensified. Mudanjiang Station, located at the intersection of the Suifenhe–Manzhouli and Tumen–Jiamusi railway lines, became a crucial transportation hub. The city was officially established in December 1937 and served as a provincial capital of Manchukuo.

On October 15, 1938, Japan established a consulate in Mudanjiang City, elevating its status to a Special City of Manchukuo. Companies such as Manchukuo Pulp Co., Ltd., Manchukuo Vacuum Co., Ltd., and the Jingpo Lake Hydroelectric Power Station were established, significantly boosting Mudanjiang's political and economic standing. On March 1, 1940, the Japanese-language newspaper Tōman Nichinichi Shimbun was founded and published in Mudanjiang, becoming the city's first newspaper. A Chinese version began publication on August 1 of the same year. In July 1943, the Manchukuo government established a glider research institute and training ground in Mudanjiang City, which later evolved into the present-day Hailang Airport.

On August 8, 1945, the Soviet Union declared war on Japan and quickly crossed the border, occupying Suifenhe, Dongning, and other areas, advancing directly toward downtown Mudanjiang. On the night of August 10th, a large-scale evacuation of Japanese expatriates caused chaos at Mudanjiang Railway Station. Although the government dispatched troops to maintain order, numerous casualties occurred. From August 9th to 13th, Soviet air forces repeatedly bombed the city, destroying many government buildings, including the Japanese consulate, and causing significant civilian casualties. The Soviet Red Army entered downtown Mudanjiang on August 14th and fully occupied the city by August 16th.

During the Japanese-controlled Manchukuo period, Mudanjiang's economy developed rapidly. Most of the city's current infrastructure, including water purification pipelines, urban power system layouts, and the initial designs of factories, were planned and constructed by the Japanese. By the 1930s, Mudanjiang had gradually become the political, economic, and cultural center of the northeastern part of Northeast China.

2.3 Second Chinese Civil War Period

In August 1945, Soviet forces launched Operation August Storm and subsequently invaded Northeast China. On August 15th, Japan surrendered unconditionally. On August 16th, Soviet troops captured Mudanjiang City, the first city they seized in Northeast China. Following the collapse of the Manchukuo government, the Nationalist Government and the Chinese Communist Party began vying for control of Northeast China. Communist forces led by Li Jingpu and Jin Guangxia entered Mudanjiang City alongside the Soviet army. Attempts by the Nationalist Government to take over Mudanjiang and establish a municipal government were thwarted by the Communists. On October 14th, the Mudanjiang Municipal People's Government was established, with Li Jingpu appointed as mayor.

In March 1946, Soviet troops withdrew to the Soviet Union, and the Nationalist Government reinforced its military presence in Northeast China. In April, the Communist regime established Suining Province, later renamed Mudanjiang Province, with its capital in Mudanjiang City. On May 15th, Nationalist forces instigated the Mudanjiang Uprising, which was defeated by the Communists. On August 15, 1947, Mudanjiang Radio Station was established and began broadcasting across the region; it was later merged into Mudanjiang People's Radio Station in 1949. In October 1948, Mudanjiang City was incorporated into Songjiang Province and became its capital. In 1949, the Nationalist Government was defeated in the Second Chinese Civil War and retreated to Taiwan. The Communist Party established the People's Republic of China government on the Chinese mainland. As one of the earliest areas occupied by the Communists, Mudanjiang's status as the capital of Songjiang Province remained unchanged.

2.4 People's Republic of China Period

On June 19, 1954, Songjiang Province was adjusted and merged into Heilongjiang Province. Mudanjiang lost its provincial capital status and became a prefecture-level city under Heilongjiang Province. On March 5, 1956, the State Council established the Mudanjiang Administrative Commissioner's Office, with its administrative body located in Mudanjiang City. On January 16, 1967, the Municipal Party Committee and Municipal Government were taken over by Red Guard rebels. On January 18th of the same month, the Prefectural Committee and Administrative Office were also seized, plunging Mudanjiang City into a state of anarchy. On February 6, 1968, the Provincial Revolutionary Committee decided to merge the Mudanjiang Prefectural Revolutionary Committee with the Mudanjiang Municipal Revolutionary Committee, abolishing the municipal structure. It was renamed the "Mudanjiang Prefecture Revolutionary Committee," governing one city, eleven counties, and one district. On February 21st, the prefectural and municipal public security bureaus, procuratorates, and courts were placed under military control, establishing the "Mudanjiang Prefecture Public Security Organs Military Control Committee," which completely disrupted the city's judicial system.

In March 1969, the Zhenbao Island incident erupted. As a frontline city for China, Mudanjiang was garrisoned by a large number of People's Liberation Army (PLA) ground forces and armored divisions. Chen Xilian deployed Shenyang Military Region air force units to expand Hailang Airport twice and stationed the PLA Air Force's 21st Fighter Division and the 6th Air Force Radar Brigade there. Since then, Hailang Airport has become one of the most important border defense air force bases in the People's Republic of China. In May 1972, Mudanjiang Television began trial broadcasts and started producing its own programs, becoming the first municipal-level television station in Heilongjiang Province. On September 1, 1973, the prefectural and municipal structures were separated again, restoring the Mudanjiang City建制. The Prefectural Revolutionary Committee became the highest authority. In October 1983, following a decision by the State Council of the People's Republic of China, the prefectural and municipal structures were merged again, abolishing the Prefectural Administrative Office and implementing a system where the city leads the counties. This system continues to this day.

3. Geography

Mudanjiang City is located in the southeast of Heilongjiang Province and is also the southernmost city in the province. It borders Harbin City to the west, Jilin Province to the south, and directly adjoins Russia to the east.

The city has an average elevation of 230 meters, with a topography dominated by mountains and hills, presenting four geological forms: medium mountains, low mountains, hills, and river valley basins. The eastern part of the city consists of the Laoyeling and Zhangguangcai Mountain Ranges, which belong to the Changbai Mountain system. The central area is the Mudan River Valley Basin. The entire region features prominent and rolling mountainous terrain, crisscrossed by rivers, and is described as "nine parts mountains and rivers, one part farmland."

The highest point in the Mudanjiang area is Baitushan in the Zhangguangcai Mountains, with an elevation of 1,686.9 meters. The lowest area is located in the border region between Suifenhe City and Russia, at 86.5 meters.

3.1 Climate

Mudanjiang City has a mid-temperate continental monsoon climate, with an annual average temperature of 4.5°C. The city experiences four distinct seasons overall, but the winter season is significantly longer than summer. Summer temperatures are also notably lower than in many other cities in southern China, which contributes to the reputation of natural resort areas within its territory, such as Jingpo Lake, as being somewhat famous within the People's Republic of China. Winter temperatures are low but are significantly higher than in other cities in Heilongjiang. Furthermore, wind speeds are relatively low due to the basin topography. Some locations within the city, such as Snow Town in Hailin City, are renowned for their unique geographical position and climatic environment.

Meteorological Data for Mudanjiang City (1981–2010)

| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year | |-----------|---------|---------|---------|---------|---------|---------|---------|---------|---------|----------|----------|----------|----------| | Avg. High (°C / °F) | -10.2 (13.6) | -4.6 (23.7) | 3.4 (38.1) | 14.2 (57.6) | 21.0 (69.8) | 25.8 (78.4) | 27.7 (81.9) | 27.0 (80.6) | 21.6 (70.9) | 13.2 (55.8) | 1.4 (34.5) | -7.7 (18.1) | 11.1 (51.9) | | Daily Mean (°C / °F) | -16.7 (1.9) | -11.5 (11.3) | -2.8 (27.0) | 7.4 (45.3) | 14.3 (57.7) | 19.6 (67.3) | 22.3 (72.1) | 21.5 (70.7) | 14.8 (58.6) | 6.3 (43.3) | -4.4 (24.1) | -13.5 (7.7) | 4.8 (40.6) | | Avg. Low (°C / °F) | -21.7 (-7.1) | -17.3 (0.9) | -8.5 (16.7) | 1.1 (34.0) | 8.0 (46.4) | 14.1 (57.4) | 17.8 (64.0) | 17.0 (62.6) | 9.2 (48.6) | 0.7 (33.3) | -9.0 (15.8) | -18.0 (0.4) | -0.5 (31.0) | | Avg. Precipitation (mm / in) | 6.6 (0.26) | 5.5 (0.22) | 13.2 (0.52) | 25.9 (1.02) | 57.8 (2.28) | 85.1 (3.35) | 136.8 (5.39) | 122.1 (4.81) | 55.3 (2.18) | 31.1 (1.22) | 13.6 (0.54) | 8.0 (0.31) | 561.0 (22.09) | | Avg. Precipitation Days (≥0.1 mm) | 5.0 | 5.5 | 6.5 | 8.5 | 12.9 | 15.9 | 14.8 | 13.9 | 11.0 | 8.5 | 6.8 | 5.8 | 115.1 | | Avg. Relative Humidity (%) | 68 | 63 | 56 | 53 | 58 | 67 | 75 | 77 | 73 | 65 | 64 | 66 | 66 | | Mean Monthly Sunshine Hours | 162.4 | 180.2 | 228.4 | 218.2 | 237.3 | 221.1 | 215.8 | 208.3 | 206.6 | 195.6 | 156.8 | 136.8 | 2,367.5 | | Percent Possible Sunshine (%) | 57 | 62 | 62 | 54 | 52 | 48 | 46 | 48 | 55 | 58 | 55 | 50 | 53 |

4. Administrative Divisions

Mudanjiang City currently administers 4 municipal districts, 1 county, and oversees 5 county-level cities on behalf of the higher administration.

• Municipal Districts: Dong'an District, Yangming District, Aimin District, Xi'an District
• County-level Cities: Suifenhe City, Hailin City, Ning'an City, Muling City, Dongning City
• County: Linkou County

| Division Code | Division Name | Chinese Pinyin | Area (km²) | Permanent Resident Population (2020 Census) | Government Seat | Postal Code | Subdistricts | Towns | Townships | Of which: Ethnic Townships | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | 231000 | Mudanjiang City | Mǔdānjiāng Shì | 38,827.19 | 2,290,208 | Dong'an District | 157000 | 23 | 48 | 7 | 4 | | 231002 | Dong'an District | Dōng’ān Qū | 580.96 | 221,194 | Xin'an Subdistrict | 157000 | 4 | 1 | | | | 231003 | Yangming District | Yángmíng Qū | 1,302.73 | 190,973 | Yangming Subdistrict | 157000 | 4 | 4 | | | | 231004 | Aimin District | Àimín Qū | 436.71 | 275,436 | Xiangyang Subdistrict | 157000 | 8 | 1 | | | | 231005 | Xi'an District | Xī’ān Qū | 375.82 | 242,412 | Xianfeng Subdistrict | 157000 | 7 | 1 | 1 | 1 | | 231025 | Linkou County | Línkǒu Xiàn | 6,638.27 | 238,193 | Linkou Town | 157600 | | 11 | | | | 231081 | Suifenhe City | Suífēnhé Shì | 422.36 | 114,564 | Suifenhe Town | 157300 | | 2 | | | | 231083 | Hailin City | Hǎilín Shì | 8,712.35 | 292,755 | Hailin Town | 157100 | | 8 | | | | 231084 | Ning'an City | Níng’ān Shì | 7,200.54 | 322,127 | Ning'an Town | 157400 | | 8 | 4 | 2 | | 231065 | Muling City | Mùlíng Shì | 6,040.58 | 197,065 | Bamiantong Town | 157500 | | 6 | 2 | 1 | | 231086 | Dongning City | Dōngníng Shì | 7,116.89 | 195,489 | Dongning Town | 157200 | | 6 | | |

5. Economy

Mudanjiang's economic revenue primarily comes from tourism and light industry. In recent years, it has expanded new economic growth points in border trade. Its foreign trade accounts for over 75% of Heilongjiang Province's total trade volume, making it the largest city in China for trade with Russia. Mudanjiang City is home to Hualin Rubber Factory, one of the country's four major rubber manufacturing plants. The Northern Tool Factory is a large state-owned enterprise renowned for producing military products. The Daewoo Paper Enterprise Group, located in the urban area, is one of the largest foreign-funded factories in Heilongjiang Province. Additionally, a large-scale hydroelectric power station, the Lianhua Power Station, is situated in the suburbs. The city's subordinate county-level city, Muling, hosts the Heilongjiang Huafu Muling Wind Power Project, one of the largest wind power bases in mainland China.

The main area for current economic development is the planned Jiangnan New District. It is projected that by the end of 2009, the urban population will reach 1 million, and a new district, the Jiangnan New District, will be established.

In 2009, the city's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was 60.34 billion yuan, ranking after Harbin, Daqing, Qiqihar, and Suihua in Heilongjiang Province. However, its per capita GDP reached 22,416 yuan, ranking third in the province after Daqing and Harbin.

5.1 Major Commerce

Mudanjiang's main commercial areas are located in the Taiping Road commercial district at the border of Dong'an District and Xi'an District, and the Dongyitiao Road Pedestrian Street in Dong'an District. Several large shopping malls, including Dashang Group Mudanjiang Department Store, Dashang Group New Mart Shopping Plaza, Post Shopping Plaza, and Mudanjiang Quanye Market, are situated on Taiping Road. On Dongyitiao Road Pedestrian Street, numerous brand-specific clothing stores have been established, and the city's largest supermarket, RT-Mart Mudanjiang Store, is also located there. Additionally, several four-star or above hotels and fast-food chains such as KFC have been built on both Taiping Road and Dongyitiao Road Pedestrian Street.

Major large brand shopping malls include: RT-Mart, Gome Electrical Appliances, Suning Appliance, and Parkson.

5.2 Development Zones

• National Level

  • Mudanjiang Economic and Technological Development Zone for Russia
  • China-Russia Information Industry Park

• Provincial Level

  • Mudanjiang Jiangnan Economic and Technological Industrial Development Zone
  • Mudanjiang Biological Industry Development Zone
  • Heilongjiang Province North Medicine Technology Development Park

6. Transportation

Mudanjiang City is located in the middle section of the international corridor from Harbin through Vladivostok, Russia, to Niigata, Japan. Within its territory, three counties (cities) share a border with Russia, with a border line of 221 kilometers. It has a century-long history of trade with the Russian Far East. The straight-line distance from Mudanjiang to Vladivostok is 248 kilometers, and to Nakhodka is 331 kilometers. It is 340 kilometers from Vladivostok, the nearest seaport for Heilongjiang Province to access the Sea of Japan and the Pacific Ocean. Mudanjiang serves as a transportation hub for Heilongjiang Province, providing eastern access to Vladivostok and southern access to the Tumen River. The shipping distance from here to Japan is 1,600 kilometers shorter than from Dalian Port. The city has numerous ports within its jurisdiction, including Mudanjiang Airport, Suifenhe Railway Port, Suifenhe Highway Port, and Dongning Highway Port—all four are national Class I ports. With an annual freight capacity of 7 million tons and a passenger capacity of 2 million people, Mudanjiang is an important center for personnel flow, goods distribution, information transmission, and transportation in Northeast Asian regional economic cooperation.

6.1 Urban Rail Transit

The first phase of Mudanjiang's light rail system was approved for planning in 2008 with investments from the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Railways, and the Heilongjiang Provincial Government. Construction began in July 2010. The route starts in Mudanjiang City and ends in Suifenhe City, with a total length of 138 kilometers and an investment of 10.8 billion yuan. Along the route, there are 20 stations and 40 platforms, including Mudanjiang Station within the urban area, Tieling Station in Yangming District, Modaoshi Station, Wulin Station, and others.

Planning for the second phase began in July 2010. This phase starts from Mudanjiang Station and ends at Jingpo Town in the developing Jingpo Lake area, with a total track length of 120 kilometers. Five stations are set along the route, including Mudanjiang Station, Wenchun Station in Xi'an District, Ning'an Station, Dongjingcheng Station, and Jingpo Lake Station.

6.2 Civil Aviation

• Mudanjiang Hailang International Airport
• Mudanjiang Daling International Airport (under construction)
• Suifenhe Dongning Airport (under construction)

6.3 Highways

• G11 Hegang–Dalian Expressway (Hegang–Dalian)
• G10 Harbin–Mudanjiang Expressway (Harbin–Mudanjiang)
• National Highway 201 and National Highway 301 pass through the area.

6.4 Railway

• Mudanjiang Railway Station (China Railway Special Class Station)
• Bin–Sui Railway (Harbin–Suifenhe)
• Tu–Jia Railway (Tumen–Jiamusi)
• Harbin–Mudanjiang Passenger Dedicated Line (designed speed: 250 km/h)
• Mudanjiang–Jiamusi Passenger Dedicated Line (designed speed: 250 km/h)

7. Education

7.1 Regular Undergraduate Institutions

(Nationwide total: 742):

• Mudanjiang Normal University (Directly under the Heilongjiang Provincial Government, managed by the Provincial Department of Education)
• Mudanjiang Medical University (Directly under the Heilongjiang Provincial Government, co-established by the Provincial Department of Education, Department of Health, and Mudanjiang Municipal Government)

7.2 Higher Vocational (Specialist) Colleges

• Mudanjiang University
• Heilongjiang Agricultural Economics Vocational College (Directly managed by the Heilongjiang Provincial Agricultural Committee)
• Heilongjiang Forestry Vocational & Technical College
• Heilongjiang Preschool Teachers College

7.3 Senior High Schools

• Mudanjiang No.1 Senior High School (First batch of Provincial Key High Schools, 1962) (First batch of Model Provincial Key High Schools, 2002) (National Characteristic High School Construction Project School, 2009)
• Mudanjiang No.2 Senior High School (First batch of Municipal Key High Schools, 1962) (Provincial Key High School, 1993) (First batch of Model Provincial Key High Schools, 2002)
• Mudanjiang No.3 Senior High School (Provincial Model High School, 2005)
• Mudanjiang No.5 Senior High School (Municipal Model High School)
• Mudanjiang No.15 Middle School
• Mudanjiang Yuhua Middle School
• Mudanjiang No.8 Middle School
• Mudanjiang No.17 Middle School (Formerly the Children's School of Hualin Rubber Factory)
• Mudanjiang No.20 Middle School
• Mudanjiang Korean Ethnic Middle School
• Mudanjiang Jiushan Middle School
• Mudanjiang Huari Senior High School
• Mudanjiang Sunshine Senior High School
• Affiliated Middle School of Mudanjiang Normal University
• Mudanjiang Girls' Middle School

8. Population

As of the end of 2022, Mudanjiang City had a registered population of 2.411 million, with 839,000 residing in the urban districts. Among the registered population: the urban population was 1.447 million, and the rural population was 963,000; the proportion of urban population to the total population (registered urbanization rate) was 60%.

According to the Seventh National Population Census in 2020, the city's permanent resident population was 2,290,208. Compared with the 2,798,723 people from the Sixth National Population Census, there was a decrease of 508,515 people over the ten-year period, a decline of 18.17%, with an average annual growth rate of -1.99%. Among them, the male population was 1,140,787, accounting for 49.81% of the total population; the female population was 1,149,421, accounting for 50.19% of the total population. The overall sex ratio (with females as 100) was 99.25. The population aged 0–14 was 238,204, accounting for 10.4% of the total population; the population aged 15–59 was 1,473,755, accounting for 64.35% of the total population; the population aged 60 and above was 578,249, accounting for 25.25% of the total population, of which the population aged 65 and above was 397,428, accounting for 17.35% of the total population. The population residing in urban areas was 1,507,096, accounting for 65.81% of the total population; the population residing in rural areas was 783,112, accounting for 34.19% of the total population.

8.1 Ethnic Groups

Most of the population in Mudanjiang City and their descendants originate from migrants and their offspring from Shandong and Hebei provinces during the "Chuang Guandong" period from the 1930s to the 1960s. The original inhabitants before the 1930s were predominantly Manchu. The city currently has 38 ethnic minorities, with a population of up to 240,000, accounting for 8.7% of the city's total population. Among them, Korean ethnic citizens are the majority, mostly distributed in the Xi'an District, where facilities with strong ethnic characteristics, such as the "Korean Ethnic Folk Street," have been established.

Among the city's permanent resident population, the Han ethnic population was 2,151,856, accounting for 93.96%; the total population of various ethnic minorities was 138,352, accounting for 6.04%. Compared with the Sixth National Population Census in 2010, the Han ethnic population decreased by 464,530, a decline of 17.75%, with its proportion to the total population increasing by 0.47 percentage points; the total population of various ethnic minorities decreased by 43,985, a decline of 24.12%, with its proportion to the total population decreasing by 0.47 percentage points. Among them, the Korean ethnic population decreased by 29,991, a decline of 28.97%, with its proportion to the total population decreasing by 0.49 percentage points; the Manchu ethnic population decreased by 15,047, a decline of 21.84%, with its proportion to the total population decreasing by 0.11 percentage points.

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9. Sister Cities

• Otsu City, Japan
• Jyväskylä, Finland
• Ussuriysk, Russia
• Khabarovsk, Russia
• Mosman, Australia
• Paju City, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea
• Gwangmyeong City, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea

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Manchu means "the winding river."

Dong'an District

Ning'an City

Han Chinese account for 93.96% of the population; ethnic minorities account for 6.04%.

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Peony