Northeast China

Northeast China (Chinese: 东北; pinyin: Dōngběi) is a large area in China. It includes the provinces Liaoning, Jilin, and Heilongjiang.

This area is important because it has rich soil and grows a lot of food. It makes up over 20% of all the food in China. It is also known for being one of the first places in China to build factories and big machines.

The land in Northeast China is very flat and wide. It is called the Northeast China Plain and is the biggest plain in China. The area is close to Russia, North Korea, and the sea. This 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. Many people lost jobs and moved away.

To help this area grow again, leaders in China started a plan in 2003 called the Northeast Area Revitalization Plan. This plan includes parts of Inner Mongolia too. The plan hopes 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. People started using it in the 18th or 19th century, but not 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 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. 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 about 107 million people, which is 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 parts of China to become industrialized. This happened when Japan controlled the area. Many large factories and companies began during this time.

Today, the Northeast is still an important industrial area in China. It is known for making steel, cars, ships, airplanes, and oil products. Big cities like Shenyang, Dalian, Harbin, and Changchun are key centers for these industries. The region also grows a lot of food, such as corn, soybeans, and wheat, because of its wide, flat lands. The economy has had some difficulties recently, and the government is trying to help it grow again.

Culture

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

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

Northeastern Chinese cuisine mixes 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. Recently, more people have become interested in the culture of Northeast China.

Major universities

Northeast China has many important schools. Some well-known universities include Jilin University, Northeast Agricultural University, and Northeast Normal University. Other notable schools 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.