History of Hulunbuir

History of Hulunbuir

Hulunbuir’s history can be traced back to ancient times, with evidence of human habitation dating back 20,000 to 30,000 years ago. The ancient Zhalainuoer people (扎赉诺尔人) lived around Hulun Lake (呼伦湖), creating the region’s early primitive culture.

From around 200 BCE (during the Western Han Dynasty) until the Qing Dynasty, spanning over 2,000 years, the Hulunbuir Grassland nurtured numerous nomadic tribes in northern China, earning it the title of “the cradle of northern China’s nomadic tribes.” Prominent nomadic groups such as the Donghu (东胡), Xiongnu (匈奴), Xianbei (鲜卑), Shiwei (室韦), Turks (突厥), Uighurs (回纥), Khitans (契丹), Jurchens (女真), and Mongols (蒙古) thrived, waged wars, and created a vibrant nomadic culture here.

Early Nomadic Tribes and Empires

In 209 BCE, the Xiongnu tribe, which had grown strong, conquered the Donghu tribe, unifying the northern grasslands. Hulunbuir was part of one of the three territories controlled by the Xiongnu. During this period, the Xianbei tribe lived in the dense forests of the Greater Khingan Mountains (大兴安岭), a region historians referred to as “a peaceful backyard in Chinese history.”

In the 1st century CE, the Tuoba Xianbei tribe (拓跋鲜卑), who had lived around present-day Oroqen Autonomous Banner (鄂伦春自治旗), migrated south to Hulun Lake (呼伦湖). They settled along the Hailar River (海拉尔河), Yimin River (伊敏河), and Genhe River (根河), transitioning from hunting to nomadic pastoralism. Over time, this new production method allowed the Xianbei to grow in strength, replacing Xiongnu dominance and forming a powerful tribal alliance. They later founded the Northern Wei Dynasty (北魏), the first ethnic minority regime to rule northern China.

The Rise of the Mongol Empire

As various tribes such as the Shiwei, Uighurs, Turks, Kyrgyz, Khitans, and Jurchens took turns ruling Hulunbuir, the Mongols began to emerge. In the 8th century, the ancestors of Genghis Khan (成吉思汗), the Mongol Shiwei tribe (蒙兀室韦部), migrated to the Kentei Mountains (肯特山), the source of the Onon, Kherlen, and Tuul Rivers. By the 12th century, Genghis Khan rose to power, unifying the Mongolian grasslands and returning to Hulunbuir, where he fought decisive battles that eliminated his rivals and consolidated the region.

In 1214, after the establishment of the Mongol Empire, Genghis Khan divided Hulunbuir. Most of the grasslands were granted to his elder brother Jochi Khasar (拙赤·哈撒尔), whose ancient capital was located at Heishantou (黑山头) in present-day Erguna City (额尔古纳市). Other portions were given to his second brother Khachiun (合赤温·额勒赤) and the Deshou family, while the eastern region was assigned to his youngest brother Temüge (帖木歌·斡赤斤).

Yuan and Ming Dynasties

During the Yuan Dynasty, Hulunbuir was incorporated into the provincial administrative system. After the fall of the Yuan, Genghis Khan’s descendants continued to rule the region until they eventually submitted to the emerging Manchu-led Later Jin Dynasty (后金), the precursor to the Qing Dynasty.

The Qing Dynasty and the Eight Banners System

During the Qing Dynasty, Hulunbuir became a key military frontier. Ethnic groups such as the Evenk (鄂温克), Daur (达斡尔), Barga Mongols (巴尔虎蒙古), and Oroqen (鄂伦春) were organized into the Eight Banners system, known as the Butha Eight Banners (布特哈八旗), the Solon Eight Banners (索伦八旗), and the Barga Eight Banners (巴尔虎八旗). These forces played a crucial role in defending China’s borders, maintaining communication routes, and ensuring the stability of the region.

The Republican Era and Autonomy

During the Republic of China period (1912-1949), the western part of Hulunbuir briefly enjoyed local autonomy from 1912 to 1920. The region was later reintegrated into Heilongjiang Province, with additional administrative offices established. Meanwhile, in the eastern part of Hulunbuir, counties such as Yalu (雅鲁) and Buxi (布西) were created, maintaining a system of flags (banners) and counties coexisting under the jurisdiction of Heilongjiang Province.

Japanese Occupation and Post-War Changes

During the Japanese occupation, Hulunbuir was divided into two parts: the eastern region became part of Xing’an East Province (兴安东省) and the western region became part of Xing’an North Province (兴安北省), both under the puppet state of Manchukuo. After Japan’s surrender in 1945, Hulunbuir saw the establishment of the Hulunbuir Autonomous Province in the west and the Navan Muren Province (纳文慕仁省) in the east, both of which eventually came under the administration of the Communist-led Inner Mongolian government.

The Establishment of Hulunbuir City

In 2001, the Chinese government approved the dissolution of the Hulunbuir League (呼伦贝尔盟) and established Hulunbuir as a prefecture-level city. Hailar City (海拉尔市) was reorganized as Hailar District (海拉尔区), and Hulunbuir City took over the administration of several counties and banners, including Arong Banner (阿荣旗), Molidawa Daur Autonomous Banner (莫力达瓦达斡尔族自治旗), Oroqen Autonomous Banner (鄂伦春自治旗), Ewenki Autonomous Banner (鄂温克族自治旗), Chen Barag Banner (陈巴尔虎旗), New Barag Left Banner (新巴尔虎左旗), and New Barag Right Banner (新巴尔虎右旗). The city also gained jurisdiction over Manzhouli City (满洲里市), Yakeshi City (牙克石市), Zhalantun City (扎兰屯市), Eerguna City (额尔古纳市), and Genhe City (根河市).

These historical landmarks and natural wonders form a crucial part of Hulunbuir’s rich heritage, illustrating the region’s significance in China’s ancient and modern history.