Oroqen Autonomous Banner

Location and Administrative Status

Oroqen Autonomous Banner (鄂伦春自治旗) is part of the Hulunbuir City (呼伦贝尔市) in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region (内蒙古自治区). It is located in the northeastern part of Hulunbuir City, on the west bank of the Nen River (嫩江). To the east, it faces Nenjiang County (嫩江县) across the river, and it borders Genhe City (根河市) and Yakeshi City (牙克石市) to the west, Mohe Daur Autonomous Banner (莫力达瓦达斡尔族自治旗) and Arong Banner (阿荣旗) to the south, and it is bounded to the north by Huma County (呼玛县) marked by the Yilehuri Mountain (伊勒呼里山). The total area of the Oroqen Autonomous Banner is 59,880 square kilometers.

As of 2023, the registered population of Oroqen Autonomous Banner is 227,155 people. By June 2023, the banner administers 8 towns and 2 townships.

The term “Oroqen” originates from the Oroqen language, meaning “people of the mountain ridges.” In 1951, the Oroqen Banner was established and was governed by the Hulunbuir Nahenmu League (呼伦贝尔纳文慕仁盟). In 2001, the Hulunbuir League was dissolved, and the prefecture-level city of Hulunbuir was established, under which Oroqen Autonomous Banner falls. On March 4, 2020, the People’s Government of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region approved the removal of Oroqen Autonomous Banner from the list of poverty-stricken banners. It is recognized as the “hometown of the Xianbei nationality” and the “land of hunting.”

The region is home to six forestry companies belonging to the Inner Mongolia Forest Industry Group, the Hulunbuir Agricultural Reclamation Group, and four state-owned farms.

Historical Development

The first historical references to the region of Oroqen Autonomous Banner appear in records of the Donghu people. In 209 BC, the Xiongnu defeated the Donghu and occupied their territory. During the Han Dynasty, it was inhabited by the Tuoba Xianbei. From the Wei to the Sui and Tang Dynasties, the area was known as the Shiwei territory. During the Liao Dynasty, it belonged to the Northeast Road of the Shanggong Dao and was governed by the Jin Dynasty as part of the Puyulu territory. In the Yuan Dynasty, it was part of the Liaoyang Provincial region in the north of Liaodong. The Ming Dynasty classified it under the jurisdiction of the Nuerhan Commander.

In 1949, the Nahenmu League merged with the Hulunbuir League, forming the Hulunbuir Nahenmu League, which combined Bayannur Banner and Mohe Daur Autonomous Banner into Mohe Daur Banner. The territories of Nuo Ming and Oroqen Nūtuk were governed by Mohe Daur Banner. In 1950, Oroqen Nūtuk was renamed Gan Kui Nūtuk. That same year, Tuo Zha Min Nūtuk was established in the region of the original Tuo River Road, under the jurisdiction of the Xiguitu Banner. In 1951, the three Oroqen Nūtuks were merged to establish Oroqen Banner, which was governed by the Hulun League. In 1954, the Xing’an League was incorporated into the Hulun League, which was renamed Hulunbuir League, with Oroqen Autonomous Banner under its jurisdiction.

In 1969, Oroqen Autonomous Banner was transferred to the governance of the Daxing’anling region in Heilongjiang Province (黑龙江省). In 1979, it was reassigned to the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region’s Hulunbuir League. On October 10, 2001, the Hulunbuir League was dissolved, and the prefecture-level city of Hulunbuir was established, under which Oroqen Autonomous Banner is now governed.

Administrative Division

As of June 2023, Oroqen Autonomous Banner comprises 8 towns and 2 townships:

  • Alihe Town (阿里河镇)
  • Dayangshu Town (大杨树镇)
  • Ganhe Town (甘河镇)
  • Jiwen Town (吉文镇)
  • Nuo Ming Town (诺敏镇)
  • Wulubutie Town (乌鲁布铁镇)
  • Yili Town (宜里镇)
  • Keyihe Town (克一河镇)

The two townships are:

  • Guli Township (古里乡)
  • Tuo Zha Min Township (托扎敏乡)

There are a total of 82 administrative villages, including 5 hunting townships and 7 hunting villages. The People’s Government of Oroqen Autonomous Banner is located in Alihe Town.

Note: Within the banner, there are six forestry companies belonging to the Inner Mongolia Daxing’anling Forest Industry Group and four state-owned farms managed by the Inner Mongolia Daxing’anling Farm Bureau.

Geographic Environment

Location

Oroqen Autonomous Banner is located in the northeastern part of Hulunbuir City, on the west bank of the Nen River. The geographical coordinates are between 48°50′ to 51°25′ N latitude and 121°55′ to 126°10′ E longitude. It faces Nenjiang County (嫩江县) across the river to the east, shares borders with Genhe City (根河市) and Yakeshi City (牙克石市) to the west, Mohe Daur Autonomous Banner (莫力达瓦达斡尔族自治旗) and Arong Banner (阿荣旗) to the south, and is bordered to the north by Huma County (呼玛县) marked by the Yilehuri Mountain (伊勒呼里山). The total length of its borders is 1,294 kilometers, with a maximum north-south length of 261 kilometers and a maximum east-west width of 280 kilometers.

Terrain and Topography

The terrain of Oroqen Autonomous Banner is characterized by a gradual slope from high in the north to low in the south. The highest elevation is the Daba Mountain (大白山) in the northwest, reaching 1,528 meters, while the lowest elevation is at the confluence of the Dubukuer River (多布库尔河) with the Nen River at 265 meters. The central area has an elevation between 500 and 1,000 meters. The topographical features can be categorized into mountains, hills, and river valley plains.

Climate

Oroqen Autonomous Banner has a cold temperate semi-humid continental monsoon climate. The climate characteristics include:

  • Distinct seasonal variations
  • Dry spring with frequent strong winds and abundant sunlight
  • Short, cool summers with concentrated rainfall
  • Sudden temperature drops in autumn with significant day-night temperature differences and early frosts
  • Long and cold winters

Hydrology

In Oroqen Autonomous Banner, water erosion is strong, with numerous river valleys and a developed river network. The river density is approximately 0.2 to 0.3 kilometers per square kilometer. All rivers originate from the southeastern side of the Daxing’anling and the southern side of Yilehuri Mountain, flowing from northwest to southeast into the Nen River, all part of the Nen River system.

There are 138 rivers longer than 20 kilometers and with a watershed area exceeding 100 square kilometers, including 17 first-class tributaries, 54 second-class tributaries, and 67 third-class tributaries. There are 5 major rivers with a watershed area exceeding 5,000 square kilometers. Major rivers include the Nen River (嫩江), Ganhe River (甘河), Alihe River (阿里河), Kuile River (奎勒河), Nuo Ming River (诺敏河), Bira River (毕拉河), Dubukuer River (多布库尔河), Nadu Li River (那都里河), Hanno River (罕诺河), and Ouken River (欧肯河). There are few lakes, with notable ones including Darbin Lake (达尔滨湖), Dalai Binuo Lake (达赉毕诺湖), and several unnamed lakes in the area.

Historical and Cultural Heritage

Oroqen Skinning Technique

The Oroqen skinning technique is a unique manual skill of northern nomadic peoples in China, characterized by distinct ethnic and regional traits. The Oroqen people have lived by hunting for generations, consuming animal meat and using animal skins, which led to the creation of this distinctive leatherworking craft. The production process involves skin collection, tanning, cutting, sewing, dyeing, decorating, and embroidery, with finished products categorized into clothing, daily necessities, and religious items. In June 2008, the Oroqen skinning technique was approved by the State Council as part of the second batch of national intangible cultural heritage.

Oroqen Zandaren

Oroqen Zandaren (鄂伦春族赞达仁) refers to the traditional music of the Oroqen people, primarily found in the Daxing’anling region of Heilongjiang Province. It is recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage. Zandaren, meaning “mountain songs” in Oroqen language, represents the main form of singing art among the Oroqen people and serves as a medium of communication in their hunting life. The structure is simple, but the content is rich, using pentatonic scales with few words and a focus on natural elements.

Oroqen Language

The Oroqen language belongs to the Altaic language family, specifically within the Tungusic languages. It has two major dialects: Oroqen and Oroqen. The language is recognized as a vulnerable language by UNESCO and is crucial for preserving the cultural identity of the Oroqen people.

Cultural Celebrations

The Oroqen people celebrate various cultural festivals, including the Oroqen New Year, Hunting Festival, and other traditional ceremonies that showcase their unique customs, beliefs, and values. These festivals feature traditional music, dance, and storytelling, emphasizing their connection to nature and their history.

Economic Development

Agriculture and Livestock

The economy of Oroqen Autonomous Banner is primarily based on agriculture, forestry, and animal husbandry. The main agricultural products include corn, soybeans, and wheat, along with a significant focus on animal husbandry, particularly cattle and sheep.

Forest Industry

The forest industry is a vital sector in Oroqen Autonomous Banner, with significant forest resources. The region’s forestry companies are engaged in timber harvesting, processing, and related activities, contributing to the local economy.

Hunting and Gathering

Hunting remains an integral part of the Oroqen people’s cultural heritage, with traditional practices being passed down through generations. The local government supports sustainable hunting practices to maintain ecological balance while preserving cultural traditions.

Tourism

The unique cultural heritage, natural beauty, and rich biodiversity of Oroqen Autonomous Banner attract tourists seeking authentic experiences. Eco-tourism, cultural tourism, and adventure tourism are emerging sectors, with opportunities for visitors to engage with the Oroqen culture and explore the stunning landscapes.