Dongbei

Dongbei, or Northeast China, comprises Heilongjiang, Jilin, and Liaoning. Known historically as Manchuria, it sits at China’s northern edge and features a cold temperate climate with long winters. The region includes plains and mountains and has a coastline along the Bohai Sea and the Yellow Sea.

Historically inhabited by diverse communities, the area is associated with the Manchu people and is linked to the rise of the Qing dynasty nearby. In the 20th century it became a major heavy-industry base for coal, iron, and steel. It was occupied by Japan from 1931 to 1945 as Manchukuo, then reconstructed as part of the People’s Republic of China.

Economy: The Dongbei economy remains deeply rooted in heavy industry, mining, and energy, with growing automotive, chemical, and high-tech sectors. It hosts important ports in Dalian and other coastal cities and serves as a logistics corridor for northeast China. Agriculture, especially grain and soy in Heilongjiang, remains a key rural component.

Demographics and culture: The region’s population is predominantly Han, with minorities such as Koreans in Yanbian Prefecture (Jilin), Manchu, and Mongol communities. Dongbei Mandarin, a distinct local variant, is widely spoken alongside standard Mandarin. Cuisine is hearty, featuring potatoes, corn, cabbage, and pork. Notable cultural features include Harbin’s Ice Festival and Changbai Mountain’s natural landscapes, which attract domestic and international visitors.

Climate and environment: Dongbei experiences cold, dry winters and warm summers. Rivers such as the Songhua support transport and industry, while forested and mountainous areas in the region offer biodiversity and tourism opportunities.