Understand
Qiqihar was founded as a walled city in 1691, and for a period the military government of Heilongjiang was based here. For many years, only Manchus were allowed to live in the city, but gradually it transformed to be dominated by Hans. Establishment of the Chinese Eastern Railway in 1903 and later other lines made the city a transportation hub. During 1931-1945 it was an important military base for the Japanese occupation, which helped the city grow in size and importance.
The population of the city is 1.5 million and of the prefecture 6.1 million. The city consists of Longsha District é¾æ²åº, Tiefeng District ééåº and Jianhua District 建ååº, whereas the prefecture further includes 4 districts, 8 counties and 1 city.
