Ewenki Autonomous Banners

Overview

Ewenki Autonomous Banner (鄂温克族自治旗), located in the city of Hulunbuir (呼伦贝尔市) in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region (内蒙古自治区), is one of the three autonomous banners for ethnic minorities in Inner Mongolia. It lies in the northeastern part of Inner Mongolia, in the central and southern areas of Hulunbuir, transitioning from the Greater Khingan Range (大兴安岭) to the Hulunbuir High Plateau. The region has a temperate semi-arid continental climate and covers a total area of 19,111 square kilometers. As of October 2022, the Ewenki Autonomous Banner administers four towns, five sum (苏木), one ethnic township, and one township-level unit. By the end of 2023, the registered population in the Ewenki Autonomous Banner was 134,790, with a total of 58,024 households.

“Ewenki” is the self-designation of the Ewenki people and is derived from the Ewenki language, meaning “people living in the great mountains and forests.” In 1958, the Ewenki Autonomous Banner was established, named after the Ewenki ethnic group. On August 1, 1969, it was placed under the jurisdiction of Heilongjiang Province (黑龙江省) along with the Hulunbuir League (呼伦贝尔盟); on July 1, 1979, it was returned to Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. In October 2001, the Hulunbuir League was disbanded and converted into a city, with the Ewenki Autonomous Banner then governed by Hulunbuir City.

Major Attractions

Key attractions in the Ewenki Autonomous Banner include:

  • Inner Mongolia Honghuachun Larix National Forest Park (内蒙古红花尔基樟子松国家森林公园)
  • Bayannur Tourist Scenic Area (巴彦呼硕旅游景区)
  • Ewenki National Cultural Industry Entrepreneurship Park (鄂温克旗民族文化产业创业园)

On June 22, 2022, the Ewenki Autonomous Banner was selected as one of the “Demonstration Banners (Counties, Cities, and Districts) for Building a Safe Inner Mongolia.” On February 23, 2023, it was included in the first batch of “One County, One Product” typical cultural and artistic case lists nationwide.

Historical Development

During the Yongle period of the Ming Dynasty (明朝) from 1403 to 1433, the Ming government established the Hailar Qianhusuo (海剌儿千户所) in the present-day Hailar District (海拉尔区) and Ewenki Autonomous Banner, which was under the jurisdiction of the Nurhaci Command (奴儿干都司).

In the fourth to fifth year of the Qing Dynasty (清朝) (1639-1640), to establish firm control over the vast areas north of the middle and upper reaches of the Heilong River, Hong Taiji initiated the conquest of the Solun tribe, ultimately unifying the Solun clans. Troops were stationed in Solun Village (索伦村) on the north bank of the Heilong River, and the Ewenki tribes were organized by clan into units called “Zuo,” with clan leaders appointed as “Zhangjing” (章京), responsible for tribute payments to Shenyang (盛京). Each Ewenki male had to pay one sable pelt as a tribute. This series of measures enabled the Qing Dynasty to establish effective control over the vast areas of the Solun tribe north of the Heilong River.

During the Shunzhi period of the Qing Dynasty, the Ewenki people migrated south to the Nenjiang River Basin (嫩江流域), where the Imperial Censorate appointed Daruhanbule and Zhamusu as leaders, granting them deputy capital seals to directly oversee Ewenki affairs.

In the tenth year of the Yongzheng period (1732), the Qing government defined the flags of five Abas (围场) and three Zhalan (扎兰) from the Butuhar (布特哈) area, which included the Daurs (达斡尔), Ewenki (鄂温克), and Oroqen (鄂伦春) males. In the same year, 3,000 soldiers from the Butuhar region were transferred to Solun (now known as Ewenki), Erulute, Balhu, Oroqen, and Daur, and incorporated into the Eight Banners, stationed in Hulunbuir, with the site of the city determined at Hailan’er (海兰儿) and named “Hulunbuir City.”

In the eighth year of the Qianlong period (1743), the position of Vice Capital was established to manage Hulunbuir. In the fifty-fifth year of the Qianlong period (1790), Durberte Taiqi led the Mongolian Ewenki tribe to migrate to the Xini River Basin, also included in the Solun Eight Banners.

After the establishment of the Republic of China (民国) in 1917, some Buryat Mongols from Soviet territory migrated to the Yimin and Xini River areas. In 1921, the Buryat Banner was established, and in 1928, the Ewenki Banner was founded. After the Northeast fell, the puppet state of Manchukuo disbanded Heilongjiang Province, merging the Solun Eight Banners, Buryat Banner, and Ewenki Banner into the Solun Banner, which was part of the Northern Xinjiang Province (兴安北省). At that time, the Solun Banner covered the entire area of the present Ewenki Autonomous Banner as well as parts of Miandu River Town (免渡河镇), Yakeshi City (牙克石市), Teni River Sum (特尼河苏木), Hailar District (海拉尔区), and Hake Town (哈克镇).

In 1945, it was incorporated into the Hulunbuir Autonomous Province. In 1948, the Hulunbuir Autonomous Province was renamed the Hulunbuir League in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. On August 1, 1958, it was renamed the Ewenki Autonomous Banner. In February 1968, the Revolutionary Committee of the Autonomous Banner was established. On August 1, 1969, the Ewenki Autonomous Banner was placed under the jurisdiction of Heilongjiang Province along with the Hulunbuir League. On July 1, 1979, it was returned to Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. In December 1980, the Revolutionary Committee of the Banner was abolished, and the People’s Government of the Banner was restored. In October 2001, the Hulunbuir League was disbanded and converted into a city, with the Ewenki Autonomous Banner governed by Hulunbuir City.

Administrative Division

As of October 2022, the Ewenki Autonomous Banner administers four towns, five sum, one ethnic township, and one township-level unit. The People’s Government of the Banner is located in Bayantuohai Town (巴彦托海镇).

Administrative Division Details

  • Bayantuohai Town
  • Dayan Town (大雁镇)
  • Yimin River Town (伊敏河镇)
  • Honghuarji Town (红花尔基镇)
  • Bayanchagan Sum (巴彦嵯岗苏木)
  • Xini River West Sum (锡尼河西苏木)
  • Xini River East Sum (锡尼河东苏木)
  • Bayantaala Daur Ethnic Township (巴彦塔拉达斡尔民族乡)
  • Yimin Sum (伊敏苏木)
  • Hui Sum (辉苏木)
  • Bayantuohai Economic Development Zone (巴彦托海经济开发区)

Geographical Environment

Location

The Ewenki Autonomous Banner is located in the northeastern part of Inner Mongolia, in the central and southern regions of Hulunbuir, situated between the northern latitudes of 47°32’50” to 49°15’37” and eastern longitudes of 118°48’02” to 121°09’25”. It borders six banners, districts (cities), with Yakeshi City (牙克石市) to the east, the New Barag Right Banner (新巴尔虎左旗) to the west, Hailar District (海拉尔区) and Chen Barag Banner (陈巴尔虎旗) to the north, and Zhalantun City (扎兰屯市) and Arxan City (兴安盟阿尔山市) to the south. The total area of the banner is 19,111 square kilometers, accounting for 7.39% of the total area of Hulunbuir City. The longest distance from north to south is about 187.75 kilometers, while the longest distance from east to west is approximately 173.25 kilometers.

Topography

The Ewenki Autonomous Banner is situated on the northwestern slope of the Greater Khingan Range, located at the transitional zone from the Greater Khingan Range to the Hulunbuir High Plateau, characterized by plateau-type landforms. The landscape consists of medium mountains, low mountains, hills, and high plateaus, with the terrain gradually sloping from the southeast to the northwest. The southeastern mountain region belongs to the medium and low mountain landforms, with mountain ranges predominantly oriented northeast and a maximum elevation of 1,706.6 meters. The Greater Khingan Mountain Range passes through this area. The central part features medium mountains and low mountain landforms, with a relatively flat area that includes rivers and valleys, while the northern region features extensive plains and flat areas.

Climate

The Ewenki Autonomous Banner has a temperate continental climate. The region has distinctive seasonal variations, with long, cold winters and short, warm summers. The average annual temperature is about 1.8°C. The coldest month is January, with an average temperature of about -21°C, while the warmest month is July, with an average temperature of about 19.8°C. The annual precipitation averages around 380 millimeters, concentrated primarily in the summer months from June to August. The average annual frost-free period lasts about 120 days, from May to September. Due to its high altitude and proximity to the Greater Khingan Range, the region experiences large temperature differences between day and night, particularly during the summer.

Natural Resources

The Ewenki Autonomous Banner is rich in natural resources, including:

  • Forest Resources: The banner is situated within the Greater Khingan Mountain Range and is endowed with a variety of forest resources, primarily consisting of coniferous forests, broad-leaved forests, and mixed forests. Notable tree species include larch, spruce, and birch.
  • Mineral Resources: There are several mineral deposits in the area, including iron ore, coal, copper, and lead, among others.
  • Water Resources: Major rivers in the banner include the Xini River (锡尼河), Yimin River (伊敏河), and their tributaries, providing adequate water resources for agriculture and daily life.

Economy

The Ewenki Autonomous Banner has a diverse economic structure. Key sectors of the local economy include:

  • Agriculture: Major crops include grains such as corn, soybeans, and potatoes, as well as cash crops like sunflower seeds and vegetables.
  • Animal Husbandry: The region has a strong tradition of animal husbandry, particularly in sheep and cattle raising, as well as horse breeding.
  • Forestry: The abundant forest resources support the forestry industry, including logging and processing.
  • Tourism: The unique natural landscape and rich cultural heritage attract tourists, supporting the development of local tourism.

Economic Development Initiatives

  • In recent years, the Ewenki Autonomous Banner has focused on promoting sustainable development through initiatives that balance economic growth with environmental protection.
  • The local government has invested in infrastructure improvements, including transportation and communication networks, to facilitate economic activities and improve living standards for residents.

Culture and Society

Ethnic Composition

The Ewenki Autonomous Banner is home to several ethnic groups, with the Ewenki people being the most prominent. Other ethnic groups include Mongols, Daur, Han Chinese, and Oroqen, among others. The Ewenki people maintain their unique cultural identity, traditions, and languages, while also integrating aspects of other cultures in the region.

Traditional Festivals and Cultural Activities

The Ewenki Autonomous Banner is known for its rich cultural heritage, with traditional festivals such as:

  • Ewenki New Year (鄂温克新年): A celebration held in January, marked by traditional games, singing, dancing, and feasting.
  • Horse Racing Festival (马术节): An annual event showcasing horse racing and traditional Ewenki equestrian culture.
  • Cultural Heritage Exhibitions: Local cultural activities, showcasing traditional crafts, music, and dance, are organized throughout the year.

Education and Healthcare

The Ewenki Autonomous Banner has made strides in education and healthcare services in recent years. The local government has invested in school facilities, vocational training, and healthcare infrastructure to improve living standards and promote community well-being.

Transportation

The Ewenki Autonomous Banner is connected to other parts of Inner Mongolia and nearby provinces through a network of highways and roads. Major transport routes include:

  • National Highway 301 (国道301)
  • Provincial Highway 207 (省道207)
  • The region is also served by local bus services, facilitating access to towns and rural areas.