Taha Manchu and Daur Ethnic Town in Fuyu County, Qiqihar

Taha Town (塔哈镇, formerly Taha Ethnic Township 塔哈满族达斡尔族乡) is located in Fuyu County (富裕县), under Qiqihar (齐齐哈尔市) in Heilongjiang Province (黑龙江省), Northeast China. Historically known as “Tahār,” meaning “clam” in the Daur language, the town sits between the Wuyuer River (乌裕尔河) to the east and the Nenjiang River (嫩江) to the west.

Covering over 600 km², Taha is a multi-ethnic settlement where Manchu and Daur communities coexist alongside other northern minorities. About 26% of the population belongs to ethnic minority groups. The area is known for its preserved linguistic heritage, vast wetlands and grasslands, and its role in the Nenjiang River basin’s historic postal route system.

Ethnic Culture

Manchu Community (满族)

The Manchu are one of China’s major ethnic groups. In Sanjiazi Village (三家子村), you will find the last living Manchu-speaking community in China, often referred to as a “living fossil” of the Manchu language.

Visitors can explore:

• Traditional “Pocket Houses” (口袋房), a distinctive Manchu architectural style
• Manchu language schools and cultural centers
• Authentic customs, rituals, and handicrafts

Daur Community (达斡尔族)

The Daur people are an ancient northern ethnic group with a history of fishing, hunting, and farming. Taha is one of their key settlements, especially in villages like Jisibao Village (吉斯堡村).

Cultural highlights include:

• “Zandale” folk songs (扎恩达勒)
• “Hanbo Dance” (罕伯舞)
• Birch bark crafts and traditional embroidery
• Seasonal traditions centered around wild herbs like Artemisia (柳蒿芽)

Local Traditions

Manchu Traditions

• Banjin Festival (颁金节): Celebrated on the 13th day of the 10th lunar month with traditional costumes, Shamanic rituals, and folk games
• Respect for elders and ceremonial etiquette remain central to daily life
• Traditional weddings include symbolic rituals such as fire-stepping and archery

Daur Traditions

• Ane Festival (阿涅节): The Daur New Year, featuring bonfires, communal feasts, and dance
• Kumule Festival (库木勒节): A spring herb festival celebrating the harvest of wild Artemisia
• Strong oral traditions expressed through music and storytelling

Local Cuisine

Must-Try Dishes

• Hand-grabbed lamb (手把肉): Tender boiled lamb served with salt or chive paste
• Stewed pork ribs with wild herbs (柳蒿芽炖排骨)
• Talahā grilled fish (塔拉哈): Charcoal-grilled river fish

Manchu Specialties

• Sticky bean buns (豆包)
• Sachima pastry (萨其马)
• Northeastern hot pot with sauerkraut and pork (酸菜白肉锅)

Regional Flavors

• Iron-pot stewed river fish (铁锅炖江鱼)
• Grass-fed lamb and dairy products

Top Attractions

Sanjiazi Manchu Village (三家子满族村)

A nationally recognized traditional village and the only place in China where Manchu is still spoken daily. Visitors can experience authentic language immersion, architecture, and folk customs.

Wuyuer Ethnic Cultural Park (乌裕尔民族风情园)

Located in Dongtaha Village (东塔哈村), this park showcases Daur heritage, including:

• A 120-meter-long Daur cultural relief wall
• Folk performances and dance experiences
• Traditional craft demonstrations

Taha Wetland Grasslands (塔哈河湿地草原)

A pristine natural area ideal for:

• Birdwatching in spring
• Grassland scenery in summer
• Reed landscapes in autumn
• Snowfields in winter

Ancient Postal Station Site (塔哈尔驿站遗址)

A historic stop along Qing Dynasty courier routes, offering insight into regional transport history.

Accommodation

Local Inns

Budget-friendly guesthouses along G111 Highway (京加线), with basic but clean facilities.

Ethnic Homestays

Stay in traditional Manchu or Daur homes in villages like Sanjiazi or Dongtaha. Includes local meals and cultural experiences.

Fuyu County Hotels

For more comfort, hotels in Fuyu Town (富裕镇) offer better facilities and easy access to Taha (approx. 40 minutes’ drive).

Transportation

Getting There

• Railway: Taha Station (塔哈站) connects to Qiqihar and nearby cities
• Highway: G111 National Highway provides direct access; about 30 minutes from downtown Qiqihar

Local Transport

• Public buses (Routes 218 & 219) connect Taha with Fuyu County
• Private car hire recommended for flexibility

Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit

• May–June: Green grasslands and Kumule Festival
• September–October: Golden wetlands and harvest season
• Chinese New Year: Experience authentic ethnic celebrations

Cultural Etiquette

• Always ask before photographing locals or entering homes
• Respect traditional rituals and elder-centered customs

Packing Advice

• Large temperature differences—bring layers year-round
• Summer: insect repellent; Winter: extreme cold gear (-20°C to -30°C)

Souvenirs

• Birch bark handicrafts
• Daur embroidery
• Manchu cultural products
• Dried wild herbs and local dairy products

Suggested Itineraries

1-Day Tour

Sanjiazi Village → Wuyuer Cultural Park → Taha Wetlands

2-Day Tour

Day 1: Ethnic culture in Taha
Day 2: Fuyu County attractions + Long’anqiao Wetland Park (龙安桥国家湿地公园)