Oroqen Museum

Oroqen Museum

Oroqen Museum

The Oroqen Museum was first built in 1991 and expanded in 2001. The site covers an area of 21,000 square meters including the plaza. The number of exhibition halls increased from one to five, with a total floor space of 3,200 square meters. The five exhibition halls are: The God of the Forest Hunters, The Charm of the Forest, The Pride on Horseback, The Achievements Exhibition Hall, and the Comprehensive Art Hall. Among them, the The God of the Forest Hunters vividly reflects the historical development, production economy, lifestyle, customs, rituals, and religious beliefs of the Oroqen people; The Charm of the Forest condenses the natural landscapes of the Oroqen Autonomous Banner, showcasing the natural beauty and primal beauty of the Greater Khingan Mountains; The Pride on Horseback tells the history and culture of the ancient northern ethnic group Tabgach (Tuoba) Xianbei. With detailed cultural relics and explanatory texts and charts, it illustrates the historical process of the Tabgach Xianbei originating from the Greater Khingan Mountains, galloping across the grasslands, and eventually ruling the Central Plains; The Achievements Exhibition Hall displays the remarkable achievements made by the Oroqen people over fifty years since the establishment of their autonomous banner through a large number of photos and texts; the Comprehensive Art Hall showcases high-quality cultural and artistic works created by artists from the Oroqen region.

The Pride on Horseback Exhibition Hall, also known as the Xianbei Exhibition Hall. From the historical perspective presented here, it convincingly illustrates that the vast and magnificent Greater Khingan Mountains (ancient Greater Khingan Mountains, or Da Xianbei Shan) served as the cradle for nurturing ancient Chinese ethnic minorities. Northern nomadic tribes set out from here to the grasslands and eventually dominated the Central Plains, creating glorious achievements. The Tuoba branch of the Xianbei, who have long resided in the northern section of the Greater Khingan Mountains, is one of the most famous among them.

In the 1st century BC, the Tuoba Xianbei stepped out of the forests, rode into the grasslands, and continued to grow stronger. In 386 AD, they established a regime in Shengle (near present-day Hohhot), laying the foundation of the Northern Wei Dynasty. In 398 AD, they moved their capital further to Pingcheng (present-day Datong), subsequently unifying northern China. In 494 AD, they moved south again, establishing their capital in Luoyang, forming the powerful Northern Wei Dynasty that stood in opposition to the feudal dynasties of the south. The Tuoba Xianbei were the first northern nomadic people in Chinese history to enter the Central Plains and establish a feudal dynasty. With a broad and inclusive mindset, they extensively absorbed the advanced cultures of various ethnic groups, making significant contributions to the formation and development of the Chinese nation. This exhibition hall, with strong support from cultural relic departments of various provinces and cities, has been gradually improved and has become a comprehensive thematic exhibition that fully reflects the historical footprint of the Tuoba Xianbei. Through a large number of cultural relics such as imperial seals, gold stamps, pottery, and weapons, visitors can learn about the splendid history and unique ethnic culture of the Tuoba Xianbei, thereby enhancing national confidence and pride. Among the exhibits is the “Edict of Emperor Dao Wu of Wei,” issued to proclaim to the world his intentions in conquering the Central Plains. There is also the “Song of the grassland” (Chilege), which was originally sung in the Xianbei language by the Northern Wei general Hu Luoyin and has been passed down through the ages. When Hu Luoyin sang it, the melody was vigorous, stirring the heavens; the Xianbei generals listened in silence, enthralled and mesmerized. It is evident that this song has been widely spread among the Xianbei people for a long time, is considered one of the representative works of Xianbei culture, and is hailed as an eternal masterpiece.

The Oroqen Museum comprehensively displays the ethnic culture, historical culture, and forest culture within the autonomous banner, becoming an important tourist attraction and a cultural activity center for education, entertainment, and leisure.

Tel: 0471-4614000

Address: Daxing'anling Region, Heilongjiang Province

Further reading:

· National Third-Class Museum of China