QIQIHAR — The city of Qiqihar in China's northeastern Heilongjiang Province has laid claim to the title of "international barbecue capital," grounding the assertion in centuries of culinary tradition shaped by multiple ethnic communities.
Qiqihar, home to 1.5 million people in its urban core, developed into a major transportation hub after the Chinese Eastern Railway was established in 1903. The city served as an important military base during the Japanese occupation between 1931 and 1945.
The name Qiqihar comes from the Daur language, meaning "natural pasture," reflecting the region's grasslands nurtured by the Nenjiang River. That landscape helped foster the local barbecue culture.
Qiqihar barbecue has evolved by incorporating techniques and flavors from Manchu, Mongolian, Chaoxian, Hui, Daur, and Ewenki communities. The preparation typically involves beef marinated beforehand and grilled on an iron plate with onions and cilantro, then dipped in dry seasoning. A meal generally costs 70 to 80 yuan per person, accompanied by Harbin beer or peach juice.
Beyond its culinary reputation, Qiqihar draws visitors to its natural environment. A national park in the city's suburbs features grasslands and marshes known for cranes, which are released each morning to fly freely. The city also maintains large parks and historical sites, though its streets grow quiet by 9 p.m.
