· Origin
The ancestors of the Hezhe people are believed to have lived in the northeastern part of China for a long time. Over centuries, they gradually settled in the areas along the Songhua, Heilong, and Wusuli Rivers. The geographical environment, with its cold climate, vast forests, and numerous rivers, shaped their unique cultural identity. The migration might have been driven by factors such as the search for abundant fishing resources, avoiding conflicts with other groups, and following the natural migration patterns of fish and animals.

· Development
Throughout history, the Hezhe people have had interactions with neighboring ethnic groups like the Manchu, Korean, and Oroqen. Through trade, they exchanged goods such as fish products, furs, and handicrafts. Cultural exchanges also took place, including the sharing of traditional songs, dances, and religious beliefs. For example, some elements of Manchu art and customs have had a subtle influence on the Hezhe's own cultural expressions. During different historical periods, they also participated in local economic activities, contributing to the development of the region's fishing, hunting, and handicraft industries.

· Modern Times
In modern times, with the implementation of China's ethnic minority policies, the living conditions of the Hezhe people have improved significantly. The government has invested in infrastructure construction, including roads, schools, and medical facilities in Hezhe - inhabited areas. This has facilitated better access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. The Hezhe people actively participate in the modernization process while striving to preserve their traditional culture. They have embraced modern technology in fishing and handicraft production, and some have engaged in tourism - related activities to showcase their unique culture to the outside world.

· Quantity
As of the 7th National Population Census in 2020, the population of the Hezhe Nationality in China is approximately 5,373, making them one of the smallest ethnic minority groups in China.

· Distribution
The majority of the Hezhe people live in Tongjiang City, Fuyuan County, and Raohe County in Heilongjiang Province. These areas are located in the eastern part of Heilongjiang, with a cold - temperate climate, vast wetlands, and numerous rivers. The climate is characterized by long, cold winters and short, cool summers. There are also small Hezhe communities in adjacent areas, where they have adapted to the local ecological environment and engaged in activities such as fishing, hunting, and farming.

· Traditional Economy
Traditionally, the Hezhe economy was mainly based on fishing and hunting. Fishing was the most important economic activity, as the rivers in their habitat were rich in various fish species. They used simple fishing tools such as nets, hooks, and spears to catch fish. Hunting was also significant, with animals like deer, bears, and foxes being common targets. The furs and meat obtained from hunting were used for clothing and food. In addition, they engaged in some farming activities, growing crops such as millet, sorghum, and beans on a small scale. Handicrafts, such as fish - skin and fur - making, were developed to meet daily needs, using locally available materials.

· Modern Economy
In modern times, the Hezhe economy has diversified. While fishing and hunting still play important roles, more stable forms of agriculture have been introduced. They now grow a wider variety of crops, including rice, wheat, and vegetables. Livestock farming, mainly raising pigs, cattle, and sheep, has also become more common. Tourism has emerged as an important economic sector. The unique Hezhe culture, beautiful natural scenery along the rivers, and traditional villages attract a growing number of tourists. Many Hezhe communities have developed cultural tourism projects, offering services such as homestays, guided fishing and hunting tours, and traditional performances, which have increased the income of local residents. Additionally, some Hezhe people are engaged in small - scale businesses, such as opening shops and restaurants.

· Language and Script
The Hezhe language belongs to the Manchu - Tungusic branch of the Altaic language family. In the past, the Hezhe people did not have a widely - used written script. In modern times, the Chinese government has helped create a Cyrillic - based written system for the Hezhe language to facilitate language preservation and education. Many Hezhe people are bilingual, speaking both Hezhe and Chinese, which helps them communicate with the outside world and integrate into the broader Chinese society. Education plays a crucial role in language preservation, with Hezhe - language courses being offered in some schools in Hezhe - inhabited areas.

· Religious Beliefs
Shamanism is the core of the Hezhe people's religious beliefs. They believe that everything in nature, including rivers, mountains, trees, and animals, has a spirit. These spirits can influence their lives, so they perform various rituals to appease and communicate with them. For example, before starting a fishing or hunting season, they hold ceremonies to pray for good luck and a bountiful harvest. Tibetan Buddhism and Christianity have also had some influence on the Hezhe in certain regions, especially in terms of religious art and some ritual elements. Monasteries (in areas influenced by Tibetan Buddhism) and churches (in areas influenced by Christianity) and religious leaders play important roles in the spiritual life of the community, providing guidance and conducting religious ceremonies.

· Clothing
Traditional Hezhe clothing is closely related to their fishing and hunting lifestyle and the cold climate. Men usually wear a short - sleeved shirt made of fish - skin or fur, paired with loose - fitting trousers. In cold weather, they wear a long - sleeved fur coat or a jacket. A hat made of animal fur is often worn to protect against the cold. Women's clothing is more elaborate. They wear a long - sleeved blouse with a high collar, usually decorated with colorful embroidery and beads. A long skirt made of bright - colored cloth is worn below the blouse, and a belt is tied around the waist. Women also wear various accessories such as necklaces, bracelets, and earrings made of beads, shells, and metals. In modern times, while traditional clothing is still worn on special occasions and religious festivals, daily clothing has become more similar to that of the mainstream Chinese population in urban areas.

· Literature
Hezhe literature includes both oral and written forms. Oral literature is rich and diverse, including folk tales, legends, songs, and proverbs. These oral works are passed down from generation to generation through storytelling and singing, conveying the history, values, and beliefs of the Hezhe people. Folk tales often feature heroes, magical creatures, and moral lessons, reflecting the Hezhe people's imagination and their understanding of the world. Written literature is relatively less developed due to the lack of a traditional written script in the past. However, in recent years, with the creation of the Hezhe written system, more Hezhe writers have started to express their thoughts and feelings about life, culture, and society in written form, contributing to the development of Hezhe literature.

· Transportation
In the past, due to the river - based living environment, the Hezhe people mainly relied on boats for transportation. They were skilled at making and using various types of boats, such as wooden boats and canoes, for fishing and traveling along the rivers. For short - distance travel on land, they used sledges pulled by dogs or reindeer in some areas. In modern times, with the development of infrastructure in Hezhe - inhabited areas, roads have been built, and motorcycles, cars, and buses have become common means of transportation on land. However, boats still play an important role in their daily life, especially for fishing and traveling between river - side villages.

· Medicine
Traditional Hezhe medicine is based on a combination of local herbal knowledge and some folk medical practices. Hezhe healers have extensive knowledge of local herbs and plants and use them to treat various diseases. They believe in the balance of the body's energy and the harmony between the body and the environment. Traditional medical practices include herbal remedies, massage, and bone - setting. In recent years, with the improvement of medical conditions in Hezhe - inhabited areas, traditional Hezhe medicine has been integrated with modern medical systems to provide more comprehensive medical services for the people. Modern medical facilities such as clinics and hospitals have been established, and medical staff are trained to combine traditional and modern medical knowledge.

· Calendar
The Hezhe people have their own traditional calendar system based on the observation of natural phenomena such as the migration patterns of fish, the growth cycles of plants, and the changes in weather. This calendar helps them determine the best time for fishing, hunting, and other activities. In modern times, they also use the Gregorian calendar for daily life and modern economic activities, but the traditional calendar still plays an important role in guiding their traditional fishing and cultural practices.

· Music
Hezhe music is characterized by its simple and melodious tunes, often reflecting the life, emotions, and religious beliefs of the Hezhe people. Folk songs are an important form of Hezhe music, covering topics such as love, labor, and nature. Traditional Hezhe musical instruments include the "tongken" (a kind of wooden drum), the "hailin" (a bamboo flute), and the "wusuli" (a stringed instrument made of wood and animal sinew). During religious festivals, weddings, and other important celebrations, Hezhe people gather together to sing and play music, creating a joyful and solemn atmosphere. Music is also an important part of religious ceremonies, used to express reverence and devotion to the spirits.

· Dance
Hezhe dance is often performed during religious festivals and social gatherings. The dances are usually lively and energetic, with movements that reflect the characteristics of Hezhe culture and religious beliefs. For example, some dances imitate the actions of fishing, hunting, and animal movements, showing the deep - rooted connection between the Hezhe people and their traditional lifestyle. The dancers often wear traditional clothing, adding to the visual appeal of the performances. Dance is not only a form of entertainment but also a way to pass on cultural traditions and strengthen community bonds.

· Architecture
Traditional Hezhe architecture is designed to meet the needs of their local environment and cultural lifestyle. Hezhe villages are usually built along the rivers, with houses arranged in a linear or semi - clustered manner. Traditional houses are mainly made of wood and birch bark, with a sloped roof covered with thatch or birch bark. The interior of the house is divided into several rooms, including a living room, a bedroom, and a kitchen. Some houses have a fireplace in the center of the living room, which is used for cooking, heating, and gathering. In modern times, with the improvement of living standards, some Hezhe people have built brick - and - concrete houses, but they still retain some traditional architectural elements, such as the sloped roof and the layout of the rooms.

· Arts and Crafts
Hezhe arts and crafts are renowned for their fine workmanship and unique designs. The most famous crafts include fish - skin and fur - making. Hezhe artisans use fish - skin and animal furs to make clothing, bags, and decorative items. The fish - skin products are not only durable but also have a unique texture and pattern. Fur - making is also highly developed, with furs being used to make warm coats, hats, and gloves. In addition, wood - carving and bead - work are also important crafts, with Hezhe artisans creating various figures, animals, and religious symbols on wood and using beads to decorate clothing and accessories.

· Etiquette
Hezhe etiquette is based on respect, hospitality, and politeness. When guests arrive at a Hezhe home, they are usually greeted warmly with a smile and a handshake. The host will offer tea or homemade wine to the guests, and it is customary to accept these offerings as a sign of respect. During meals, guests are often served the best food, and it is polite to praise the host's cooking. The Hezhe people also place great importance on helping others, especially the poor, the elderly, and the disabled. In social interactions, it is important to be honest, sincere, and show genuine concern for others.

· Marriage Customs
Hezhe marriage customs are a combination of traditional practices and religious rituals. Marriages are usually arranged by the families of the bride and groom, but the consent of the couple is also essential. The engagement ceremony is an important step, during which the groom's family presents gifts such as fish, furs, and jewelry to the bride's family as a sign of respect and goodwill. The wedding ceremony is a grand event that combines religious and civil elements. The bride and groom wear traditional wedding attire, and there are a series of ceremonies, such as the blessing by the religious leader, the exchange of gifts, and the throwing of rice grains. After the wedding, there is usually a wedding reception to celebrate the union of the two families, with traditional music and dance performances.

· Festivals
The Hezhe people celebrate a variety of festivals throughout the year, including religious festivals and some national festivals. The major religious festivals include the "Ulen Festival," which is an important occasion for the Hezhe people to express their gratitude to the spirits and pray for a good harvest and good luck in fishing and hunting. During this festival, people wear traditional clothing, hold religious ceremonies, and participate in various cultural activities such as singing, dancing, and sports competitions. The Spring Festival and the National Day are also celebrated by the Hezhe people following the general customs of the Chinese nation, which helps strengthen their sense of national identity and unity.

· Diet
Hezhe cuisine is influenced by their fishing and hunting lifestyle and local ingredients. Fish is a staple food, and they make various dishes from it, such as smoked fish, dried fish, and fish stew. Meat, especially venison and bear meat, is also an important part of their diet, and is often cooked in stews, grilled, or roasted. Dairy products are not very common in their traditional diet. Vegetables and wild herbs are widely consumed, with dishes featuring potatoes, cabbages, and various wild greens. Tea is an important beverage and is often served with meals or during social gatherings.

· Funeral Customs
Hezhe funeral customs are based on Shamanist beliefs and religious rituals. When a person dies, the body is cleaned and dressed in clean clothes. The family and relatives hold a wake, during which they sing funeral songs and pray for the soul of the deceased. The funeral ceremony is then performed, usually with the participation of a shaman. The body is usually buried in a local cemetery, and some rituals are carried out to ensure the smooth transition of the soul to the afterlife. During the funeral period, family and friends gather to pay their respects and offer condolences. After the funeral, there is a period of mourning, during which the family avoids certain activities and follows specific customs to show respect for the deceased.