Unique Tourism Experience in Heilongjiang: A Journey Through History as an Exile in Ningguta
In an ambitious and unusual approach to boost tourism, Heilongjiang province in China is set to introduce an immersive tourism experience where visitors will walk in the footsteps of exiled prisoners from the Qing Dynasty.
This experience, anticipated to launch in December, will allow tourists to dress in prisoner uniforms, wear handcuffs, and traverse the same arduous paths once traveled by the exiled. According to the South China Morning Post, this initiative is expected to draw attention from tourists seeking unique cultural experiences, and it has already generated considerable debate on Chinese social media.
Mudanjiang, a city in southeastern Heilongjiang, was once home to Ningguta, an ancient military outpost known for its use as a remote exile destination during the Qing Dynasty (1644–1911). Historical accounts reveal that over 1.5 million people were exiled to Ningguta for serious crimes, often enduring harsh, dangerous journeys. Many did not survive the trek, while those who did often faced a lifetime of forced labor under local officials.
Ningguta has since gained additional fame through the popular Chinese historical drama Empresses in the Palace, in which Emperor Yongzheng famously sends a consort’s family into exile there. This narrative has fueled public fascination with Ningguta, igniting interest in its history of punishment and hardship.
On platforms like Weibo, the reaction to this unique tourism package has been mixed. Many young people are intrigued by the opportunity to physically and mentally experience the challenges of ancient exiles. “I can’t wait to go to Ningguta this winter and do a ‘prisoner’ hike,” one Weibo user posted.
READ ALSO: Minister Reveals Why India Buys Russian Oil: “Did Entire World A Favour”
“It sounds like a great way to relieve tension.” Another commented, “This is a creative way to promote local history and culture. It appeals to younger generations who want to learn about the past in an engaging way.”
Others, however, have raised ethical concerns. They argue that the new tourism venture may trivialize a dark period of suffering. “Many intellectuals and patriots were forcibly exiled to Ningguta, which became a tragic place in Chinese history,” one social media user noted. “This experience seems insensitive to the trauma associated with that past.”
Despite the controversy, officials hope that this creative reimagining of historical hardship will draw significant tourism, spotlighting Heilongjiang’s rich history. The tourism project not only aims to attract more visitors but also to provide an educational opportunity that connects people to a challenging aspect of China’s past.
Whether viewed as an innovative cultural experience or an insensitive portrayal of historical suffering, the Ningguta experience is certainly sparking conversations about the intersection of history and modern tourism.
As December approaches, many are watching closely to see how this unique venture will unfold and what impact it will have on tourism in Heilongjiang—and whether it will truly offer visitors an understanding of life as a Qing Dynasty exile.