Home of Hockey

Historical records reveal that Daur people were the first ethnic group to play field hockey in China, a practice which can be traced back nearly 1,000 years. In Morin Dawa, almost everyone, from toddlers to the elderly, knows how to play the game, hence the area’s reputation as the “Home of Hockey.”

Locals call it “beikuo,” but it bears a striking resemblance to modern-day hockey. Traditional “beikuo” sticks are made from slender oak branches with a crook on one end, and the balls are made of felt or tree knots. On important occasions such as sacrificial ceremonies, locals will hold “beikuo” games to celebrate. Many spectators will cheer on their favored team. Games are often held at night due to the fact that most villagers need to work during the daytime. Torches are used to light up the pitch, and small holes are drilled into the balls, which are then filled with turpentine, grease or other flammable liquids. When the match begins, the ball is lit, and players compete fiercely to gain possession, with bright lines zigzagging across the field as the object is passed.

Nowadays, oak-made sticks are seldom used in modern field hockey games. But the traditional “beikuo” remains popular in today’s Morin Dawa. The fact that seven of the 11 players who comprise the National Field Hockey Team of China come from Morin Dawa attests to the enduring popularity of the game there.

 Travel Tips 

How to Get There

Tourists can take the train to Qiqihar or Nehe City, Heilongjiang Province. From Qiqihar, there are buses to Morin Dawa costing about 25 yuan per person. Nehe is only 25 kilometers away from Nirgi Town, the administrative center of Morin Dawa Daur Autonomous Banner, and tourists can take a taxi from Nehe Railway Station. Self-driving tours are also recommended, so that tourists can enjoy the grassland scenery at their own pace.  

When to Visit

The best time to visit Morin Dawa is from July to September, when local grasslands are at their most beautiful and the climate is pleasant.  

Where to Stay

Tourists can stay in hotels in Nirgi Town or rent a room with local Daur families.  

What to See

In addition to picturesque grassland views, tourists can also enjoy camping, picnicking, and horse riding in summer months. During winter, fishing on icy lakes is a popular local pastime. Famous tourist attractions include Morin Dawa Mountain and China Daur Ethnic Park.

Morin Dawa Mountain: Located 90 kilometers away from Nirgi Town, the mountain provides the name for the Morin Dawa area. In summer, oak and birch trees thrive and wild flowers bloom, cattle graze on the mountainsides, and the Nuomin River flows silently at the foot of the mountain.

China Daur Ethnic Park: Hidden in the mountains nine kilometers north of Nirgi Town, the park is one of the most representative tourist spots in Morin Dawa. The admission fee is 25 yuan per person. Here, tourists can learn about Daur culture in depth. The east section of the park features a round recreational space, 90 meters in diameter. In the center of this is a huge column carved with Daur totems, as well as artwork which vividly depicts the ethnic group’s traditional lifestyle. In the southeast of the park is a monument to unsung heroes, which carries a steel sculpture depicting Daur soldiers fighting against Russian and Japanese invaders and Kuomintang troops.