The city of Mudanjiang in northeastern China’s Heilongjiang province is set to offer a unique and immersive tourism experience, retracing the ancient exile routes of Ningguta. This controversial new project, launching in December, aims to attract visitors by allowing them to step into the shoes of exiled prisoners from the Qing dynasty era (1644-1911), complete with historically inspired prisoner uniforms and shackles.
Ningguta, an ancient military town, was a notorious destination for banishment during the Qing dynasty. Historical records indicate that over 1.5 million people were exiled to Ningguta for serious offenses, often enduring harsh conditions and long, arduous journeys. Many prisoners perished on their way, while those who survived were frequently subjected to forced labor under local officials.
The immersive experience, taking place at the Jingpo Lake scenic area in Heilongjiang, will provide tourists with costumes resembling traditional pink or blue prisoner uniforms, complete with wooden collars and shackles. Actors dressed as ancient guards will further enhance the authenticity of the reenactment, giving visitors a glimpse into the harsh realities faced by exiles. As part of the experience, tourists may also have the option to bungee jump, symbolizing the despair of exiles who sometimes chose to leap from cliffs.
This new tourism initiative has garnered significant attention on mainland social media platforms like Weibo. Some users have expressed excitement, calling it a creative and engaging way to connect with local history and culture. “I can’t wait to try the ‘prisoner’ hike this winter; it sounds like a unique and stress-relieving activity,” commented one enthusiastic user.
However, the project has also faced backlash from those who view it as an insensitive representation of a painful chapter in Chinese history. Critics argue that Ningguta was the site of immense suffering, where many intellectuals, patriots, and ordinary citizens were wrongfully persecuted. The area became well-known through the popular historical drama Empresses in the Palace, which depicted the tragic exile of a royal consort’s family to Ningguta.
The ancient Chinese justice system employed severe punishment methods, with some of the most infamous being lingchi, or “slow slicing,” where victims were gradually dismembered, and needle insertion, a form of torture inflicted primarily on female prisoners.
While the local government hopes the project will boost tourism and revenue, it has sparked a debate over whether such an experience trivializes historical trauma. Supporters believe it offers a chance to learn about history interactively, while detractors feel it disrespects the memory of those who suffered. As the experience is set to launch next month, it remains to be seen how it will be received by the public and whether it can balance historical education with respectful commemoration.
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