Ningguta

Ningguta lies beside the Mudan River, in a country of forests and fertile valleys. Long associated with Jurchen communities, it became a major Qing garrison and administrative centre beyond the Willow Palisade. The town was also a destination for exiles sent from other parts of the empire, whose lives were shaped by the severe climate and obligations imposed upon them.

A Qing garrison was established here in 1652, and Ningguta served as the seat of the general responsible for the northeastern frontier. In 1658 Sarhuda led a river expedition from this region against Russian Cossacks on the Amur, with Korean troops among his forces. The general's headquarters moved to Jilin in 1676, but Ningguta remained important. Visitors in 1709 described trade in forest products and sable pelts alongside villages where settlers and exiles cultivated grain.