This irregularly-shaped province has a northwestern extension that includes the north end of the Greater Hingan (or Khingan) Mountains. The Lesser Hingan Mountains are further east and entirely within the province. The greater range points northeast and the lesser northwest, marking off a triangle that is the top of the Songnen Plain. This plain's name comes from the Songhua and Nen Rivers which flow through it. The lowermost course of the Songhua, quite near the lowermost course of the Wussuri or Ussuri River, is called the Three River (Sanjiang) Plain--the third river being the Amur or Heilong that the Songhua and Wussuri both enter. This plain is naturally marshy after floods from rains. To its southwest, and east of the Songnen Plain are more low mountains. The Songnen Plain continues south of the province as in integral piece of the Northeast China Plain.
The Amur River forms at the northwest corner of the province from the Ergun (or Argun') and Shilka rivers. It forms the northern and eastern national boundary, including Xingkai or Xinkathu or Chanka Lake.
The capital of Heilongjiang, in central_and_northeastern China is Harbin and its two other great cities are Qiqihar(3) and the Daqing metropolitan area. Daqing is located between the first two. Eight other cities (shi) have a million or more residents.
north and east
southwest
northwest
(1) Hei-lung-chiang in Wade-Giles transliteration. Translates literally as Black Dragon River.
(2) Sheng in Wade-Giles transliteration.
(3) Or Tsitsihar.