Chasing the Northern Lights: The Ultimate Travel Guide to Mohe

anywherechina020
Jan 26
5 min read

Are you ready to venture to the "Rooster’s Crest" of China?

Mohe (漠河), located in the far north of Heilongjiang province, is a place of extremes. It is China’s northernmost city, facing Russia across the Heilongjiang River. It is the only place in China where you can witness the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) and experience the phenomenon of "polar days and polar nights."

While the temperatures can drop to bone-chilling levels (often reaching -40°C), the breathtaking scenery makes it a winter fairytale come to life. Here is your complete guide to conquering China’s North Pole.

❄️ When to Go

The golden window for visiting Mohe is November through March. This is when the snow is thickest, the river bends are frozen solid, and the "Splash Water into Ice" photography trick works perfectly. If you are chasing the Northern Lights, mid-winter gives you the long nights you need, though sightings are rare and precious!

🌟 Essence Attractions: What to See

1. Arctic Village (Beiji Village) Ticket: 68 CNY This is the tourist hub of Mohe. It’s famous for having the "Northernmost" everything. You must visit the Northernmost Post Office to mail a card to your distant friends (it gets a special postmark!). Don't miss the Golden Rooster Crown sculpture and the Divine Northern Pole monolith for that obligatory "I was here" photo.

2. Christmas Village Ticket: 60 CNY Located just east of Arctic Village, this theme park offers a festive vibe regardless of the month. It features a Santa Claus House (often with a Finnish Santa in residence during peak season), a Christmas Post Office, and a ski resort perfect for beginners and snow enthusiasts.

3. Beihong Village Ticket: Free For a more authentic experience, head to Beihong. Unlike the commercialized Arctic Village, Beihong retains a primitive, tranquil charm. It is technically more northern than Arctic Village and is home to Russian mixed-race residents, giving the architecture and culture a unique border-town feel.

4. Ewenki Reindeer Park Ticket: 30 CNY Hidden in the birch forests, you can visit the Ewenki people, known as "people living in the big mountains." Here, you can buy a basket of moss and hand-feed the gentle reindeer. It is a magical photo opportunity and a hit with animal lovers.

5. Longjiang First Bay & China’s Northernmost Point Ticket: 50 CNY (+60 CNY Scenic Car) Nature lovers cannot miss this. The Heilongjiang River makes a sharp "Omega" (Ω) turn here, creating a stunning island surrounded by water (or ice, in winter). Nearby at the Ussuri Shoal, you will find the actual China’s Northernmost Point stone. Once you stand here, everywhere else in China is South!

🗺️ The Perfect 3-Day Itinerary

Based on the logistics, here is the most efficient route to see it all.

Day 1: The Edge of the Map

Route: Mohe Train Station/Airport ➔ Longjiang First Bay ➔ Wusuli Shoal (Northernmost Point) ➔ Beihong Village.
Highlight: Standing at the true geographic north point of China.
Stay: Beihong Village (Experience a traditional "Kang" bed).

Day 2: Winter Fairytales

Route: Beihong Village ➔ Splash Water into Ice (Morning activity) ➔ Birch Forest ➔ Ewenki Reindeer Park ➔ Arctic Sandbar ➔ Skiing at Christmas Village.
Highlight: Feeding reindeer and the thrill of winter sports.
Stay: Arctic Village.

Day 3: City Charms & Departure

Route: Arctic Village ➔ Songyuan Primeval Forest (A rare forest in the city) ➔ 5.6 Fire Memorial Hall ➔ North Star Square ➔ Airport/Station.
Highlight: Learning about the resilience of the locals at the Fire Memorial Hall.

🚆 How to Get There & Around

Getting to Mohe Most travelers arrive via Harbin, the capital of Heilongjiang.

By Air: Direct flights from Harbin Taiping Airport to Mohe Gulian Airport take about 1.5 hours.
By Train: For the brave and budget-conscious, the "Snow Country Train" is an adventure in itself.
- K7039: Departs Harbin 17:18, Arrives 10:27 (+1 day).
- K5171 (Recommended): Departs 12:05, Arrives 06:48 (+1 day).
- Tip: The train ride is approximately 18 hours. Book a sleeper berth!

Getting Around Public transport is scarce in this remote region.

To Arctic Village: There are buses from Mohe City (7:00 AM, 10:30 AM, 2:00 PM), but they don't stop at scenic spots along the way.
Best Option: Private Charter. To reach Longjiang First Bay, Beihong Village, and the Reindeer Park efficiently, hiring a driver or joining a small tour group (like ours!) is highly recommended. It ensures you stay warm and don't miss hidden gems.

Where to Stay

Mohe City Center There are various types of hotels available at very affordable prices. At night, you can visit the famous Mohe Ballroom for a dance and enjoy the night view of Central Street.
Arctic Village (Beiji Village) There are many homestays here. A popular activity is waking up early, boiling water in your room, and heading outside to experience "Splashing Water into Ice" (the Mpemba effect).
Beihong Village Accommodation here consists mostly of local family-run guesthouses. These are typical Northeast "Mukeleng" (log cabin) structures. They feature "Kang" (heated brick beds) which are very clean and toasty warm. Note: Amenities are basic. Most do not provide disposable toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.), so you must bring your own.

💡 Tip: If you have high standards for comfort and facilities, it is better to choose accommodation in Arctic Village or Mohe City.

Important Travel Tips

Transport: You must either charter a car or join a tour. Public buses only go to Arctic Village. Even within Arctic Village in winter, distances are far and you will need taxis. Other attractions are inaccessible without a car.

Need the transportation? [Click here to Custom Your Trip] and book the car from us.

Distances: Mohe is surrounded by the primeval forests of the Greater Khingan Range. Attractions are often 80-100km apart with very few people in between.
Connectivity: There is signal in Mohe City, Arctic Village, and Beihong Village, but NO SERVICE on the roads between them. Please inform your family beforehand.
Fire Safety: Do not bring lighters or cigarettes into the mountains/forest areas. Fire prevention is priority.
Toiletries: Guesthouses generally do not provide disposable toiletries; please prepare your own.
Drones: Flying drones is strictly prohibited in border areas (near the river/Russia), but it is allowed within Mohe City limits.
Train Tickets: You MUST buy round-trip train tickets between Harbin and Mohe in advance! This is crucial as they sell out fast.
Photo Ops: Must-visit spots include standing among the tall pines in Songyuan Park and deep in the Birch Forest for those moody, "lonely aesthetic" shots.
Camera Care: Keep your camera warm! Before entering a warm room from the cold, put your camera in a plastic bag/ziplock. Do not turn it on immediately inside to prevent condensation on internal metal parts.
Eyewear: Contact lenses are highly recommended. If you wear glasses, prepare an anti-fog cloth or spray, otherwise, they will fog up and freeze instantly.
Tours: It is best to book a private charter/tour rather than a shared group with strangers. It offers freedom, and a local driver handles all transfers—safe and worry-free.

Ready to chase the north light and feel the freezeness? We specialize in crafting experiences that go beyond the guidebook. [Click here to Custom Your Trip] and tell us what you want to see. We will build a unique Mohe&Harbin Tour just for you.

Heat Packs: Bring plenty of adhesive heat packs (warmers)! Mohe is dry-cold and easily reaches -30°C. You will need them for yourself, your phone, and your camera batteries.
Season: Winter tourism runs from November to March, with December to February being the peak season.