Mohe
county-level city in Heilongjiang, China
Mohe (漠河, Mòhé) is in Heilongjiang Province.
Understand
Mohe is the northernmost city in China. It is part of Daxing'anling Prefecture in Heilongjiang Province. Its northern edge is on the Heilong (Amur) River that borders Russia. The climate is subarctic with frigid winters and warm summers and discontinuous permafrost.
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Climate
Low temperatures throughout the year。
Mohe is located in the northernmost part of Heilongjiang Province in China and has a cold temperate monsoon climate. The climate here is characterized by long, cold winters and short, cool summers. Mohe is one of the counties with the lowest temperature in China. The annual average temperature is about -5.5℃, and the extreme minimum temperature has reached -53℃. Although summer is warm, the temperature difference between day and night is large, and precipitation is concentrated in July. The spring and autumn seasons are short and windy in spring, while the temperature drops rapidly in autumn and is prone to early frost and freezing damage.
Get in
The best ways in are to fly or take a train.
By plane
- 🌍 Mohe Gulian Airport (OHE ). China's northernmost airport. Flights from Beijing–Capital, Harbin, Jiagedaqi and Jieyang.
However, direct flights may be limited and usually require a transfer from cities such as Harbin.
By train
- 🌍 Mohe Railway Station. (China's northernmost railway station) .
Taking a train from Harbin to Mohe is another common way. The train journey is longer, taking approximately 17-20 hours.
Get around
If you don't have your own car, you'll need to arrange for a car and driver. Buses to Beiji leave at 10:50 and 16:00 and cost ¥25. (10/2018) You could also walk for short distances.
In addition, you can also choose to charter a car or join a tour group, which is more convenient and faster, especially in winter, when local public transportation may not be as frequent as chartered services.
See
What there is to see in Mohe is the various "northernmosts" - the northernmost point, the northernmost outpost, the northernmost village, the northernmost post office, and so on. There is a large forest preserve in which is located an "Arctic Village" (Beiji Village). You'll also want to see Heilongjiang First Bayand Beihong Village. Around the time of the Summer Solstice, it's sometimes possible to see the Aurora Borealis in Beiji Village.
- 🌍 May 6th Fire Memorial Hall (五六火灾纪念馆). The May 6th Fire Memorial Hall commemorates the huge forest fire in Daxinganling in 1987 and displays the historical background and rescue process of the fire. (updated Oct 2024)
- 🌍 Guanyin Mountain (观音山). Guanyin Mountain is a peak about 600 meters high. There is the Guanyin Hall on the mountain, which is a good place to climb and pray for blessings. In autumn, the mountains of Guanyin Mountain are empty and the scenery is pleasant. (updated Oct 2024)
- 🌍 Arctic village (北极村). Arctic Village is located in Mohe City, Heilongjiang Province, China. It is the northernmost tourist attraction in China and enjoys the reputation of "Arctic Village" and "City That Never Sleeps". This is not only one of the best places in China to observe the Northern Lights, but also the location of China’s “First Outpost in the North.” Arctic Village is world-famous for the Northern Lights and the polar day phenomenon, especially during the summer solstice, when you can experience almost full-day daylight. In winter, Arctic Village has the opportunity to see the magnificent Northern Lights. (updated Oct 2024)
- 🌍 Heilongjiang First Bay (黑龙江第一湾). The First Bay of Heilongjiang is located in the Daxinganling area of Heilongjiang Province, China. It is a unique natural landscape formed by the rapid backflow of the Heilongjiang River in the Hongqiling section. This river bay is named after its spectacular "Ω" shape and is a national 4A-level tourist attraction. On the peninsula surrounded by rivers and bays, the scenery is different in the four seasons of spring, summer, autumn and winter. In spring, there are wonderful views of the river, in summer, there are green pines and cypresses, in autumn, the Wuhua Mountain is colorful, and in winter, it is covered with white snow. The First Bay of Heilongjiang not only has charming natural scenery, but is also one of the ideal places to watch the Northern Lights. (updated Oct 2024)
- 🌍 Beihong Village (北红村). Visitors can experience traditional Northeastern folk customs and taste local specialties such as roasted whole lamb and stewed cold-water fish. Along the Heilongjiang River, there are riverside parks where tourists can enjoy the clear river water and the Russian scenery on the other side. In addition, Beihong Post and 142 Boundary Monument are must-visit places for military enthusiasts and history enthusiasts. Sailors from China's northernmost army are stationed here to guard the borders of the motherland. (updated Oct 2024)
- 🌍 Christmas Village tourist attraction (圣诞村旅游景区). Take photos with Santa Claus and feel the strong Christmas atmosphere. It is a fun-filled family travel destination. (updated Oct 2024)
- 🌍 Jiuqu and Shibawan National Wetland Park (九曲十八弯国家湿地公园). This is a winding river. Especially in autumn, the wetland landscape is like a beautiful oil painting, which is very suitable for visiting and taking pictures. (updated Oct 2024)
Do
There's a place for skiing not far from the Santa Claus House. Walk around Beiji Village and take photos. Look across the river to see Russia. Set off fireworks in the square.
Reindeer Park: Get close contact with reindeer and experience the Evenki lifestyle.
Buy
Products made from the wild blueberries that grow here - candies, jams, juices, and wines.
Cod: The cod abundant in Mohe is a precious cold-water fish known for its tender meat and rich nutrition.
Oncorhynchus keta: This is a large economic fish with delicious meat that can be eaten fresh or processed into canned products. Its roe enjoys a high reputation in the international market.
In addition, there are hazelnuts, hairy mushrooms, yogada fruits (also known as northern red fruits), and air-dried sausages.
These Mohe specialty foods can be purchased at local shopping malls or souvenir shops.
There's also a shop in Beiji Village where you can buy Russian-made products.
Eat
Local restaurants are small and serve typical regional foods.
Mohe barbecue, Mohe fish stew, chicken stewed with wild mushrooms, dogfish meatball soup, wild vegetables stewed black pork, etc. are all special dishes worth tasting.
Drink
Blueberry wine is produced here.
Ice and snow honey water: The winter in Mohe is long, and the nectar collected by the bees is unique, and the honey made has a unique flavor.
Wild wolfberry tea: The wild wolfberry grown in the Mohe area is of high quality. Tea brewed with wild wolfberry has a very good nourishing effect and is suitable for drinking in cold climates, helping to enhance the body's resistance.
Sleep
There are plenty of small hotels, youth hostels, and farm stays, particularly in the "city" by the airport or train station, as well as Beiji Village and Beihong Village. Beiji Village is your best option.
Recommendation:
- 🌍 Mohe Shiye Zhiyou Boutique B&B (漠河拾叶知悠精品民宿). This B&B is located in Arctic Village. It has received praise from tourists for its warm loft-style design and warm service. (updated Oct 2024)
- 🌍 Daxinganling Mohe Shengyuan Hotel (大兴安岭漠河圣源宾馆). The hotel has a strategic location and convenient transportation, and is close to attractions such as Polaris Park and the May 6th Fire Memorial Hall. (updated Oct 2024)
- 🌍 Marriott Holiday Inn Arctic (北极万豪假日酒店). (updated Oct 2024)
Things to note
1.Climatic conditions:
Mohe is located in the northernmost part of China and has a cold temperate continental climate. Winters are very cold, with temperatures reaching dozens of degrees below zero. Therefore, keeping warm is the first priority when traveling in Mohe. In addition, due to the low outdoor temperature, the battery is easy to drain quickly, so it is recommended to bring extra batteries and power banks.
2.Communication issues:
Cell phone coverage around Mohe may be poor, especially in remote areas. Make sure to inform family or friends of your trip before setting off, and stay in touch wherever there is signal.
3.Transportation arrangements:
The scenic spots in Mohe are far apart and there is no convenient public transportation. Chartering a car, driving yourself or joining a tour group are the more ideal ways to travel. If you choose to drive yourself, you need to pay attention to road conditions and weather changes, especially in winter when the roads may become icy.
4.Respect local culture and environment:
During the tour, please respect local customs and religious beliefs, and do not destroy the natural environment at will. Mohe is the only place in China where you can see the Northern Lights and the Aurora Borealis. Protecting the local ecological environment is crucial to maintaining these natural wonders.
5.Other notes:
- In summer, the sun rises earlier in Mohe. You can go to the Heilongjiang River to enjoy the beautiful morning fog in the early morning.
- Carry a multi-purpose knife and first aid kit for possible emergencies.