Mohe Travel Guide

Plan your visit to Mohe with this travel guide featuring natural attractions, outdoor adventures, cultural landmarks, dining options, and transportation information.


Introduction to Mohe

Mohe is a small county located in Heilongjiang, the northernmost province in China. Dubbed as the “Arctic Village of China”, Mohe is a popular destination among travelers seeking to witness the beautiful Aurora Borealis in China. With its unique natural scenery, fascinating ethnic culture, and beautiful landscapes, Mohe offers a serene and tranquil escape from the bustling urbanity of China. In this comprehensive travel guide, we will walk you through the top attractions of Mohe and provide tips to help you plan your visit.

List of Places to Visit in Mohe

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Mohe Ethnic Museum: Explore the ethnic culture and history of Mohe in this museum that showcases different aspects of the Ewenki customs and traditions through photos, films, and artifacts.

  2. Arctic Village: Discover the architecture, customs and traditions of Mohe Ewenki ethnic group in this reconstructed park featuring the Mohe of early 20th century.

  3. Beiji Temple: Experience the spiritual and religious culture of Northern China by visiting Beiji Temple, one of the ancient temples of Mohe. It’s believed that the temple can bring good luck if people touch the large deity statue inside.

Natural Attractions of Mohe: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Arctic Village Scenic Area: This family-friendly park displays the history of Ewenkis with wax figures, costumes, and buildings modeled on the homes of the ethnic group. Walk up to the Scenic Tower and enjoy a panoramic view of the whole park.

  2. Yanzhi Valley: Located 20km from the Mohe County, Yanzhi Valley is an oasis of serenity, with thick forests, icy streams, and beautiful flowers. During winter, the valley transforms into a fairy tale-like winter wonderland, with surreal ice and snow sculptures lit up at night.

  3. Heilongtan National Forest Park: Enjoy a peaceful hike and explore the tranquil surroundings of Mohe in the largest national park in Heilongjiang. A wide range of activities like boating and camping are offered to make your journey more exciting.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Mohe

  1. Beihong Road: This path along the Mohe River is an excellent choice for those who want to travel through Mohe’s picturesque forests.

  2. Shaqing River: Explore Mohe’s popular ecological park by bicycling next to the Shaqing River, which is also known as Mohe’s backyard garden.

  3. Huzhong National Wetland Reserve: Known as small Siberia in China, Huzhong National Wetland Reserve gives a wild feeling to hikers who’ll be fond of the snowy woods here.

Best Things to Do in Mohe: Activities and Tours

  1. Northern Lights Viewing Tour: The best time to experience the Northern Lights in Mohe is from December to February. With tour guides directing you to the most ideal locations for viewing, you can guarantee one of the best sightings of this natural phenomenon.

  2. Skiing in Beihong Mountain Ski Resort：With average snowfall well over 1 meter, Beihong Mountain is a playground for ski lovers or anyone fascinated by snow.

  3. Dog Sledding Tour: Immerse yourself in the snow, nature and the beauty of the Northern Lights by embarking on a dog sledding tour in Mohe. Experience the thrill of mushing a husky-drawn sled through the Arctic village’s snowy trails.

Week-Long Itinerary for Mohe

Day Itinerary
1 Visit Mohe Ethnic Museum, Beiji Temple, and Arctic Village
2 Explore Beihong Mountain Ski Resort and view the Northern Lights
3 Head to Huzhong National Wetland Reserve
4 Go dog-sledding through Mohe’s snowy scenery
5 Hike around Heilongtan National Forest Park
6 Take a day trip to Yanzhi Valley and enjoy the hot springs
7 Practice cycling in Shaqing River

Food and Drink Scene of Mohe

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Roast Whole Sheep: Mohe is famous for its roasted whole sheep, which is traditionally served at weddings or banquets. The dish features lamb that is coated in caramelized sugar and then roasted whole over an open flame until it becomes crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

  2. Roast Chestnuts: Chestnuts grow in abundance in Mohe and are considered one of the most important foods of the Ewenki tribe. Roast chestnuts are a baked pastry with a crisp crust with a soft centre.

  3. Arctic Fish: A unique type of fish that can only survive in waters below 9°C. With its high content of protein and essential amino acids, arctic fish is used in many traditional Ewenki dishes.

Local Beverages

  1. Birch Juice：Savour the unique and refreshing birch juice or beer, made using the sap extracted from birch trees in Mohe.

  2. Heimalaya Black Tea：Mohe’s unique cold-resistant natural environment allows Heimalaya teas to retain their unique aroma with a touch of floral fragrance.

  3. Wineberry Wine: Birch juice, honey, and a local berry known as wineberry make up this sweet and refreshing wine.

Where to Stay in Mohe: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Mohe has an array of comfortable choices ranging from luxury hotels to YHA hostels. It is recommended to stay near Beihong Mountain or the downtown area, which makes sightseeing easier.

  1. Mohe Shenlu Hotel: Situated in the central area of Mohe, it is one of the top-rated hotels in Mohe for its clean and tidy rooms and convenient location.

  2. Mohe Ski Resort: With a superb location next to the Beihong Mountain Ski Resort, lodgers can enjoy the convenience of taking skiing trips and viewing Aurora Lights easily.

  3. Arctic Morning Xinyue Homestay: Experience the warmth of staying in the house of locals, and enjoy the delicious food cooked by them during your stay here.

What to Buy in Mohe: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Ewenki Folk Art: Ewenki features unique cultural aesthetics and technological heritage. Handmade souvenirs like wooden sculptures, traditional clothes, and woven camel hair blankets are found in souvenir shops around Mohe County.

  2. Arctic Herbal Tea: There are various types of tea in Mohe, and the most highly cherished are Arctic Herbal Tea with its healthy tonic effects and long-lasting floral scent.

  3. Birch Juice and Wineberry Wine: Birch juice and wineberry wine can be taken home and enjoyed after you leave Mohe. It’s a perfect way to remember the taste of Mohe.

Local Culture and Customs of Mohe

With distinct location and climate, Mohe preserves a unique culture and tradition that has been passed down generation after generation. The Ewenki tribe dominates Mohe, and they have their own customs, traditions, and festivals. If you visit during the special festivals, you’ll get a chance to witness the local cultural performances, including the Ewenki’s hunting ceremony and grand wedding.

Best Time to Visit Mohe

The best time to visit Mohe is between December and February to witness the magnificent Northern Lights. However, if you plan to visit during summer, June to August are the best months for outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Mohe

Do:

  1. Dress for the Climate: Mohe experiences long winters with temperatures reaching -40°C. Be sure to pack warm clothing, including thermal underwear, hats, gloves, and heavy jackets.

  2. Visit Beiji Temple: Beiji Temple is regarded as the holiest place in Mohe, so visiting the temple without fail is a must-do in Mohe.

  3. Enjoy the Aurora Borealis: Watching the uncanny natural phenomenon of the Northern Lights is a must-visit for every traveler in Mohe.

Don’t:

  1. Don’t Throw Litter: Keep Mohe County clean and respect the etiquette of local people. It is crucial not to litter and attract any animals that could cause damage.

  2. Don’t Disturb the Wildlife: Although gentle and lovely, many animals in Mohe, such as reindeer and giant owls, are under special protection.

  3. Don’t Miss the Chance to Experience Local Culture: A visit to Mohe is incomplete without experiencing its unique local culture, so try to join in Ewenki’s local folk activity to explore more about their traditions.

Safety and Health

Safety in Mohe

Mohe County is a safe place to travel with little crime. However, it is endurable to keep an eye on your luggage, especially when taking public transportation. Roads can become treacherous during winter, so be cautious when driving.

Health in Mohe

Mohe is a cold area, and travelers may suffer from altitude sickness, resulting in the common cold. During winter, it’s essential to protect yourself against cold shocks by consuming plenty of hot water, take vitamin C pills, and dress warmly.

Getting to Mohe: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Mohe

  1. Mohe Gulian Airport (OHE): The nearest airport to Mohe, it offers direct flights to Beijing, several regional cities in the northeast region.

  2. Harbin Taiping International Airport (HRB): Located about 650km from Mohe, Harbin Taiping International Airport is an option to consider when all flights are booked up in advance.

Bus Stations Near Mohe

There are two main bus stations in Mohe, and you can access them by taking a taxi or bus from the airport. It is quite challenging to navigate Mohe due to its cold and remote location. Still, local buses and taxis can reach Arctic Village and other major scenic areas in Mohe.

Other Options

  1. Road: Traveling from Harbin, Shenyang, or other cities in the northeastern provinces, you can take the expressways or National Road 301 to Mohe County.

  2. Train: There is no railway in Mohe, but visitors can take a train to Heihe or Suifenhe, then take a bus or taxi from the station.

How to Get Around in Mohe

Taxis or buses outside the airport, guesthouse or hotel are the best way to travel around Mohe County. Many visitors rent bikes and do self-guided tours of the scenic area. There are also distinct local public transportation choices, such as dog sleds and reindeer sleighs in winter.

Where to Go Next from Mohe: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Genhe City: Genhe City is located to the east of Mohe and is another place where animals such as reindeer and sika deer run free in the northern region.

  2. Erguna City: Located in the upstream of the Argun River, Erguna City is known as “cradle of the three rivers,” as the Argun, Heilongjiang, and Wusuli rivers all originate here.

Conclusion

Mohe is an extraordinary place that offers travelers a unique experience of natural beauty, local culture, and adventure. Witnessing the Northern Lights and engaging in outdoor activities, along with local customs and food, make Mohe a destination for any traveler looking for an exciting adventure in northeastern China. With this travel guide, you are now well-equipped to plan your trip to Mohe and make the most of your journey in this arctic village of China.