Mohe
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Mohe (漠河, Mòhé) is in Heilongjiang Province.
Understand
[edit]Mohe is the northernmost city in China. It is part of Daxing'anling Prefecture. 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.Mohe, the northernmost city in China, attracts visitors with its unique "northernmost" culture, extreme cold experiences, and the chance to see the aurora. With stunning snow-covered landscapes, pristine forests, and clear starry skies, it is an ideal destination for sightseeing and photography. People visit Mohe not only to challenge its harsh climate but also to experience its distinctive blend of nature and culture.
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Climate
[edit]Mohe has a cold temperate continental 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℃. Winters are very cold, with temperatures reaching dozens of degrees below zero. 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.
- See also: Cold weather
Get in
[edit]The best ways in are to fly or take a train.
By plane
[edit]- 1 Mohe Gulian Airport (OHE IATA). 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
[edit]- 2 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
[edit]
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.
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 also: Driving in China, Winter driving
See
[edit]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.
- 1 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.
- 2 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.
- 3 Arctic village (北极村). Arctic Village is the northernmost tourist attraction in China and enjoys the reputation of a "City That Never Sleeps". This is not only one of the best places in China to observe the Northern Lights, but 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.
- 4 Heilongjiang First Bay (黑龙江第一湾). The First Bay of Heilongjiang is located in the Daxinganling area. 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.
- 5 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.
- 6 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.
- 7 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.
Do
[edit]- Santa Claus House (圣诞老人之家). 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: (驯鹿公园). Get close contact with reindeer and experience the Evenki lifestyle.
Festival
[edit]Here are some special festivals in Mohe, reflecting its unique geographical location and natural features:
1. Arctic Ice and Snow Festival
[edit]- Time: From December to February (winter season).
- Features: Similar to the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival but with an "Arctic" theme, featuring snow sculptures, ice lanterns, and ice activities like skiing and snowmobiling.
- Significance: Showcases Mohe's icy charm and winter culture.
2. Summer Solstice Festival
[edit]- Time: Around June 21 (summer solstice).
- Features: Due to its proximity to the Arctic Circle, Mohe experiences nearly 20 hours of daylight during the summer solstice, with some areas witnessing a "midnight sun" effect.
- Activities: Bonfire parties, folk performances, and celebration ceremonies under the "white night."
- Significance: Celebrates the longest day of the year, highlighting Mohe's harmony with nature and culture.
3. Throwing Water to Ice Festival
[edit]- Time: Usually around January during the winter season.
- Features: Activities and competitions where water is thrown into the air and instantly freezes, creating beautiful ice formations.
- Significance: Attracts visitors to experience the extreme cold and the beauty of Mohe's winter.
4. Aurora Festival
[edit]- Time: No fixed date, usually on clear, cold winter nights.
- Features: Stargazing and aurora-themed cultural events.
- Significance: Provides a rare opportunity for astronomy and photography enthusiasts to witness the aurora and the starry night sky.
These festivals combine Mohe's natural resources and regional characteristics, enhancing the visitor experience and showcasing the unique cultural charm of Mohe.
Buy
[edit]- Cod (鳕鱼). The cod abundant in Mohe is a precious cold-water fish known for its tender meat and rich nutrition.
- Oncorhynchus keta (大马哈鱼). 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.
- Hazelnuts (榛子). Mohe is one of the main producing areas of hazelnuts in China. Hazelnut kernels are fat, white, crisp and delicious, rich in oil, and are a popular dried fruit.
- Amaranth mushroom (毛尖菇). The Amaranth mushroom is a rare mushroom that only grows in a specific environment. It is delicious and has high nutritional value. It is known as the "Holy Mushroom".
- Air-dried sausage (风干香肠). Mohe's air-dried sausage has a long history. It is made from fresh lean meat and added with a variety of spices. It has a unique flavor and is a good companion to wine.
- Longjiang Agate (龙江玛瑙). The agate produced in the Mohe area is famous for its large size and bright color. It is a semi-precious gem material; see gemstones.
- Chinese arctic blueberry (中国北极蓝莓). Mohe's blueberries are famous for being pollution-free and growing naturally in the primeval forests of the Daxingan Mountains, and are known as the "King of Berries". Blueberries can not only be eaten fresh, but are also often processed into dried fruits, jams, juices and other products.
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
[edit]Mohe is located in the northernmost part of China. Its unique geographical location and climatic conditions have given birth to a series of delicacies with local characteristics.
- Chicken Stewed with Hazel Mushrooms (小鸡炖榛蘑). This is a traditional Northeastern dish that uses locally raised chickens and precious hazel mushrooms. It is carefully stewed and is delicious and nutritious.
- Guobao Pork (锅包肉). This dish uses pig tenderloin. After a unique cooking process, it is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. It is sweet and sour. It is one of Mohe’s classic dishes.
- Stews (炖菜). There are many kinds of stews in Mohe, such as stewed goose, stewed ribs, etc. These stews are usually cooked in casseroles, which can maintain the heat of the dishes for a long time and are suitable for cold weather.
- Barbecue (烧烤). There are many types of barbecue in Mohe, including mutton skewers, beef skewers, grilled fish, etc. Each skewer is grilled to perfection, charred on the outside and tender on the inside, with a fragrant aroma.
- Venison Hot Pot (鹿肉火锅). Using fresh venison, paired with local mushrooms, wild vegetables and other ingredients, it is tender, juicy and has a unique taste.
- Frozen fruits (冻水果). The winter in Mohe is very cold, so the frozen fruits here are also very delicious. Frozen apples, frozen pears, frozen persimmons and other fruits have a sweet taste and are local specialty desserts.
- White meat blood sausage (白肉血肠). This is one of the specialty dishes of Northeast China. It combines the flavors of pork and pig blood. After being steamed, it has a bright color and a mellow taste.
- Cold-water fish dishes (冷水鱼菜肴). The cold-water fish in the Mohe waters are famous for their delicious meat, among which Zheluo fish and pike are the most representative species. The braised jeluo fish is bright red in color and the fish meat is tender and juicy; the grilled pike is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, full of aroma
These delicacies not only showcase the local flavor of Mohe, but also reflect the local residents’ eating habits and unique ways of processing ingredients. If you have the opportunity to visit Mohe, try these authentic specialties.
Drink
[edit]Blueberry wine is produced here.
- ice and snow honey water (蜂蜜水). 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 (野生枸杞茶). 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.
- Blueberry wine (蓝莓酒). The Mohe area is famous for its blueberry wine produced in its unique natural environment. Mohe’s blueberry wine is also part of the local intangible cultural heritage project and reflects the traditional winemaking skills of the local people.
Sleep
[edit]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:
- 1 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.
- 2 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.
- 3 Marriott Holiday Inn Arctic (北极万豪假日酒店).
Stay safe
[edit]Make sure you bring warm clothing if you plan to be in Mohe, especially during the frigid winter, though temperatures are low throughout the year。In addition, batteries drain quickly in cold weather, so bring extra batteries and power banks.
Connect
[edit]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.