December in Mohe, a Promise to Chase the Light

When the -40℃ cold wind sweeps across the Greater Khingan Range, Mohe becomes China’s purest ice and snow kingdom. In December, the days are short, but it hides the ultimate romance: birch forests wrapped in thick snow, the Heilongjiang River frozen into a silver ribbon, a starry sky clear as crystal, and even your breath turns into white mist. This "Journey to Find the North" is every step an ultimate winter fantasy. 1. Must-Unlock "Polar Exclusive" Experiences: Turn Winter into a Fairy Tale 1. Northern Check-in: Mark Your Coordinates at the Northernmost Point of China Take a photo in front of the "China’s Northernmost Point" monument at the Ussuri shoal, where the latitude 53°33′43″ is the most hardcore souvenir of this trip. Then head to the Arctic Village’s Arctic Shoal, pose next to the slogan "I found the North," with red clothes contrasting the white snow—every shot is a viral masterpiece. Don’t forget to visit the 142 Boundary Marker in Beihong Village, watch the smoke rising from Russian villages across the Heilongjiang River, and experience the wonder of "one step in two countries." 2. Light-Chasing Encounters: Double Surprises of Aurora and Light Pillars December is a potential viewing period for the Mohe Aurora, and you can check real-time aurora probabilities on the "Mohe Tourism" platform. Even if you don’t catch the aurora, you’re very likely to see the "extreme cold light pillars"—ice crystals reflecting light at night, like thousands of light pillars piercing the sky, easier to capture than the aurora. Clear nights in Beihong Village are perfect for star photography, with the Milky Way clearly visible, paired with the warm light of wooden cabins, creating a full atmosphere. 3. Forest Encounters: Warm Interactions with the "Boat of the Forest Sea" Visit the reindeer tribe to find the Evenki’s "Oren" (the Evenki word for reindeer). For 30 yuan, you can buy moss to feed these gentle creatures. They stroll through the snowy forest with branched antlers, their furry ears gently twitching as they eat moss—every snap looks like a Nordic fairy tale scene. You can also visit the tribe’s "Cuoluozi" (birch bark tents), watch the locals demonstrate animal skin clothing skills, and taste a rich reindeer milk ice pop. 4. Hardcore Fun: Frolic and Scream in the Ice and Snow In the early morning, boil hot water at your guesthouse door and play "water turning to ice" in the sunlight—the sparkling mist instantly freezes into ice flowers, free and photogenic. Take a horse-drawn sleigh ride along the Heilongjiang River for about 200 yuan, listen to the "crunch" of hooves on snow, or spend 100 yuan riding a snowmobile through the forest sea, feeling the thrill of the cold wind on your face. When tired, head to the Christmas ski resort, try beginner skiing on the Christmas-themed slopes, and warm up afterward with a steaming pot of iron pot stew. 2. Itinerary Planning: 3 Days 2 Nights, Covering the Polar Essence Day 1: Gather in Mohe → Beihong Village, Stay in a Pristine Snow Village - Take the "Snow Country Train" to Mohe Station (tickets should be booked 15 days in advance, sleeper berths are tight). Many local drivers offer free pick-up, and it’s a 2-hour drive directly to Beihong Village. - Afternoon village tour: Enjoy the snowy scenery at the Beihong Outpost by the boundary river, buy a 6-yuan blueberry rye bread at the village entrance bakery, and savor the fruity aroma with every bite. - Evening experience: Stay in a 150 yuan/night wooden cabin guesthouse, sleep on a traditional Northeast kang bed to keep warm, and eat homemade cod fish stewed with tofu, fresh and without fishy smell. If the sky is clear, set up a tripod late at night at the village entrance to shoot the Milky Way. Day 2: Beihong Village → Arctic Village, Unlock Multiple "Northernmost" Experiences - Morning journey: Stop by birch forests along the way, get off to step on snow and take photos, with sunlight filtering through branches and dappled light on the snow. Then climb the 998 steps at the first bend of the Longjiang River to see the frozen Heilongjiang River forming a 360° silver ribbon, with a magnificent view from the mountaintop. - Afternoon adventure in Arctic Village: Check in at the village monument, write a postcard at the northernmost post office, and stamp it with the "Northernmost Postmark" to send to friends. Then explore the Arctic Shoal, photographing fun landmarks like the "Northernmost Family" and "Northernmost Toilet." - Evening bonus: Visit China’s Christmas Village, take photos with the real Santa Claus, experience a 30 yuan per person reindeer sleigh ride, and watch the warm lights of wooden houses turn on, as if stepping into a Nordic fairy tale. Day 3: Arctic Village → Mohe City, Wrap Up Polar Memories - Morning interaction: Feed reindeer at the reindeer park, touch their soft fur, visit the Evenki cultural exhibition, and learn the legendary story of "the last female chief" Maria Suo and her reindeer. - Afternoon return: First, overlook Mohe from the Polaris Square, then stroll through Songyuan Park—this city’s primeval forest, covered in silver in winter, feels like walking through a forest sea. Finally, check in at the Mohe Dance Hall; even if you don’t go inside, the vintage sign outside is very photogenic. Take the train in the evening to end the trip. 3. December in Mohe: Essential Gear and Tips You Must Know Clothing: Staying Warm is the Top Priority - Upper body: thermal underwear + thick wool sweater + fleece jacket + knee-length down coat (windproof and cold-resistant essential). - Lower body: fleece-lined pants + windproof outer pants + thick wool socks, avoid wearing too many layers to prevent clumsiness. - Accessories: Lei Feng hat (ear protection), thick scarf, two pairs of gloves (touchscreen + waterproof ski gloves), high-top anti-slip snow boots (buy one size larger, can add heated insoles). Supplies: Details Determine Experience - Electronics: Keep your phone warm with heat patches or in an inner pocket (-30℃ will shut down bare devices instantly), bring a power bank over 20,000mAh. - Skincare and toiletries: high-moisture cream, lip balm, hand cream (climate is extremely dry), avoid glass bottles for skincare products as they can freeze and crack. - Others: thermos (for hot water anytime), sunglasses (to prevent snow blindness), earplugs and eye mask (train sleepers have poor sound insulation). Pitfall Warnings - Transportation: Prefer car rental or carpooling; local drivers know ice and snow road conditions well and can stop for photos anytime, more worry-free than traveling independently. - Expenses: Confirm prices in advance for horse-drawn sleighs, snowmobiles, etc. Prices in Arctic Village are slightly higher; stock up on snacks in Mohe city. - Mindset: Aurora is a rare encounter, don’t have overly high expectations; extreme cold light pillars and starry skies are equally delightful surprises. December in Mohe has no crowded crowds, only pure ice and snow, quiet villages, and the northernmost romance. Pack your bags and head to the land at latitude 53° to turn "finding the North" into an unforgettable winter memory!