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Located in Mohe Township, Mohe County, Daxing'anling Prefecture, Heilongjiang Province, Arctic Village is home to China's "First Outpost of the North" and is also the country's northernmost town. With its unique location, breathtaking astronomical phenomena, and polar ice and snow, Arctic Village ranks among the top ten most captivating tourist attractions, along with Sanya's Tianya Haijiao. The village boasts a simple, tranquil and refreshing local atmosphere, rich in rural charm, and its vegetation and ecological environment are well-preserved. Around the summer solstice each year, daylight lasts nearly 24 hours. Looking north at midnight, the sky appears white, reminiscent of both dusk and dawn. Clear skies are common around the summer solstice and on moonlit nights in late autumn, making it the perfect time to view the northern lights.
In high latitudes, the climate is extremely cold year-round;
Best in winter and summer
Recommended 1-2 days of play
Chasing the Aurora
The aurora borealis only appears in the late summer nights, a rare sight. But at night, the sky here is always filled with brilliant stars, especially the "spoon-shaped" Big Dipper, which hangs prominently above the rooftops, so bright and so close. It's a night sky rarely seen by city dwellers.
Regular ticket: 75 RMB
All day
Arctic Village (Beiji Village) is the northernmost village in China, in Mohe County, Heilongjiang. It has cultural significance as a border post, a place where ethnic minorities (Oroqen, Ewenki, etc.) preserve traditional lifestyles, and as a site to experience natural extremes (cold, aurora, polar day). It was originally a river post in the late Qing Dynasty and evolved into a tourist area, now rated national 5A.
It’s in Beiji Town, Mohe City, Daxing’anling Region, in northern Heilongjiang, about 77-80 km north of Mohe city. You can fly to Mohe Gulian Airport, then take bus or taxi to Arctic Village. Or arrive by train to Mohe Station and then use shuttle/tourist bus or taxi.
Arctic Village scenic area is open year-round. During peak season (May 1 – October 31), open 8:00-18:00. In off-season (November – April), open about 8:30-17:00. Best time for polar day: mid-June to mid-July. Best time for aurora borealis: clear nights from September through April. Winter for snow scenery and ice activities. Summer for mild weather and long daylight.
Entrance fee is about ¥ 60-70 per person. (Some sources: 60 yuan; others 68 yuan) Tickets can be bought online (through official WeChat account or scenic area ticketing) or onsite at the scenic area's ticket office.
Advance booking is not strictly required for most non-peak times. During peak season (summer or major holidays) or when aurora sightings are expected, booking ahead (a few days) is advised to ensure lodging and transport availability.
A two-day stay is recommended to cover the main attractions (square, sandbar, post, memorial hall, Christmas Village) plus opportunities to view aurora or polar day. One full day can cover the core village landmarks.
Some guided tours exist (mostly Chinese). For English-language guides, private tour operators may offer them. There is no widespread evidence that audio guides in multiple languages are broadly provided.
Sample itinerary: arrive Mohe → transfer to Beiji Village (Arctic Village) → visit North Pole Square & river views → go to Arctic Sandbar → explore Post/Memorial Hall → stay overnight to view aurora or polar day → next morning, Christmas Village or seasonal activity → depart.
Night visits are possible to view aurora borealis. Winter special events (ice-snow carnivals, snow sculpture shows, reindeer interactions) are held. Christmas Village has winter themed activities.
Peak crowds in summer (particularly with polar day) and around major holidays in winter. Less crowded: weekdays, shoulder seasons (spring / early autumn), or mid-winter outside major holidays.
There are visitor centers, shops, homestays, rest areas, and small restaurants. Some winter equipment rental (clothing) is available.
Basic access for all, but cold and extreme weather make it harder. Many services require walking on snow/ice or uneven terrain. Elderly/very young or disabled visitors should plan accordingly—use shorter routes, bring support and warm clothing.
Both are accepted in the scenic area’s facilities, though small vendors or remote spots may take cash. Mobile payments (WeChat, Alipay) are widely used. Bring cash for backup.
There are restaurants in the village serving local cold-water fish stews, ethnic minority dishes, frozen fruits in winter, and simple hearty Northeastern Chinese food. Homestays often have dining included or nearby.
Vegetarian options are generally available (vegetables, tofu, etc.). Halal specific food is limited; one may need to seek in larger towns or plan ahead.
Homestays, log-cabin type guesthouses, small hotels in Beiji Village and Mohe City are available. Prices rise in peak seasons. Booking ahead for winter or holiday times is wise.
Yes — local crafts, frozen fruits (persimmons, pears), handcrafts from ethnic minorities, postcards, small local specialty food items.
