Mohe China Tourism Boom: How Ice, Snow and Nature Are Creating a New Arctic Travel Experience
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Mohe, china’s northernmost city-has leveraged its severe winter weather to become a major tourism draw using snow tourism, ecological conservation and nature tourism industry. Mohe (on roughly 53-degree north latitude) in Heilongjiang Province is known as China’s arctic city and recorded China’s lowest temperature, at minus 53 degrees Celsius.
Previously economic activity relied on mining and forest resources. Mohe now offers frozen scenery and winter adventures, various fauna and flora, cultural tourism and ecotourism projects. That shift created opportunities for local communities and preserved forests and the natural environment of the Greater Hinggan Mountains.
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Mohe’s Beiji Village had 2.73 million visitors and tourism revenue of some 2.57 billion yuan in 2025.
How Mohe turned cold weather into a tourism advantage
For decades, residents viewed extreme cold as a challenge. The long winters, heavy snowfall and remote location created economic difficulties.
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The city later shifted its focus towards tourism and ecological industries. Local communities began presenting snow-covered forests, frozen rivers and winter traditions as unique travel experiences.
Beiji Village became the centre of this transformation. Training programmes helped residents develop tourism skills, including guesthouse management and visitor services.
Many locals converted traditional homes into homestays. Small family businesses gradually expanded as travellers arrived to experience China’s Arctic landscapes.
The village now offers accommodation, local food, cultural activities and guided nature experiences.
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Visitors can explore:
- Snow-covered forests of the Greater Hinggan Mountains
- Traditional village landscapes
- Winter photography locations
- Local food and berry products
- Northern lights viewing opportunities during suitable conditions
Why Arctic Village Mohe attracts winter travellers
Arctic Village, located in Mohe, has become one of China’s most recognised cold-weather destinations.
The village is famous for its northern location and unique winter atmosphere. During the cold season, snow covers the landscape, creating opportunities for photography, outdoor activities and cultural exploration.
The area has also developed winter sports facilities. The Arctic Ski Resort became one of China’s earliest ski destinations to open during the winter season for several consecutive years.
A cold-region testing centre covering 22,000 square metres was completed in the area. During the 2025–2026 winter season, 75 automobile companies and more than 2,400 technicians visited Mohe for cold-weather vehicle testing.
This has added an industrial dimension to the city’s winter economy.
Mohe protects forests while building sustainable tourism
Mohe’s tourism growth is closely connected with environmental protection.
The Greater Hinggan Mountains once experienced intensive mining and logging activities. These industries affected forests and natural landscapes.
The region later stopped placer gold mining and ended commercial logging of natural forests. Restoration efforts helped protect the area’s biodiversity and improve ecological conditions.
Today, Beiji Village attracts visitors with its natural environment. More than 180 migratory bird species can be found in the region, making it attractive for birdwatchers and nature lovers.
The city has also improved infrastructure to support cleaner development. Energy-efficient heating systems were introduced in villages, helping reduce pollution while improving living conditions.
Local products add new value to Mohe tourism
Beyond winter tourism, Mohe has developed industries based on local natural resources.
The Greater Hinggan Mountains contain a significant share of China’s wild blueberry resources. The city has created new products, including blueberry ice wine made from frost-affected wild berries.
The blueberry industry generated around 450 million yuan in output, supported by more than 400,000 cultivated blueberry plants.
Visitors can also experience local cuisine featuring regional ingredients such as mushrooms, ginseng and forest products.
Health-focused tourism facilities have expanded in Beiji Village, combining local food, accommodation and wellness experiences.
Travel guide: Best things to do in Mohe China
Best time to visit Mohe
The winter season from December to February is the most popular period for snow tourism. Temperatures can fall extremely low, creating dramatic frozen scenery.
Summer also offers attractions, including green forests, rivers and wildlife viewing.
How to reach Mohe
Travellers can reach Mohe through flights and rail connections from major Chinese cities. The destination is located in northern Heilongjiang near the Russian border.
What travellers should prepare
Visitors travelling in winter should bring:
- Thermal clothing and insulated boots
- Gloves, hats and winter accessories
- Moisturising skincare products
- Camera protection against extreme cold
- Flexible travel plans for winter conditions
Experiences visitors should not miss
Popular activities include:
- Visiting Arctic Village
- Photographing snow-covered forests
- Exploring local cultural attractions
- Trying regional cuisine
- Enjoying winter sports
- Learning about northern ecological conservation
Entrepreneurs and new businesses reshape Mohe’s future
Photo by Xie Yin The development of tourism has led to new investments in Mohe. More than 200 businesses and workers from elsewhere in China came to Beiji Village to run them. In the last three years, the village has built more than 130 guesthouses and hotels with a total of over 2,600 beds.
Investment in Mohe still keeps booming, with 25 projects at a total investment of 1.292 billion yuan.
How does Mohe do it Mohe’s example shows that there’s a way for a remote Arctic destination to generate real economic benefits through a unique mix of natural landscape, tourist service and environmental protection. The city’s extreme cold climate now underpins an innovative destination experience in northern China.
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