A journey along the Chinese border: Mohe
Zhu Mei
["china"]
China has the longest land border in the world totaling more than 22,000 kilometers. Many of the border towns are diverse and share both Chinese and foreign characteristics.
CGTN has collected China's top 10 most beautiful border cities and towns for tourists. Following a stop to Jiamusi in Heilongjiang Province, let's kick off our next journey to Mohe, China's northernmost county bordering Russia. Below is a three-day tour itinerary to our readers.

Day 1: Mohe County 

Snow, Santa and the aurora borealis make Mohe one of the most attractive yet mysterious tourist destinations in China.
Mohe is nicknamed "China's Arctic Town" and is China's coldest place in winter. Its cold weather is a unique feature that attracts thousands of tourists. Winter is very long here, lasting from November to the end of April. Mohe holds the record for the lowest plunge of the thermometer: -52.3 degrees Celsius, recorded on February 13, 1956.
Heilongjiang River First Bay /VCG Photo

Heilongjiang River First Bay /VCG Photo

View of Heilongjiang River First Bay scenic area in winter. /VCG Photo

View of Heilongjiang River First Bay scenic area in winter. /VCG Photo

Nine Curves and Eighteen Bends Wetland Park. /VCG Photo

Nine Curves and Eighteen Bends Wetland Park. /VCG Photo

Nigh Curves and Eighteen Bends Wetland Park. /VCG Photo

Nigh Curves and Eighteen Bends Wetland Park. /VCG Photo

Heilongjiang River First Bay is a must-visit spot in Mohe County. After climbing over 900 steps to the mountain top, tourists can get really close to Russia as the round island across the river belongs to Russia. Nine Curves and Eighteen Turns Wetland Park is also highly recommended to tourists. Don't miss the sunsets here.
The aurora borealis will appear around Summer Solstice on June 21, the tenth solar term on the Chinese lunar calendar. Locals say the aurora borealis doesn't appear frequently, but if lucky enough, tourists may be able to get a glimpse of it.
Aurora borealis seen in Mohe County. /VCG Photo

Aurora borealis seen in Mohe County. /VCG Photo

Stary night in Mohe County. /VCG Photo

Stary night in Mohe County. /VCG Photo

Mohe also boasts more than 100 years of history in gold mining. The "Golden Path" and "Rouge River" are famous gold mining areas. 

Tips:

1. Transportation: Tourists can reach Mohe County via railway or airplane from Harbin, the capital city of Heilongjiang Province.
2. The average temperature in winter is minus 20 to 40 degrees Celsius. Bring warm clothes.
3. Entrance fee: 50 yuan (7.46 U.S. dollars) for Heilongjiang River First Bay; 20 yuan (2.98 U.S. dollars) for Nine Curves and Eighteen Turns Wetland Park 

Day 2: Arctic Village 

Arctic Village is 88 kilometers to the north of Mohe County. Called China's North Pole, Arctic Village has many unique landmarks related to “the northernmost”, such as the Arctic Village Stone Tablet, the northernmost post office, and the northernmost restaurant.
An aerial view of a country road in Arctic Village. /VCG Photo

An aerial view of a country road in Arctic Village. /VCG Photo

Snow scenery in Arctic Village. /VCG Photo

Snow scenery in Arctic Village. /VCG Photo

A wood bridge in Arctic Village. /VCG Photo

A wood bridge in Arctic Village. /VCG Photo

An ice sculpture in Arctic Village. /VCG Photo

An ice sculpture in Arctic Village. /VCG Photo

The post office has only eight staff but they need to cope with over 4,000 letters every day, according to a media report. Many tourists send postcards from the northernmost post office to their friends.
The North Pole Square, Qixing Mountain, and the northernmost border post are all worth a visit.

Tips:

1. Transportation: Tourists can take a shuttle bus from Mohe Station to Arctic Village.
2. Bring enough cash as e-payment is not yet available in the village.

Day 3: Beihong Village

Beihong Village is China's northernmost town, 130 kilometers to the north of Mohe County. But unlike Arctic Village, Beihong Village is quite primitive and tranquil with only about 300 residents living here. The famous Heilong River runs through the village from the west to the east with mountains surrounding three sides.
A church in Beihong Village. /VCG Photo

A church in Beihong Village. /VCG Photo

Cottages in Beihong Village. /VCG Photo

Cottages in Beihong Village. /VCG Photo

Tourists learn winter fishing from a local resident in Beihong Village. /VCG Photo

Tourists learn winter fishing from a local resident in Beihong Village. /VCG Photo

Hot water freezes once tossed in the air. /VCG Photo

Hot water freezes once tossed in the air. /VCG Photo

Some people say Beihong Village is not an ideal tourist destination as the only famous tourist site in the village is a small church. But for tourists who come to seek natural beauty, there are a few surprises here.
Surrounded by forests, animals such as wild boars, roe deer, snow rabbits can be seen everywhere in the village. Tourists are advised to be guided by local people as it is very easy to get lost in the forests.
When night falls, the village becomes more lively. Local people and tourists would come out to let off fireworks, dance together, and set off Sky Lanterns.

Tips:

1. Transportation: A three-hour ride will bring you from Mohe County to Beihong Village. Tourists can rent a car from Mohe County.
2. Accommodation: There are no hotels in the village. Tourists can live in the farm houses of local residents.
1527km