At the northernmost tip of China's rooster-shaped territory, Mohe shines like a frozen pearl, nestled in the bitter cold of 53°N latitude. Here lies the extreme cold of minus 30℃, the magical alternation of "white nights" and "polar nights", and above all, the long-cherished natural wonder that captivates countless hearts — the aurora. When green light bands streak across the inky night sky, and dreamy glows dance over the snow, all imaginations of winter reach their peak in this aurora feast.
Mohe is the only place in China where the aurora can be observed, a unique fortune stemming from its privileged geographical location. Adjacent to the Arctic Circle, it experiences frequent geomagnetic activities. From November to March each year, high-energy particles carried by solar winds collide with Earth's atmosphere, painting stunning aurora scenes across the sky. Unlike the distant and costly auroras in Northern Europe, Mohe stands out with its "domestic accessibility and high cost-performance ratio", becoming an attainable aurora sanctuary for ordinary people. No need to cross oceans or master foreign languages — just bring a sincere heart to collide with cosmic romance.
The beauty of the aurora lies in its ever-changing shapes and colors. As night falls, it begins as a faint green glow on the horizon, like a smudged background in ink wash paintings. In an instant, the light bands stretch and rise, transforming into ribbons dancing across the sky, swirling gracefully overhead. Sometimes they leap like flames, with interwoven hues of red, purple, and blue, casting a dreamlike glow over the snow. Standing on the vast snowfield, gazing up at this flowing light, you feel as if you're in a sci-fi movie or a secret realm of elves. All words seem inadequate, leaving only shock and emotion lingering in your heart.
For the best aurora viewing, Arctic Village in Mohe is unparalleled. As China's northernmost village, it's far from urban light pollution, and its clear night sky provides a perfect stage for the aurora. You can stay in a Northeast-style log cabin, sitting around a warm heated brick bed while waiting for the aurora to appear. Or put on a thick down jacket and wander along village roads covered in knee-deep snow, looking up to witness the magnificent scene of the aurora dancing with the starry sky. Beyond Arctic Village, spots like Beihong Village and Nine-Twists and Eighteen-Bends are also excellent for observation. More primitive and tranquil, they allow you to enjoy the aurora's gentle gift in pure nature.
Mohe's romance is never limited to the aurora. While waiting for the celestial display, you can experience the fun of "splashing water into ice" — toss a cup of hot water into the air, and it instantly turns into ice mist, refracting colorful light in the sun. You can ride a horse-drawn sled through the snowfield, listening to the crisp sound of hooves on snow and feeling the vastness of Northeast China's land. You can also visit Christmas Village, take photos with the "Chinese Santa Claus", and write wishes in the snow to freeze the winter's beauty. At night, dance around bonfires to ethnic music, savor steaming iron pot stew and hand-grabbed meat, and feel the warmest human kindness amid the extreme cold.
Travel Tips: 1. The best observation period is from December to February each year. Clear nights offer higher chances of seeing the aurora; it's recommended to choose dates around the new moon to avoid moonlight interference. 2. Mohe's winter temperatures are extremely low — prepare warm clothing such as down jackets, snow boots, thick gloves, and Lei Feng hats. Take anti-freezing measures for mobile phones and cameras. 3. Transportation options include direct flights to Mohe Airport, or taking a train to Mohe Station and then transferring to a bus to Arctic Village. 4. Book accommodation in advance; some homestays offer aurora wake-up services to ensure you don't miss the best viewing moments.
In Mohe, the aurora is a gift of nature, a winter love letter, and an unforgettable travel memory. It hides in the minus 30℃ cold winds and lingers in the tranquility of the starry sky, waiting for everyone with a passion for beauty to arrive. At the moment the aurora streaks across the sky, you'll understand that all the cold and waiting are worthy of being cherished gently.
This winter, don't let time pass you by. Pack your bags and head to Mohe at 53°N. Let the aurora light up the night sky for you, let the snowfield witness your romance, and on China's northernmost land, encounter the purest beauty.
