An Unforgettable Journey to the North

An Unforgettable Journey to the North. --- Three Days and Two Nights in Mohe: At China’s Northernmost Point, Touching Ice, Snow, and Stars Preface: This is not just a trip; it feels more like a ritual. From the moment you board the train to Mohe, you begin a quest for the "farthest north." The cold here is clear and pure; the silence lets you hear the beat of your own heart. Itinerary Overview: · Day 1: Pick up in Mohe City — White Birch Forest — Longjiang First Bend — China’s Northernmost Point — Beihong Village — Stay overnight in Beihong Village · Day 2: Depart Beihong Village — Shenlong Bay — Arctic Village — Northernmost Post Office — Northernmost Family — Golden Rooster Crown — 138 Boundary Marker — Shenzhou Arctic Square — Christmas Ski Resort — Christmas Village — Stay overnight in Arctic Village · Day 3: Depart Arctic Village — Outpost Reindeer Tribe — Mohe Dance Hall — Songyuan Park — May 6 Fire Memorial Hall — Beixing Square — End trip in Mohe City, transfer to airport/station Day 1: Enter the Forest Sea and Snowfield, Arrive at a Primitive Village Morning: Arrival and Departure · At dawn, the train slowly pulls into Mohe Station. As soon as you step out of the carriage, the biting cold of minus 20 to 30 degrees Celsius hits you like a refreshing mint candy, instantly waking you up. The pre-arranged driver is already waiting outside the station, and our journey to seek the north officially begins. · Drive into the White Birch Forest. Parking and walking into this pure white forest feels like stepping into a black-and-white fairy tale. Sunlight filters through the branches, casting mottled shadows on the snow. The “eyes” of the birch trees quietly watch you, perfect for taking some artsy photos. · By evening, arrive at today’s destination — Beihong Village. Compared to the well-known Arctic Village, this place is more primitive and tranquil. Most houses are wooden log cabins with curling smoke, full of the warmth of everyday life. Night: Starry Sky and Tranquility · Stay in a local farmhouse heated kang bed, warm and down-to-earth. Dinner features authentic Northeastern Chinese dishes: chicken stewed with mushrooms and pork stewed with vermicelli, warming you up instantly. · After nightfall, if the sky is clear, be sure to go outside. Light pollution in Beihong Village is minimal; looking up reveals a dazzling Milky Way and low-hanging stars, as if you could reach out and touch them. This quiet vastness will be etched in your memory forever. --- Day 2: Check in at the Geographic Extreme, Settle in the “Northernmost” Town Morning: Nature’s Magnificent Brushstrokes · After breakfast, head to Longjiang First Bend. You’ll need to climb a long wooden boardwalk, and when you reach the top gasping for breath, all fatigue will vanish—the Heilongjiang River here forms a perfect “Ω” shaped big bend, with snow-covered islands surrounded by river water. The grandeur is beyond words. · Next, visit the Ussuri Shoal. This is the true geographic “China’s Northernmost Point” (53°33′43″ N). Find the iconic stone marker, spread your arms wide, and take a “I found the North!” photo for a full sense of accomplishment! Afternoon: Check in at Arctic Village · Say goodbye to the primitive and simple Beihong Village, and drive to the more developed and complete Arctic Village. Officially recognized as “China’s northernmost village-town,” it is full of various “northernmost” elements. · After checking in, feel free to stroll around the village. Look for the Northernmost Family and Northernmost Outpost to experience the fun of “everything can be the northernmost.” Night: Experience Ice and Fire · Try the “iron pot stew” for dinner, sitting around a big iron pot with friends, creating a great atmosphere. · Experience “water turning to ice”! Fill a thermos with hot water and throw it forcefully into the open air. The hot water instantly freezes into an icy mist, sparkling in the sunlight—a guaranteed hit on social media. (Be safe and have an experienced person guide you.) --- Day 3: Send Off Your Thoughts from the Edge of the World Morning: Final “Northernmost” Tour · A must-visit — the Northernmost Post Office. Here, you can buy postcards and the unique “northernmost” postmark. Stamp it and send this blessing from China’s northernmost tip to friends far away or to your future self. It’s a unique and meaningful gift full of ceremony. · Then visit the Golden Rooster Crown sculpture and the 138 Boundary Marker to feel the vastness and solemnity of the motherland. · If time allows, take a walk on the Arctic Sandbar, leaving your own footprints in the thick snow. Afternoon: Farewell and Return · After lunch, with a heart full of memories and reluctance, the driver will take you to Mohe train station or airport for your journey home. --- 1. Clothing Guide: · Head to toe: Thick Lei Feng hat (to cover ears), scarf, mask. · Upper body: Thermal underwear + wool sweater/fleece + thick down jacket/windbreaker. The down jacket should be very thick. · Lower body: Thermal leggings + thick fleece pants/down pants. · Feet: Thick wool socks + high-top anti-slip snow boots (thick soles, recommended to buy one size larger to accommodate heated insoles). · Hands: Touchscreen gloves (for easy photo-taking) + thick waterproof gloves. 2. Electronic Devices: · Phone: iPhones easily shut down instantly in extreme cold outdoors; be sure to stick on a heat patch and keep it in an inner pocket for warmth. Android phones are relatively more cold-resistant. · Camera: Before going from outdoors into a warm indoor space, wrap it in a thick plastic bag to prevent lens and internal frost. 3. Transportation: · Mohe’s attractions are scattered and public transport is inconvenient; strongly recommend hiring a car or joining a tour. A reliable local driver-guide will make your trip much easier. 4. Others: · Bring a thermos to drink hot water anytime. · Pack some high-calorie snacks like chocolate and beef jerky. · Keep your skin well-moisturized; northern indoor and outdoor air is very dry. Hope this note becomes your helpful companion in exploring Mohe.