Harbin + Mohe + North Pole Village · 6 days

Harbin is a sub-provincial city and the provincial capital of Heilongjiang province, People’s Republic of China. It is the largest city of Heilongjiang, as well as being the city with the second-largest urban population (after Shenyang, Liaoning province) and largest metropolitan population (urban and rural regions together) in Northeast China. Harbin has direct jurisdiction over nine metropolitan districts, two county-level cities and seven counties, and is the eighth most populous Chinese city according to the 2020 census. The built-up area of Harbin (which consists of all districts except Shuangcheng and Acheng) had 5,841,929 inhabitants, while the total metropolitan population was up to 10,009,854, making it one of the 100 largest urban areas in the world.

Harbin is a vibrant city in Northeast China, known for its rich historical culture and unique tourist attractions. Here are some must-visit spots in the urban area of Harbin: Planning note: Check the actual Harbin–Mohe train on your date, sleeper availability and arrival time. The overnight-train pattern is a planning option, not a confirmed timetable; an extra travel day may be needed.

1. Central Street: Known as the foremost street in the Far East, it is a must-visit place in Harbin, famous for its unique European-style architecture and vibrant commercial atmosphere.

2. Sun Island: Located on the banks of the Songhua River, it is renowned for its beautiful natural scenery and European-style villa buildings, a shining pearl of Harbin.

3. Saint Sophia Cathedral: As one of the symbolic buildings of Harbin, this well-preserved Byzantine-style structure features exquisite interior decorations and a very atmospheric setting.

4. Volga Manor: Experience the rich Russian style here, with the manor full of Russian characteristic buildings and beautiful scenery.

5. Northeast Tiger Forest Park: A wildlife-park option near Harbin. Follow staff barriers and viewing rules; do not treat close contact with tigers or feeding as an expected activity.

6. Songhua River: Known as the mother river of Harbin, with pleasant scenery along its banks, visitors can enjoy the splendid views of both sides by cable car.

7. Stalin Park: A large public park with a tranquil environment and beautiful scenery, it was established in memory of the Harbin people’s victory over the flood disaster.

8. Old Town Outside: The historical district of Harbin, with many century-old buildings, a combination of Chinese and Western architectural styles that have witnessed the city’s prosperity.

9. Gogol Street: A bustling commercial street with Russian and European buildings on both sides, full of characteristics and historical significance.

10. Heilongjiang Provincial Museum: With a rich collection and a unique European Baroque-style architectural appearance, it is a great place to learn about the history and culture of Harbin.

The Ussuri Shallow Beach is the northernmost point of China, located at 53°33′43″ north latitude. The border line is the center of the Heilongjiang River channel. It faces Russia across the river, with the Heilongjiang River quietly flowing through the primeval forest. Planning note: If arriving after a long train journey, reduce the road circuit and rest first. Rural roads and viewpoints are weather-dependent; border-river viewpoints do not authorise entering the river or crossing the border.

In the Mohe City of the Greater Khingan Range in Heilongjiang, the northernmost point of China is located on the main navigation channel of the Heilongjiang River. Surrounded by primeval forests, mainly composed of larch trees. In autumn, the golden yellow color is like being in a painting. It is very quiet. From the entrance of the Mo Luo Highway to the Ussuri Shallow Beach, it is a mountain road of more than 30 kilometers. Sometimes straight and sometimes curved, driving at a high place, you can see the primeval forest of Russia across the river. The green pine and the golden larch are intertwined, and a big river flows quietly in the middle. It is a rare beauty on earth. The river water is clear and the pebbles on the river bottom can be seen clearly. Do not drink untreated river water; carry safe drinking water and remain within permitted visitor areas.

Beiji Village, originally known as Mohe Village (Manchu: ᠮᠣ᠋ᠪᡳᡵᠠ, Romanized in Mollendorff as Mo bira, Mongolian name, also known as Mohe), “Matola” (Russian: Матёра, Romanized: Matjora[1]), is located in Beiji Town (formerly Mohe Township), Mohe City, Heilongjiang Province, China. It is the seat of the Beiji Town People’s Government and is known as the northernmost town in China, although it is actually second to Beihong Village. Beiji Village is situated at 53°28′45.61″N 122°21′36.88″E (the latitude and longitude of the “North Pole of China” monument), placing it in China’s far north, where aurora sightings are possible but uncommon. The “Northernmost Outpost of China,” Beiji Outpost, is located in Beiji Village. Planning note: Select the village and viewpoint activities that are operating. Dawn viewing and the aurora depend on weather; animal contact and feeding are not assumed safe or available.

Mohe is located in the far northwest of Heilongjiang at latitude 52° 10’−53° 33′ N and 121° 07’−124° 20′ E. It forms a border with Russia’s Amur Oblast and Zabaykalsky Krai, where the Amur River flows for 245 kilometres (152 mi). A village, the northernmost Chinese settlement, at the latitude of 53° 29′ N and known as the Beiji Village (北极村, literally “North Pole Village” or “Northernmost Village”), lies in this city, on the Amur River. Planning note: Book the actual return service before fixing the programme. Keep a night in Harbin before an inflexible onward departure if the connection would otherwise be tight.

On extremely rare occasions, the aurora borealis can be seen

Harbin is a paradise for food lovers, blending the essence of Chinese and Western culinary cultures. Here are some famous Harbin delicacies:

1. Harbin Red Sausage: Originating from Lithuania in Eastern Europe, it is welcomed for its exotic flavor and non-greasy characteristic, and is a distinctive dish that can be eaten directly.

2. Grilled Cold Noodles: A street snack known for its unique sauce and grilling method, offering a crispy and delicious taste experience.

3. Da La Pi: A traditional famous dish in Northeast China, mainly made from tapioca starch and other ingredients, it is refreshing and appetizing with a simple preparation method.

4. Da Lie Ba: Also known as big bread, it originated from Russia and is one of the specialties of Harbin, famous for its European flavor and long shelf life.

5. Demoden Fish Stew: A century-old Northeastern famous dish, originated from Demoden Village on the outskirts of Harbin, made by stewing live carp with tofu and wide glass noodles.

6. Di San Xian: A traditional home-cooked Northeastern dish, made with eggplant, potatoes, and green peppers, known for its fresh and fragrant taste, and is one of the representative dishes of Northeastern cuisine.

7. Guo Bao Rou: A Northeastern dish with a century-old history, made with pork tenderloin, it is crispy outside and tender inside, with a sweet and sour taste.

8. Borscht: Originated in Ukraine and widely spread in Eastern European countries, it is a part of the many Russian food cultures in Harbin.

In addition, there are also famous snacks in Harbin such as Madi’er ice cream bars, Yagou sticky buns, Sanxian pot stickers, Laodingfeng mooncakes, Harbin dried sausages, Harbin frozen sweets, and frozen pears.

A: Harbin is famous for its winter festivals and ice sculptures, so winter is a popular time to visit. However, summer also offers pleasant weather and different attractions.