The Greater Xing'an Mountains

The Greater Xing'an Mountain region is the most northerly area in China. Cold as it is, the region is an attractive place to go because of its magnificent scenery of lush primeval forests, astronomical wonders of white night and the northern lights, and the unique ethnic flavor of the Oroqen people.

Lying in China's northeast border area, the Greater Xing'an Mountains are covered with vast expanses of virgin forests. The region is one of the country's major forest areas, and is known as a green gem of northeast China.

With its high elevations and magnificent mountain scenery, the region is an ideal resort to escape the heat of summer, and in winter it turns into a spectacular shining world of ice and snow, offering lots of fun for tourists fond of skiing and skating.

The region is also a paradise for over 1,000 kinds of wild plants and 400 species of birds and animals, such as reindeer, sables, snow hares and brown bears. More than 20 rivers run through the deep valleys and the high mountains. The rivers and lakes are home to a rich variety of cold water fish, so visitors can enjoy lavish feasts of delicious fresh fish.

For many tourists, the most fascinating place in the area is perhaps the village of Mohe, also known as Arctic Village.

Located at the northern foot of the Greater Xing'an Mountains and facing the Chita and Amur regions in Russia across the Heilongjiang river, Mohe is the most northerly frontier village in China. Although it's a long way to go from any other part of the country, and is quite cold even in summer, the place is a very famous tourist attraction because of its great scenic beauty and grand astronomical wonders, welcoming streams of visitors from home and abroad all year round.

Thanks to its high latitude, the village is the only place in China from where one can see the magical phenomena of the "white night" and the aurora borealis, or northern lights.

Most of the Oroqen people live in the deep forests of the Xing'an Mountains. They are expert horsemen and hunters, although, in order to protect the local wildlife, hunting is largely a thing of the past now. During their leisure hours, especially at festival time, they love to get together for some dancing and a good singsong.

Visitors can visit any of their villages in the mountains to take a look at the unique life style and folk customs of this ethnic group. Wherever they go, the hospitable Oroqens will always give their guests a warm welcome.

The Greater Xing'an Mountains region is the coldest place in China, so if you plan a trip there in winter, be sure to take plenty of warm clothing with you.