How to Plan a Trip to Harbin and Mohe

If you're thinking of coming to China in winter for the snow, Harbin or Mohe is the place to go.

The best time is late December to January. During this period, you'll find the most beautiful snow scenery and enjoy a variety of winter activities such as the Ice and Snow Festival, sledding, skiing, and even ice fireworks.

Top Things to Do in Harbin and Mohe

In Harbin

If you're coming to Harbin mainly for the Ice and Snow Festival, the Ice and Snow World is a must-visit.

It usually opens around December 20-25 each year. Here, you can enjoy all sorts of fun and thrilling activities, including ice slides, a Ferris wheel, various performances, and stunning ice sculptures.

Ice and Snow World

Sun Island is another place to experience the festival. It's more about viewing the impressive snow sculptures, but you'll also find some entertainment options like snow slides and ice bumper cars.

For general sightseeing in Harbin, you could take a stroll along Central Street and also visit Saint Sophia Cathedral.

Saint Sophia Cathedral

If you're interested in history and culture, you can visit the Unit 731 Museum to learn about the war crimes committed by the Japanese army in China.

If you'd like to see animals, head to the Siberian Tiger Park. You could see the tigers up close and even feed them.

Siberian Tiger Park

And if you love photography or want a romantic European-style castle experience, Volga Manor is a great choice. It's filled with Russian-style architecture, including churches, castles, and art galleries.

Check out 7-Day Winter Fairyland from Harbin to Mt. Changbai Tour. You could see more options in our popular winter tours.

In Mohe

Beiji Village is a must-see when you visit Mohe. Here you'll find China's northernmost landmarks—the post office, supermarket, dumpling house, and more.

You can also try dog sledding, throwing hot water into the freezing air and seeing it turn into ice, or watch traditional ice fishing.

Experience the 'ice firework'

Compared with the popular check-in spots in Beiji Village, Beihong Village shows the simple lifestyle of a small village in Northeast China.

Mohe also has China's only reindeer-raising tribe. In the Ewenki Reindeer Park, you can walk among the gentle reindeer and take photos.

Ewenki Reindeer Park

If you're chasing snowy scenery, the Birch Forest is the place to go. The trees turn into a pure white world that's perfect for photography.

Birch Forest

If you'd like to see the river border between China and Russia, go to Wusuli Shallow Beach. There you would find the true northernmost point of China.

How Many Days Are Needed

If you want to explore the highlights at a relaxed pace, we recommend spending about a week for a trip to Harbin and Mohe.

In Harbin, spend about 2 days exploring the city and enjoying the Ice and Snow Festival. If you want to try skiing as well, you'll need an extra 1–2 days. One day is enough for nearby ski resorts, but for farther ones like Yabuli, you'll need 2 days.

In Mohe, allow 2–3 days. You can visit Beiji Village and Beihong Village, see reindeer, explore the snow-covered birch forests, and visit the northernmost point along the shallow section of the Ussuri River.

Here's a suggested 7-day itinerary:

• Day 1: Arrive in Harbin
• Day 2: Harbin city tour (Central Street, Saint Sophia Cathedral, Sun Island, Ice and Snow World)
• Day 3: Visit the Siberian Tiger Park in Harbin, then fly to Mohe
• Day 4: Birch Forest, Ussuri River Shoal (China's northernmost point), and Beihong Village
• Day 5: Beiji Village (the Northernmost Post Office, the Northernmost Border Outpost, the Northernmost Family)
• Day 6: Reindeer Park, then return to Harbin
• Day 7: Departure from Harbin

Itinerary Tips:

For your stay in Harbin, it's best to book a hotel near Central Street. This is the city center. It is lively, full of shops and restaurants, and perfect for strolling around.

Our clients in the Central Street

In Beiji Village and Beihong Village, hotels are simpler. Beiji Village has more choices, while Beihong Village has fewer. Most are 3-star hotels or family guesthouses, and if you'd like to try something special, you can try sleeping on a traditional heated brick bed (kang) — a true Northeast China experience.

To get from Harbin to Mohe, flying is the quickest and easiest option, taking just about 2 hours. If you have more time and want to enjoy the snowy landscapes along the way, take the "Snow Country Train". It would be an overnight journey of around 18–20 hours.

Once in Mohe, the best way to get around is by private car. Public transport and taxis are very limited, so hiring a car makes sightseeing much smoother.

This is just a suggested plan. Feel free to adjust it based on your own pace and interests by contacting us.

When Is the Best Time for a Trip to Harbin and Mohe

I would definitely recommend winter. That's when you'll see the most stunning snow scenery and enjoy a wide range of snow activities.

Skiing in Yabuli Ski Resort

The best time is from late December to late January, when everything is at its peak. But this is also the busiest season, so both hotels and flights are more expensive. It's smart to book your trip or hotels 1–2 months in advance.

If snow isn't your main reason for visiting, another beautiful time for Mohe is autumn (September to October).

Great Khingan Range in autumn

Crowds are fewer, and you'll get to travel through the golden forests of the Greater Khingan Range, which is absolutely breathtaking. Outside of winter, the scenery in Harbin doesn't change much with the seasons.

As the northernmost city in China, Mohe has another attraction — the aurora. But to be honest, the chance of seeing it here is very low. Around the summer solstice (late June), the chance of seeing it is relatively higher.

Beiji Village

The best viewing time is from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Popular spots include Beiji Village, Beihong Village, and the mountaintop observatory at the First Bend of the Longjiang River.

FAQs

1. Is It Necessary to Take the Snow Country Train?

The train from Harbin to Mohe is very popular with travelers because the entire route is filled with breathtaking scenery. You would see endless snowy plains, dense forests, and stunning rime frost.

While the journey takes around 18–20 hours in total. If you enjoy train travel and don't mind spending time on transportation, it's worth the experience.

But if you're traveling with young children, you'll need to consider whether they can handle such a long and potentially boring train ride.

If you do choose to take the train, K7041 and K7039 are the most recommended options, as they offer better views along the way. A soft sleeper is also recommended for more comfort.

2. Can I See the Aurora in Mohe in Winter?

From June to August, the chances of seeing the aurora in Mohe are slightly higher. There is also a certain possibility between November and February, but only on clear nights.

However, catching the aurora here really depends on luck. Even locals who live in Mohe rarely get the chance to see it.

3. What if There Are No Direct Flights to Harbin or Mohe from My Country?

There are very few international flights directly to Harbin, and almost none to Mohe.

A practical option is to fly into Beijing first. Beijing is much closer to Harbin and also has direct flights to Mohe.

So whether you plan to visit Harbin first or head straight to Mohe, arriving in Beijing makes your trip easier and more convenient.