What Fun Activities Await at Arctic Village, China’s Northernmost Border Settlement?

Arctic Village is split into two distinct zones: the New Village and the Old Village, each with a totally different vibe. The New Village boasts modern amenities including shopping streets, holiday villas and star-rated hotels. If comfort is your priority during your stay in Arctic Village, the New Village is your ideal pick. However, travellers eager to experience authentic rural life in Northeast China should head straight to the Old Village. Everywhere you look stand wooden log cabins and wooden fences, with stacks of firewood scattered about, brimming with genuine northeastern rural charm. Broadband internet covers the entire village, and Wi-Fi is available at most inns, so you won’t need to worry about network access.

Arctic Village feels more like a small town than a village. It is home to the country’s northernmost bank, primary school, post office and supermarket—every landmark here lays claim to the title of “China’s northernmost”. Most tourists buy a postcard at the Northernmost Post Office, stamp it with the exclusive northern postmark and mail it to themselves as a souvenir. Thanks to its uniquely privileged geographic location, hordes of photography enthusiasts flock here every summer hoping to capture the aurora borealis, yet sightings ultimately come down to pure luck. In winter, the whole village is blanketed in snow, and the midnight sun phenomenon occurs, holding a special magical appeal for visitors from southern China.

Arctic Village is the only place in China where the aurora borealis can be seen, yet this spectacular natural light show is a rare treat that cannot be guaranteed. Far more reliable than chasing the elusive aurora is simply gazing up at the countless brilliant stars filling the sky overhead. Winter days end early here; the sun sets around 16:00. Against the pitch-black village backdrop, the stars shine with unparalleled brightness, a sight impossible to witness in crowded cities.

Geographically speaking, Beihong Village is China’s true northernmost village. It is far smaller than Arctic Village, yet it retains a more primitive and untouched rural landscape. While traces of tourism development have appeared in recent years, it remains an excellent destination to experience authentic countryside life. Especially during the Lunar New Year, the strong festive atmosphere brings back warm memories of childhood New Year celebrations for many visitors.

Songyuan Primeval Forest Park is the only virgin forest park located within a city in China. Legend has it that during the catastrophic May 6th Great Forest Fire, flames swept all around the park, yet not a single tree inside was burned down.

Do not miss the chance to visit the border guards stationed at the Northern Border Sentry Post. The North Pole Marker and sentry post are a fair distance from the village centre, so you can rent a bicycle to ride there (rental fee: 20 RMB per hour). With a bit of luck, you may even catch soldiers putting on cultural performances with local villagers in the evening