Tourism makes Mohe county China's true north in winter

A reindeer-drawn sleigh in front of the Santa's house in Santa Village in China's northernmost county Mohe, Heilongjiang province. [Photo By Liu Xiangrui / China Daily]

Snow, Santa and the aurora borealis make Mohe more than just the country's highest-latitude settlement. Liu Xiangrui joins the throngs of travelers visiting during the coldest season.

It takes bravery to explore Mohe in winter - and a lot of warm clothes.

Very warm clothes. A lot of them.

Temperatures in China's northernmost county plummet to a biting 40 C at night.

Days aren't much warmer.

But its icy climate is exactly what gives the small border settlement in Heilongjiang province its appeal.

At least much of it.

China is said to be shaped like a rooster. Mohe perches on its cockscomb that prods Russia's belly.

Such offerings as northern-lights sightings have elevated its position on the tourism map.

I recently visited the county and spent a few relaxing - and freezing - days in Beiji village, the country's northernmost community.