Tahe

Tahe (塔河) is a county in the Daxing'anling (Greater Khingan) Prefecture in northernmost Heilongjiang Province, deep in the boreal forests of northeastern China. This remote region is covered by vast taiga forests — one of China's last great wilderness areas — and is home to significant populations of indigenous Evenki and Oroqen reindeer herders. Tahe is a timber town at heart, but its dramatic northern landscapes and the opportunity to see reindeer herding culture make it a destination for adventurous travellers.

Tahe has a subarctic climate with extreme seasonal variation. Winters (November–March) are brutally cold with average January temperatures of −25°C to −30°C and frequent lows below −40°C. Summers (June–August) are short and mild with 24-hour daylight (the "White Night" phenomenon) in June. The best time to visit is June–August for comfortable weather and the northern forest in full green. Winter visits are for those seeking extreme cold and snow-covered landscapes.

By Plane

Tahe Gulian Airport (THF, IATA) has limited domestic flights from Harbin and Heihe. The airport is about 8 km from Tahe town. Alternatively, fly to Mohe Gulian Airport (OHE, IATA), about 100 km north.

By Train

Tahe Railway Station (塔河站) is on the Qiqihar–Mohe railway line. Trains from Harbin take about 14–16 hours (¥150–200, hard sleeper). From Mohe, the journey is about 2 hours. Book soft sleeper for comfort on the long journey from Harbin.

By Car / Road

Tahe is on National Highway G111, about 3 hours south of Mohe and 6 hours north of Heihe. Driving from Harbin takes about 12 hours. Buses run from Mohe (2.5 hours, ¥60) and Heihe (7 hours, ¥120).

Tahe town is small and walkable. For visiting the surrounding forests, reindeer herder settlements, and the river, you need a hired car (available through hotels, ¥300–500 per day). There is no ride-hailing. Taxis are very limited.

• Daxing'anling Primitive Forest (大兴安岭原始森林) — The vast boreal forest surrounding Tahe, with towering larch, pine, and birch trees. Free to explore but a guide is recommended.

• Evenki Reindeer Herder Settlement (鄂伦春驯鹿部落) — A community of Evenki reindeer herders living in traditional tepee-like tents (chums). Visitors can meet the herders, see reindeer up close, and learn about their nomadic culture. Donation expected.

• Huma River (呼玛河) — The scenic river that flows through Tahe County, with sandy banks and clear water — popular for fishing and summer outings.

• Shihua Park (石华公园) — A local park in Tahe town with forest trails and a viewing platform over the Huma River.

• Daxing'anling Museum (大兴安岭博物馆) — Located in the prefectural capital Jiagendaqi, about 200 km south — covers the natural history, forestry, and indigenous cultures of the Greater Khingan region.

• Reindeer herding experience: Spend a day with Evenki herders, helping to tend reindeer and learning traditional crafts.

• Taiga hiking: Guided hikes through the virgin boreal forest — the silence and scale are unforgettable.

• Wild berry picking: In late summer (July–August), the forest floor is carpeted with wild blueberries, lingonberries, and cloudberries.

• Fishing: The rivers of Tahe are rich in grayling, lenok, and pike.

• Northern lights: On clear winter nights (December–February), aurora borealis is sometimes visible, especially during periods of high solar activity.

• Reindeer meat stew (驯鹿肉炖): A traditional Evenki dish — tender reindeer meat slow-cooked with wild herbs.
• Wild berry jam (野生果酱): Served with pancakes or bread — made from locally foraged berries.
• Daxing'anling wild mushroom soup (兴安岭蘑菇汤): Foraged mushrooms in a clear broth.
• Grilled grayling (烤细鳞鲑): Freshly caught river fish grilled over an open fire.
• Heilongjiang river fish (黑龙江鱼): Various freshwater fish species from the local rivers.
• Songhuang (松黄): Pine pollen, a local health food product used in teas and porridge.

Wild berry juice (野生蓝莓汁) is the local speciality — made from hand-picked blueberries. Herbal teas using local forest plants, including pine needle tea, are popular among the Evenki. Tap water is not drinkable; bottled water is essential.

• Budget: Tahe Forestry Guesthouse (塔河林业招待所) — basic rooms from ¥80/night.
• Mid-range: Tahe Hotel (塔河宾馆) — the best standard accommodation in town, from ¥200/night.
• Upscale: Daxing'anling Forest Lodge (大兴安岭森林木屋) — rustic log cabins in the forest with wood stoves, from ¥400/night.

Tahe's specialities include wild forest products: dried blueberries and lingonberries, pine nuts, wild honey, and ginseng. Evenki handicrafts — reindeer antler carvings, fur hats, and handwoven birch bark items — are unique souvenirs. The local market in Tahe town is the best place to shop.

• Mohe (漠河) (100 km north, 2.5 hours by car) — China's northernmost city, famous for winter solstice celebrations and the chance to see the aurora borealis.
• Beiji Village (北极村) (120 km north, 3 hours by car) — "North Pole Village," the northernmost settlement in China, with the Arctic boundary marker.
• Jiagendaqi (加格达奇) (200 km south, 4 hours by car) — the capital of Daxing'anling Prefecture and transport hub for the region.
• Heihe (黑河) (350 km south, 7 hours by car) — border city on the Amur River with access to Blagoveshchensk, Russia.