In Mohe, Heilongjiang province in the northeastern region of the Chinese mainland, winter temperatures routinely plunge below –30°C. For half the year, snow blankets the landscape, challenging residents to find warmth, mobility and community. Far from succumbing to the cold, locals have reimagined ice and snow as catalysts for innovation.
Layer Up, Live Well
Surviving extreme cold starts with smart clothing. Locals swear by layering moisture-wicking base garments, insulated mid-layers and windproof outer shells. Thermal boots, fur-lined hats and hand warmers are staples for daily life on icy streets. Data shows that temperatures inside well-insulated homes stay up to 15°C warmer, reducing energy use by nearly 30% compared with standard winter builds.
Architecture Meets Environment
Designers in Mohe have turned to passive heating techniques: south-facing windows, earth-sheltered homes and heat-recycling ventilation. Geothermal wells and biomass boilers are becoming popular, tapping the earth’s natural warmth to power homes sustainably. Local startups have reported a 20% jump in sales of eco-friendly heating systems this year.
Community and Culture
Winter festivals have transformed Mohe into a global tourism hotspot. Each January, the Ice and Snow Carnival draws visitors with illuminated sculptures and polar light tours. This year, attendance rose by 25%, injecting fresh energy into local businesses and showcasing northern ingenuity to young global travelers.
On the Move
When roads freeze over, residents rely on heated buses and studded tires. Remote villages now have drone-delivered supplies, ensuring essentials reach even the most isolated homes. Snow-covered trails invite winter hikers, turning transportation challenges into adventure tourism opportunities.
As 2025 draws to a close, Mohe’s coldest landscapes are warming up to new ideas. Ice and snow no longer obstruct its path—they inspire a future where community resilience, sustainable design and technological creativity thrive under the northern lights.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
