Plan at a glance
Location and the shared entrance
The First Bend of the Heilongjiang River is about 130–140 kilometers northwest of Mohe, far from downtown Mohe and the main lodging areas in Arctic Village. All visits start at the First Bend Scenic Area Visitor Center. Buy your ticket there, then transfer to the shuttle as directed.
One combined ticket for two stops
Expect the combined ticket to cost about CNY 110 per person, with CNY 50 for admission and CNY 60 for the required shuttle; confirm the current price at the visitor center. Wusuli Shoal and the First Bend are part of the same shuttle itinerary and are not sold separately. Visitors aged 60–64 receive half-price admission with proof of eligibility. Visitors aged 65 and over are exempt from the admission fee but still pay CNY 60 for the shuttle.
Operating hours and visit time
Seasonal hours are listed as 8:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m. from May to September and 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. from October through April. Check the visitor center for that day's opening time and last shuttle. The shorter route takes about two to two and a half hours; the complete summit route takes about three to four hours. Arrive in the morning or earlier in the afternoon and check the last shuttle time. If the remaining operating time is not enough for the summit route, do not plan to climb. The shorter route itself also takes about two to two and a half hours; whether you can still enter depends on that day's last shuttle.
Tickets and visit details
View visit options for this attraction and confirm the visit date and current arrangements before you go.
Choose your visit
Wusuli Shoal
Wusuli Shoal is an open area on the Heilongjiang River with a marker for China's northernmost point. The main experience is seeing the geographic marker and stopping briefly; the shuttle usually waits about 15 to 20 minutes.
The First Bend viewpoint
The main feature is the Ω-shaped bend formed by the Heilongjiang River among the forested slopes. The viewpoint is at the top of a timber-boardwalk climb. There are about 1,000 steps uphill; you need to reach the top to see the river bend as a whole.
Choose a short visit or the full climb
For the northernmost-point marker with fewer stairs, choose a short visit to Wusuli Shoal followed by a stop at the foot of the First Bend. For a full view of the river bend, choose the summit route only if you can manage a long climb and descent. Both options visit Wusuli Shoal first and follow the same shuttle loop.
For village scenery and an overnight stay that can pair with this road itinerary, see Beihong Village.
Build your day
The shorter route without climbing
Buy the combined ticket at the visitor center and take the shuttle first to Wusuli Shoal. Spend about 15 to 20 minutes at the “Northernmost Point of China” marker, then return to the designated boarding point. Continue on the same shuttle loop to the foot of the First Bend. Skip the climb and follow the shuttle arrangements back to the visitor center. The full short route takes about two to two and a half hours.
The complete summit route
Follow the short-route order and visit Wusuli Shoal first. Then take the shuttle to the foot of the First Bend and choose either the east or west timber-boardwalk trail to climb. There are about 1,000 steps uphill. After reaching the viewpoint, descend by the same route and return to the visitor center according to the shuttle schedule. The full route takes about three to four hours.
Shuttle and return arrangements
The shuttle follows a one-way loop: Wusuli Shoal first, then the First Bend, and finally the visitor center. After visiting the shoal, continue through the same combined-ticket itinerary as directed. Before boarding, confirm the next stop and how long you can stay. Use only open paths inside the scenic area; do not look for side paths down to the riverbank.
Get there
From Mohe, Arctic Village or Beihong Village
A chartered or shared car is usually the practical way to reach the visitor center and combine the long drive with your planned stops. For groups of three or four, chartering a car may be practical. Coach services are limited and may not go directly to the visitor center; check the route and return connection with Mohe's coach station before relying on a bus.
Transfer at the visitor center
Buy your ticket at the visitor center and transfer to the scenic area's shuttle. Private cars cannot enter the shuttle loop. The visitor center is the only entry and transfer point; the shuttle visits Wusuli Shoal and the foot of the First Bend in that order.
Parking
There is free parking at the visitor center. Bring your hiking gear with you before entering; there are no drive-through supply points or side roads for leaving the scenic area by private car.
Know before you go
Stairs and seasonal conditions
The summit climb involves about 1,000 steps uphill and can be demanding on the knees, legs and heart and lungs. Visitors with heart disease, high blood pressure or limited mobility should choose the shorter route with care. Mosquitoes are common in summer; wear light-colored long sleeves and bring repellent. In winter, the boardwalk may be snowy or icy, so wear warm shoes with good traction.
Border area and aircraft restrictions
Wusuli Shoal and the river bend are in a border area. Stay within the scenic area's open zones and follow on-site instructions. Do not approach the border fence, cross into restricted areas, photograph military facilities or fly a drone. Drone flights are prohibited throughout the scenic area.
Signal and supplies
Mobile coverage may be weak or unstable inside the scenic area and on some parts of the access roads. Save an offline map before setting out and agree on a return time with your driver. There are no restaurants in the scenic area and few supply points on the mountain; bring water and a small snack. Plan to eat in town or along the way after leaving.
When to arrive
The scenic area is far from downtown Mohe, and the drive, two shuttle transfers and climb all take time. Aim to arrive in the morning or earlier in the day. In the off-season, or if weather or vehicle schedules change, follow the visitor center's ticketing and last-shuttle arrangements for that day.