Aoluguya Reindeer Tribe
根河敖鲁古雅驯鹿部落
China's only settlement of the Reindeer Evenki people. Feed reindeer by hand in the forest and see birch-bark cho'lo lodges. It is a core experience of Genhe, 'China's Cold Pole.'
Aoluguya Evenki Ethnic Township lies on the western outskirts of Genhe City. It is the settlement of China's last reindeer-herding people, the Reindeer Evenki, who still raise reindeer deep in the Greater Khingan Mountains. The Aoluguya Reindeer Tribe scenic area (admission about ¥60) is about 4 km from downtown Genhe. Inside the forest you can get close to the reindeer. You can buy moss to feed them, and they are gentle enough to be stroked for photos. You can also see traditional Evenki birch-bark cho'lo lodges and hunters' camps. The scenic area museum tells the story of the people's move from hunting to settled life. Beyond the scenic area, hunters' camps such as Budongxia and Maliyasuo in the surrounding mountain forests keep reindeer roaming freely. A hired driver can take you there for a more authentic experience. Genhe is 'China's Cold Pole,' where winter temperatures can plunge to -50°C. From December to February there are activities such as the Cold Pole Village, rime ice and water-throwing freeze shows. Reindeer-drawn sleds also run only in winter. From Ergun or Mo'erdaoga, the trip to Genhe takes about 2 to 3 hours, and Genhe has trains to Hailar. Notes: do not chase or startle the reindeer while feeding them. Mosquitoes and ticks are numerous in the forest. Winter requires professional cold-weather gear, and camera batteries can fail easily.
Opening hours
08:00–17:30
Nearby sights
- Genheyuan National Wetland Park
- China Cold Pole Village
- Shangkuli Grassland
- Ergun Birch Forest
- Sanhe Township
- Labudalin Town (Ergun City)
- Ergun Wetland
- Heishantou Town & Ancient City Ruins