I spent Christmas with a reindeer herding tribe in the far north of China, and it felt like a true Hallmark movie (except I didn't fall in love with a local). Aoluguya is in the middle of nowhere, which is exactly why I wanted to go. Here's how I got there, what it was like, and what I'd tell you before you go.

What is Aoluguya?

Aoluguya is a small Ewenki village just outside the town of Genhe, in the far north of Inner Mongolia. The Ewenki here are known as China's only reindeer herding tribe. For generations they lived in the forest with their reindeer, and in 2003 the village was moved out of the forest to where it is today. Some families still raise reindeer, and many now welcome visitors who want to learn about their way of life.

The wooden entrance gate to Aoluguya reindeer village in the snow
Reindeer with big antlers standing in a snowy forest at Aoluguya

Getting there from Beijing

I flew from Beijing to Hulunbuir in Inner Mongolia. From there, I took a Didi (China's version of Uber) about 3 hours north to Genhe.

My tip: book that Didi a few days in advance. It's a long drive, and booking early made sure I got a driver who was willing to do it. I got lucky and had an amazing driver who really took care of me. The roads up there are pretty empty, so don't be surprised if you barely see another car.

How cold is it?

Very. When I was there it was about -35°F. Genhe is known as one of the coldest cities in China (it trades that title with Mohe), and it has hit around -57°F. Pack your warmest layers, then add one more.

Christmas with the reindeer herders

I went all by myself, and I loved spending Christmas there. It was so unique to celebrate in that setting, surrounded by snow, forest and reindeer.

Honestly, the best part was the people. Everyone was so nice. I rode in the car with strangers on three different occasions, and I always felt safe.

John, The Red Beard Explorer, standing next to a reindeer in the snow at Aoluguya
John giving a thumbs up in a winter coat beside a reindeer

Things to do

My advice is simple: do everything you can while you're there. You've come a long way, so say yes to it all. Here's what I did:

  • Spend time with the reindeer: you can get up close and interact with them.
  • Visit the Christmas post office: you can send a reindeer postcard home.
  • Go to a local Christmas event: I went to a local Christmas celebration, and you can see it in my video.

The village also offers things like reindeer sled rides and bonfire parties, though the bonfires weren't happening while I was there, so check what's on when you visit.

Red reindeer sleds lined up in the snow at Aoluguya

Where to stay: a heated yurt

I stayed overnight in a yurt, and it was amazing. It was so comfortable and had heated floors, which you'll appreciate at -35°F. You can book the yurt I stayed in on Trip.com here (affiliate link: I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you).

Inside a heated yurt at Aoluguya with a bed and wooden floors
My yurt
White yurts lit up at dusk in Aoluguya reindeer village

How many days do you need?

I was there for 3 full days and 2 half days. Looking back, I'd recommend 2 full days in Aoluguya, plus a travel day on each end for the flight and the long drive.

Quick tips

  • Getting there: fly from Beijing to Hulunbuir, then about 3 hours by car north to Genhe.
  • Book your driver early: reserve the Didi a few days ahead so you get someone willing to make the drive.
  • Dress for extreme cold: it was about -35°F when I visited.
  • Stay in a yurt: mine had heated floors and was so comfortable (book on Trip.com, affiliate link).
  • Plan 4 days: 2 full days in the village plus a travel day on each end.
  • Say yes to everything: you came all this way.

Watch my full Christmas in Aoluguya in the video above, and subscribe to my YouTube channel for more adventures across China and around the world. Heading somewhere warmer next? Read about Zhouzhuang, the water town near Shanghai.

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