Northernmost Police Station (Arctic Border Police Station) in Daxing’Anling

The Arctic Border Police Station (北极边境派出所), established in 1947, is located in the northernmost region of China. Originally known as the Arctic Border Defense Station, it is now part of the Daxing’Anling Border Management Detachment (大兴安岭边境管理支队), under the Heilongjiang Entry-Exit Border Inspection Station (黑龙江出入境边防检查总站). The station is situated in Beiji Village (北极村), Mohe City (漠河市), at a latitude of 53°33’42”. It serves the highest latitude border control in China, covering a border length of 173 kilometers along the China-Russia border and an area of 2,798 square kilometers.

  • Location: Beiji Village, Mohe City, Heilongjiang Province

  • Opening Year: 1947

  • Temperature: Average annual temperature of -3.8°C, with extreme lows reaching -52.3°C

  • Key Responsibilities: Border patrol, security management, tourist safety, emergency response, and epidemic prevention.

Responsibilities and Operations

Border Patrol and Security Management

The Arctic Border Police Station manages 173 kilometers of the China-Russia border along the Heilongjiang River (黑龙江). The station conducts patrols every three days, with special attention given to border markers (No. 137 to 153) and monitoring illegal border crossings and illegal fishing activities.

  • Security Operations: The station responds to an average of over 30 requests for assistance during peak tourist seasons. In 2023, the station rescued 382 lost or frostbitten tourists.

  • Emergency Response: During winter, the station handles an average of 15 ice crack emergencies on the river each year. In January 2023, the team worked for six consecutive hours to rescue a trapped border guard.

Public Service and Community Relations

The police station is deeply integrated into local community services. It offers support to the local population, including elderly residents, left-behind children, and disabled individuals, as part of its public welfare programs.

  • Community Support: Officers provide direct assistance to elderly people and families in need, such as installing emergency call devices for elderly residents.

  • Agricultural Support: During the spring and autumn harvest seasons, police personnel assist in agricultural tasks. In 2023, the station helped rescue over 3,000 kilograms of crops during a heavy rainstorm.

Related Tourist Attractions

Beiji Village Scenic Area (北极村景区)

The Arctic Village is known as the “northernmost point” of China and is a key geographical landmark. Visitors can enjoy scenic views and experience the unique culture of this remote area.

  • Highlights: China’s “Arctic” geographical sign, an aurora viewing point, and the Arctic Border Police Station, which offers safety services in coordination with local tourist facilities.

  • Special Policy: National police officers with valid IDs can visit certain A-level scenic areas in Heilongjiang Province for free (subject to local policy confirmation).

Daxing’Anling Ecological Area (大兴安岭生态区)

This area is renowned for its pristine forests, covering 79.83% of the region with cold temperate zone forests. Major natural landmarks include Dabaishan (大白山) at 1,528 meters above sea level.

  • Ecological Features: The region is a key site for environmental conservation and is home to rare wildlife and lush, untouched landscapes.

  • Tourism Safety: High-level scenic areas such as the Arxan National Forest Park (阿尔山国家森林公园) have pioneered the “tourist policing” model, setting an example for safety and emergency services.

Practical Information

Transportation

  • From Mohe Airport to Beiji Village: Approximately 80 kilometers. Self-driving or chartered vehicles are recommended during summer. In winter, caution is required due to icy roads.

  • Police Consultation: The Arctic Border Police Station can be reached at 0457-2883110. It is advisable to confirm patrol times and security updates in advance.

Special Visitor Experience

  • Northernmost Police Experience: While the police station is not a traditional tourist attraction, it serves as a cultural landmark. In summer 2025, visitors will be able to take part in the “Northernmost Police Experience,” offering a unique opportunity to learn about border control operations and explore this historically significant site.

History and Evolution

The Arctic Border Police Station was first established as a border defense station in 1947. In 2018, following the reform of the Public Security Border Defense Force, it was renamed the Arctic Border Police Station, and it now operates under the national immigration management authority. The station has relocated three times and is now located at the core of Beiji Village, with standardized facilities including a command center, equipment storage, and living quarters for officers.

  • Notable Milestones: In 2010, the station established the Luoguhe (洛古河) Couples Police Service Station, which has been operated by officer families since its inception, working year-round without breaks.

Honors and Recognition

The Arctic Border Police Station has received numerous accolades for its dedicated service to the border and the public:

  • 2017: Recognized by the State Council and Central Military Commission as a “Model Border Police Station for the People.”

  • 2018: Awarded as a “Four Strengths” Party Branch after the reform.

  • 2023: The “Model Border Police Station for the People” banner was selected by the National Cultural Heritage Administration as one of the “100 Objects Witnessing the New Era.”

Smart Policing and Technology

The Arctic Border Police Station has embraced technological advancements to improve border security:

  • 3D Community Mapping: A detailed 3D map of the local community, including 287 households, to help officers track and manage residents’ information.

  • Video Surveillance: Over 70 cameras are strategically placed for monitoring, leading to the recovery of lost livestock 17 times in 2022.

  • Electronic Border Markers: Sensors have been installed along key river sections to monitor any movement near the border.

  • Mobile Policing Terminals: These devices allow real-time tracking of patrol routes, syncing data to the main command center.

The Arctic Border Police Station in Beiji Village offers an intriguing blend of national security, community service, and tourism. Its unique location and the role it plays in maintaining order and safety in one of the most remote regions of China make it a symbol of resilience and dedication. Visitors to this far northern area can witness both the natural beauty of the landscape and the historical significance of the border protection efforts in place.