Residents of Mohe City in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province witnessed an extraordinary celestial spectacle this month as vertical bands of multicolored light pierced the night sky above Beiji Village – the nation's northernmost settlement often called "China's Arctic."
Scientists from the Chinese Academy of Sciences confirmed the phenomenon results from ice crystals in sub-zero air interacting with artificial lights. "When temperatures drop below -20°C, flat hexagonal ice crystals form near the ground," explained atmospheric researcher Dr. Lin Wei. "These act like mirrors, refracting light from villages into dramatic vertical columns.'
The November 2025 event has sparked renewed interest in Arctic Village tourism, with visitor numbers up 40% compared to last year. Local authorities are developing new aurora-viewing platforms while maintaining strict light pollution controls to preserve the region's unique stargazing conditions.
As climate patterns evolve, researchers note such light displays may become more frequent in northern latitudes. "This isn't just a visual marvel," added Dr. Lin. "It's a living laboratory for studying atmospheric changes in our warming world."
