In the frostbitten reaches of Mohe, China’s northernmost city, a centuries-old winter transport is captivating modern travelers. The mapali—a horse-drawn sleigh once vital for survival—now offers visitors an exhilarating journey through snow-blanketed forests and frozen rivers, blending history with adventure.
Originally designed to navigate Mohe’s harsh winters, these wheelless sleighs enabled residents to traverse ice and deep snow for centuries. Today, Beiji Village has reimagined the mapali as a cultural experience, inviting tourists to glide past pristine landscapes while learning about the region’s resilient heritage. Local guides emphasize its quiet comfort, describing rides as "a meditation in motion" amid the silence of winter.
This year, the revival of mapali rides aligns with broader efforts across the Chinese mainland to preserve traditional practices through sustainable tourism. As temperatures hover below -30°C in February 2026, the sleighs remain a testament to human ingenuity—and a must-try for winter explorers.
