After hanging up a consultation call from a southern tourist, Han Xueting neatly adjusted a small ornament on the guest room headboard and stepped out of her family-run homestay, "Journey Through Time," which she had been tidying since early morning, to head to the village committee for work. It was late October in Mohe's Arctic Village, just past 7 a.m.
Five years ago, as a new mother, Han Xueting took on her first "official" role as a propaganda committee member for the Arctic Village branch. "My daughter had just turned one then; now she's in the top class of kindergarten," said Han Xueting, her voice crisp and bright, reflecting her efficient and cheerful nature, having served as the village branch deputy secretary for over a year.
"My in-laws ran a 'farmhouse inn' many years ago, but it operated on and off. After marrying into Arctic Village, my husband and I took it over and converted it into a youth hostel, which later became a homestay. The significant changes and development have truly happened in recent years." Han Xueting, who had just become the village propaganda committee member in early 2021, coincided with Mohe City's launch of its "City Creation" campaign, where improving the living environment was a key focus. For Arctic Village, this meant courtyard remediation. "The propaganda department took on many 'City Creation' tasks; those two years were packed with 'major work,' involving daily labor," Han Xueting recalled with a smile.
The village was considerate of the new mother still nursing her child, but she always strived to complete the village's tasks ahead of others whenever possible. "This job broadened my horizons. I never realized there was so much to learn about running a homestay before, and the village continuously organized training sessions." By the end of 2022, she and her husband decided to convert the youth hostel into a homestay. They started renovating the layout, rooms, and interior decor that winter, dismantling one guest room and relocating the common area from the north to the south side. They preserved the vegetable garden in the yard for visitors and added a pavilion. The couple handled all the work themselves.
"The changes brought by 'City Creation' are tangible, not just in the village's appearance but more importantly in the villagers' morale. The residents' spirit has been revitalized; they no longer have the 'dusty and disheveled' look of the past. The city, town, and village are all guiding everyone toward development and prosperity." In early 2023, Mohe Gulian Airport commenced operations, and that summer, Arctic Village experienced a tourism surge. "Starting from that year, even though occupancy rates aren't high after autumn, we still have guests every day. This was unheard of before."
Since April 2024, Arctic Village has embarked on large-scale infrastructure upgrades. "Over 600 households in the village now have central heating, compared to only about 40% before." Recently, Han Xueting has been busy coordinating the debugging of the village's newly connected central heating system. Beyond heating, upgrades are underway for water supply, drainage, power grids, and road networks—the most comprehensive and systematic improvements since the village's establishment. Homestays, restaurants, and other tourism services in the village are continuously elevating their standards.
"As residents of the northernmost village in the country, most people around me, like myself, are seeing continuous improvements in life, work, and family. Small joys are enough to bring contentment. In recent years, the elusive Northern Lights have made several appearances. Lucky tourists are thrilled, and I'm happy too—not just because we can see the aurora, but also because I'm delighted to host friends from all over at 'Journey Through Time' for memorable moments." Hanging up another inquiry call, Han Xueting gazed out the window. She knows that her future, and that of Arctic Village, is as clear, bright, and full of promise as the occasionally appearing yet ever-anticipated Northern Lights.
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