Experience unique tribal culture at Harbin’s AOLUGUYA Hotel

Even if you do not have time to enter China’s coldest region to meet the only reindeer-husbandry tribe in China, you can experience the tribe’s authentic culture at the AOLUGUYA Hotel in Harbin, Northeast China’s Heilongjiang province.

AOLUGUYA Hotel is the only forest-themed hotel in China, and is inspired by the culture of the country’s last hunting tribe –– Aoluguya (“the place of lush poplar trees” in the language of the Ewenki ethnic group) –– an Ewenki tribe that still practices reindeer husbandry.

The Aoluguya tribe is located in Genhe, one of China's most northerly county-level administrative districts; a road sign reads "Latitude 50 N". This is the site of China’s lowest ever recorded temperature of -52.6 C.

Maria Suo, the matriarch of Aoluguya, will meet guests at AOLUGUYA Hotel from Dec 24 to 25, sharing stories about her life in the tribe and expressing her gratitude to people who care about her tribe.

Now in her late 90s, Suo still encourages her tribe to stick to the old way and traditions of reindeer husbandry, far removed from modern life in the big cities. There are about 200 people in her tribe, raising around 1,200 reindeer.

Together with the arrival of Suo, a large group of reindeer will be brought to the hotel to spend the winter there until the weather warms up.

Guests will not only have the chance to enjoy an authentic taste of forest culture, but also be able to sample fresh and organic food from the Great Khingan Mountains.

In addition, the hotel has adopted many elements of the Aoluguya tribe in its interior design. From its layout, decoration, and style, to the art on display, all strive to leave an impression of harmony between man and nature.

In keeping with the hotel’s theme, all staff members will be dressed in the traditional clothing of the Ewenki ethnic group; and hotel rooms, which have an average area of 60 square meters, are named after “cuoluozi” –– the traditional name for an Ewenki home.

During the traditional festivals of the ethnic group, such as the Sebin Festival (June 18) and the New Year festival, classic traditional performances from the ethnic group will be staged in the hotel to add to the festive atmosphere.

Maria Suo, the matriarch of the Aoluguya tribe, stands in front of her house or “cuoluozi”. [Photo/China Daily]

AOLUGUYA Hotel is located in Songbei district of Harbin, Northeast China’s Heilongjiang province. [Photo/China Daily]

The lobby area at AOLUGUYA Hotel in Songbei district of Harbin, Northeast China’s Heilongjiang province. [Photo/China Daily]