Heihe Border Port in Heilongjiang

Heihe Border Port (黑河口岸) is located in Heihe City (黑河市), Heilongjiang Province (黑龙江省), China. The port has a rich historical background and plays a significant role in China-Russia trade and border relations. Established as an official port in the 1980s, it has become a key gateway for cross-border trade and travel between China and Russia.

Overview of Heihe Border Port

Historical Background

Heihe Border Port has a long history dating back to the 1858 signing of the Treaty of Aigun (中俄瑷珲条约) between China and Russia, which initiated trade relations between the two countries. The port has witnessed several disruptions, including the interruption of trade during the Japanese invasion in 1931 and the cessation of small-scale border trade during the Cultural Revolution. The port was re-opened in 1982 after a decision by the State Council, and in 1983, it was officially recognized by both Chinese and Russian governments for cross-border trade and passenger transportation.

Geographic Location

Heihe Port is strategically located in the Heihe City Border Economic Cooperation Zone, facing the Russian city of Blagoveshchensk (布拉戈维申斯克) across the Amur River (黑龙江). The port is the closest and largest city-port pair on the Heilong River, with a direct distance of just 750 meters between Heihe and Blagoveshchensk.

Infrastructure and Development

Port Facilities

Heihe Border Port has experienced significant development, especially since the economic reforms in the 1980s. The port now boasts a range of specialized infrastructure including:

  • Cargo terminals: Covering 39,000 square meters.

  • Storage facilities: 1,200 square meters of warehouse space.

  • Docks: A quay length of 618 meters, capable of docking 8 ships of 1,000 tons each.

  • Specialized docks: For timber, coal, grain, oil, and passenger transportation.

In addition, the port features floating cranes, gantry cranes, and loading machinery. The port’s facilities are designed to handle large volumes of goods and passengers, with an annual capacity of 1 million tons of cargo and 1 million passengers.

Transportation and Accessibility

The port is well connected to both domestic and international transport networks. Key transportation options include:

  • Railway: Heihe is connected to the Russian Far East via a 109 km branch railway that links the port to the Trans-Siberian Railway (西伯利亚大铁路) and the Baikal-Amur Mainline Railway (贝阿铁路).

  • Waterway: The port also utilizes river transport, with ships traveling along the Heilong River and the Amur River to reach international destinations, including Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia.

In addition, Heihe is directly linked to domestic cities through rail, road, and air, providing seamless access to major hubs such as the Bohai Sea, Hong Kong, and Macau.

Economic Growth and Trade Activities

Development of Border Economy

Heihe is a key gateway for cross-border trade, with a focus on attracting investment and promoting exports. In 1993, Heihe Border Economic Cooperation Zone (黑河边境经济合作区) was established as a national-level development zone with special policies to encourage foreign and domestic investments. The area is home to a variety of industries, including high-tech industries and export-oriented manufacturing.

  • Economic Zones: The cooperation zone covers 7.63 square kilometers and is divided into areas for third industries, export processing, high-tech industries, and services.

Growing Tourism and Trade

Heihe has also become a popular tourism destination. In the first half of 2024, the city received over 12 million visitors, generating significant tourism revenue. With the resumption of the China-Russia mutual visa-free group travel agreement in 2023, Heihe’s port saw an impressive growth of 160% in the number of travelers crossing the border.

  • Tourism Growth: From January to July 2024, Heihe saw a 41.8% increase in the number of tourists, with tourism income growing by more than 102%.

Key Features of Heihe Border Port

Full-Service Border Port

Heihe is a multi-functional border port with a variety of services that include:

  • Inspection and quarantine: Customs services ensure efficient handling of goods and passengers.

  • Transportation: The port supports a combination of maritime, land, and air transport, making it a key multimodal hub.

  • Financial Services: Offering banking and insurance services for both businesses and travelers.

  • Tourism: The port provides services for tourists, including information, transportation, and leisure activities.

Neighboring City: Blagoveshchensk (布拉戈维申斯克)

Blagoveshchensk, located across the Amur River in Russia, is the administrative center of Amur Oblast (阿穆尔州) and the third-largest city in the Russian Far East. The city is a major regional hub for trade, industry, and transportation, with a population of approximately 250,000. Blagoveshchensk is a key partner for Heihe, with the two cities’ proximity fostering a vibrant cross-border trade relationship.

Future Developments

Ongoing Improvements and Expansion

Heihe continues to grow and modernize its infrastructure. In addition to its port facilities, the city has plans for further development in the areas of tourism, cross-border logistics, and international trade. The growing cooperation between China and Russia, along with the mutual visa exemption for group tourism, ensures the continued success of Heihe Border Port as a vital trade and travel gateway.

  • New Development Projects: The port area is expanding, with ongoing projects to improve facilities and enhance trade operations.

Cross-Border Cooperation

Heihe and Blagoveshchensk are part of the “One Belt, One Road” initiative, which aims to increase connectivity and foster stronger trade relationships between China and Russia. The cities continue to work together to streamline customs procedures and improve the efficiency of cross-border logistics.