Raohe Border Port in Shuangyashan, Heilongjiang

Raohe Border Port (饶河口岸) is a prominent international trade hub located in Raohe Town (饶河镇), Raohe County (饶河县), Shuangyashan City (双鸭山市), Heilongjiang Province (黑龙江省). Approved by the State Council in April 1989, the port officially opened in September 1993. It serves as a key land and sea transport hub between China and Russia, facilitating cargo and passenger flow year-round. With modern facilities and an efficient transport system, Raohe is an important gateway for trade and cultural exchanges between China and Russia.

Overview

Geographical Location

Raohe Border Port is situated where the Ussuri River (乌苏里江) and Heilong River (黑龙江) converge, only 760 meters from the Russian border, facing Pokrovka Port (波克罗夫卡口岸) in the Khabarovsk region (哈巴罗夫斯克). The port has a strategic position, connecting Heilongjiang Province with Russia’s Far East. It operates both in the open water season (May to October) and the frozen season (November to March), ensuring continuous transportation all year round.

History and Development

Key Milestones

  • Establishment: The port was approved as a first-class international transport port in April 1989 and officially opened to international traffic in September 1993.

  • Designation: In 2015, it became a designated port for the export of meat products from Heilongjiang Province to Russia.

  • Export Capacity: By 2024, Raohe Port has achieved a total cargo throughput capacity of 2 million tons annually and a passenger capacity of 1 million people per year.

  • Trade Growth: In 2023, the total value of import and export trade reached 1.105 billion RMB, marking an 81% year-on-year increase.

Infrastructure and Facilities

Port and Transport Facilities

  • Docking Facilities: Raohe Port features multiple specialized docks for ferry, grain, and other cargo transport. It has 6 berths and 2 large ferry vessels.

  • Storage and Customs Facilities: The port includes a 6,000-square-meter customs supervision warehouse and a 4,000-square-meter joint inspection hall.

  • Winter Transport: During the winter months (November to March), the port utilizes a floating ice channel, reducing transportation time to just 2 minutes.

  • E-commerce: Raohe Port also has dedicated facilities for cross-border e-commerce operations, allowing for efficient trade between China and Russia.

Transport Capacity

Seasonal Transport

  • Open Water Season (May-October): During the summer months, vessels can dock in just 10 minutes, with daily passenger throughput capacity reaching up to 1 million people.

  • Frozen Season (November-March): In the winter months, vehicles use a floating ice channel for transport, reducing crossing time to just 2 minutes.

  • Types of Goods: The port handles a variety of goods, including machinery, agricultural products, frozen seafood, and meat exports. Notably, pork exports to Russia reached historical peaks in 2023.

Economic Contributions and Trade

Growing Trade and Economic Cooperation

  • Import and Export: Raohe Port plays a vital role in cross-border trade with Russia, especially in products like pork, fresh-cut flowers, and ice cream. In 2025, the port began exporting 27,000 fresh-cut flowers to Russia for the first time.

  • Trade Strategies: In 2023, the port promoted the “Buy All Russia, Sell Nationwide” strategy, with online sales exceeding 1 billion RMB. The port’s role as a key trade bridge between China and Russia has also led to the establishment of an international logistics park.

  • Tourism Promotion: In addition to trade, the port supports tourism, with the development of the Ussuri River Golden Tourism Belt (乌苏里江黄金旅游带) and various cross-border travel routes.

Key Policies and Support

  • Customs and Taxation: Raohe County’s comprehensive foreign trade service center has launched a project to support the development of export-oriented industries, with a budget of 1.8 million RMB. The local tax department offers full-cycle policy guidance to foreign trade businesses.

  • Infrastructure Investment: Significant investments have been made in upgrading customs and inspection facilities, particularly for handling live products, with improvements increasing processing efficiency by 40% in recent years.

  • Border E-commerce: In 2024, the port obtained the necessary certification to operate cross-border e-commerce platforms, further facilitating international trade.

Future Prospects and Developments

Ongoing Improvements

  • Expansion Plans: In 2024, the port will complete the expansion of its inspection facilities and begin operations in a newly constructed cross-border e-commerce area.

  • New Collaborations: Raohe Port signed an agreement with Foshan International Trade Port (佛山国际贸易港) to export “Made in Foshan” products to Russia, broadening the port’s trade network.

  • Increased Throughput: By 2024, Raohe Port expects a further increase in its annual trade volume, along with an expanded passenger throughput, making it an even more significant player in cross-border trade.

Practical Information

  • Address: Raohe County, Shuangyashan City, Heilongjiang Province (黑龙江省双鸭山市饶河县口岸路).

  • Contact: Raohe County Foreign Economic and Trade Comprehensive Service Center, Tel: +86 13359659025.

  • Tourist Attractions: Ussuri River Golden Tourism Belt, Cross-border Trade Area (中俄边民互市贸易区).