Shatuozi Border Port in Hunchun, Jilin

Shatuozi Border Port (沙坨子口岸) is a key land border crossing situated in Hunchun (珲春), Jilin Province (吉林省), in the Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture (延边朝鲜族自治州). This port faces the North Korean city of Kaesong (庆源郡), separated by the Tumen River (图们江), making it an important transportation route between China and North Korea.

The port, originally established in 1936, initially facilitated cross-border visits for local residents. In 1985, it officially began handling goods, and following a major modernization in 2012, it became a national class II port. The port is part of Hunchun’s four major land crossings and serves as a vital logistical hub for regional trade.

Key Statistics:

  • Location: Southwest of Hunchun city, Jilin Province

  • Opened: 1936 (original bridge built)

  • Port Type: National Class II Port (国家二类口岸)

  • Design Capacity: 200,000 tons of goods and 200,000 passengers annually

  • Corresponding Port: North Korea’s Kaesong (庆源郡赛别尔口岸)

  • Current Status: Temporarily closed during 2024 for the “Sun Festival” (太阳节) of North Korea

  • Traffic Measures: Appointment-based customs clearance system introduced in 2023

Location and Infrastructure

Shatuozi Border Port is located 12 kilometers southwest of Hunchun, Jilin Province. It is connected to North Korea through the Shatuozi Border Bridge (沙坨子国境桥), a 423.62-meter bridge (351.25 meters on the Chinese side), linking China with North Korea’s Kaesong (庆源郡赛别尔口岸). The port covers an area of 31,000 square meters and serves as one of Hunchun’s main border crossings, along with the Quanhou (圈河) and Changlingzi (长岭子) ports. These ports are part of a cross-border logistics system that integrates road and rail transport.

History and Development

Early History:

Shatuozi Border Port’s origins date back to 1936 when the first bridge was constructed across the Tumen River (图们江), providing a vital link for border trade. After World War II and the establishment of the People’s Republic of China, the port became more organized, with the customs office being established in 1949. The port officially became a class II port in 1953.

In 1985, the port expanded its operations to include freight traffic, marking a shift from serving primarily for local exchanges to more formalized cross-border trade. The port underwent modernization in the 2010s to accommodate growing trade volumes, and by 2012, a new integrated inspection building was completed.

Upgrades and Modernization:

  • 2010-2012: Major infrastructure upgrade, including the construction of a new 3,332 square meter inspection building, and reinforcement of the bridge to support 30-ton trucks.

  • 2020-2022: A new expansion plan was initiated to increase freight capacity and modernize facilities, including improvements to customs procedures and digital systems for efficient processing.

Port Facilities and Operations

Infrastructure and Customs Clearance:

The inspection building at Shatuozi Border Port is equipped with integrated services, including customs, border inspection, and quarantine facilities. The port has adopted a zoned management approach for its inspection and quarantine areas to streamline processing.

  • Bridge Capacity: The cross-border bridge was reinforced in 2012 and can now handle freight vehicles weighing up to 30 tons.

  • Customs and Inspection: In 2023, a new “7×10-hour” appointment-based customs clearance system was introduced, which has reduced average processing times by 30%.

Customs and Border Procedures:

  • 2024 Temporary Closure: The port temporarily closed in April 2024 due to the North Korean Sun Festival (太阳节), following a bilateral consultation process.

  • Future Developments: Planned infrastructure projects are expected to further optimize customs procedures and increase freight handling capacity to 500,000 tons by 2025.

Trade and Economic Impact

Shatuozi Border Port plays a crucial role in facilitating trade between China and North Korea. The primary exports through this port are mechanical equipment, and there are plans to further expand the port’s infrastructure to handle even more trade goods.

  • 2025 Expansion Plans: A new cross-border bridge is planned to connect Shatuozi with Kaesong (庆源), boosting the port’s capacity to 500,000 tons annually.

  • 2024 Development: Shatuozi is incorporated into Hunchun’s broader port customs center, enhancing its logistical capabilities and connecting it to a regional network for faster and more efficient cross-border trade.

Tourism and Scenic Features

Shatuozi is not only a critical trade hub but also offers scenic views of the countryside on both the Chinese and North Korean sides of the Tumen River. The area is known for its rural landscapes, including rice paddies and lush fields.

  • Key Tourist Attraction: The Willow Island Rice Paddies near the southern end of the bridge are a popular scenic spot, attracting visitors for their peaceful and picturesque views.

Practical Information for Travelers

Port Operating Hours:

While exact hours are not always publicly listed, similar ports generally operate between 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, but travelers are advised to confirm timings in advance.

Transportation:

  • Self-Driving: Visitors can drive from the center of Hunchun city via Provincial Road S503 to the port.

  • Nearby Ports: Shatuozi is part of the Hunchun cross-border logistics system, linking with other ports like Quanhou and Changlingzi for an integrated transportation network.

Important Considerations:

  • Documents Required: Travelers must carry valid documents such as passports or border passes.

  • Real-Time Policy Updates: Information regarding policy changes, including temporary closures or border entry requirements, can be checked via the official Hunchun government website.

Future Plans and Developments

Shatuozi Border Port is undergoing significant upgrades as part of the Jilin Province East Green Transformation Development Plan (吉林省东部绿色转型发展区总体规划), aimed at improving logistics and enhancing regional trade. Future plans include:

  • New Cross-Border Bridge: Scheduled for completion by 2025, this bridge will increase the port’s freight handling capacity to 500,000 tons annually.

  • Expanded Infrastructure: The ongoing upgrade of the inspection building and warehouse facilities will ensure better service for goods and travelers crossing the border.

  • Improved Customs Procedures: Continued optimization of inspection processes and the introduction of more advanced systems will further reduce waiting times and improve efficiency.

Shatuozi Border Port continues to play a key role in enhancing cross-border trade between China and North Korea, and its ongoing development will strengthen its position in the broader Northeast Asian logistics network.