Sunwu Border Port in Heihe, Heilongjiang

Sunwu Border Port孙吴口岸 was officially approved for opening by the State Council (国务院) in June 1993. It was confirmed as an international passenger and cargo port by the governments of China and Russia in January 1994. Located on the south bank of the Heilong River (黑龙江), the port faces the Russian Konstantinovka Port (康斯坦丁诺夫卡口岸) across the river, about 27 kilometers away. The port features a combined passenger and cargo terminal, with an annual throughput capacity of 300,000 tons.

Geographical Location

Sunwu Port is situated 54 kilometers from the county seat of Sunwu, connected by the Heijia Highway (黑嘉公路). The port’s total shoreline stretches 528 meters and includes both general cargo and specialized terminals for commodities like grains, oil, coal, and timber. It is positioned in the middle reaches of the Heilong River, with access to significant domestic and international transport routes.

Infrastructure and Facilities

Port Capacity and Facilities

Docking Capacity: The port is equipped with a dock length of 528 meters, capable of accommodating five 1,000-ton barges simultaneously.

Specialized Terminals: There are dedicated terminals for grain (e.g., soybeans, corn), oil, coal, and timber, enhancing the port’s efficiency for handling various goods.

Annual Throughput: The port has an annual throughput capacity of 300,000 tons.

Seasonal Transportation Models

Water Transport (May–October): During the open water period, ships are used to transport goods, with an average daily volume of 800 tons.

Ice Road Transport (November–March): In the winter, during the frozen period, automobile transport on ice roads is used, with up to 50 vehicles crossing per day.

Ice Flow Transport (April): When the ice begins to break up, hovercrafts are employed for transport, with a maximum weight capacity of 20 tons per vessel.

Development Status and Challenges

As of March 2017, Sunwu Border Port had not yet officially started international passenger and cargo transportation due to the Russian region’s economic constraints. The Russian Konstantinovka area, which faces Sunwu Port, has a slower economic development, with a low population density and insufficient trade activity. Consequently, the Russian government has not prioritized the opening of the corresponding port on their side.

Despite these challenges, the port has the potential for growth. The local government of Sunwu County (孙吴县政府) is actively working on a feasibility study for opening the port, aiming to improve infrastructure and deepen cooperation with Russia to facilitate the port’s future operations.

Transportation and Nearby Attractions

Location and Accessibility

Proximity: Sunwu Port is located 54 kilometers from Sunwu County, with direct access via the Heijia Highway. The port is situated on the southern bank of the Heilong River and faces the Russian Konstantinovka Port.

Nearby Attractions:

• Sunwu Anti-Japanese War Memorial (孙吴抗战纪念馆): Located near the train station, this historical site commemorates the region’s resistance during the war.

• Heilong River Scenic Views (黑龙江中游自然风光): The riverbanks offer stunning natural views, with the possibility of seeing Russia from across the water.

Latest Developments

Port Opening Plans

As of July 2025, the Sunwu County Government has initiated the feasibility study for the port’s opening and construction, with plans to improve infrastructure and seek national approval for full-scale operations. Once completed, the port will likely become a crucial gateway for trade between China and Russia, benefiting both countries economically.