Tongjiang Border Port in Jiamusi, Heilongjiang

Tongjiang Border Port (同江口岸) is located in the northeastern part of Heilongjiang Province (黑龙江省), at the confluence of the Songhua River (松花江) and Heilong River (黑龙江). It lies on the right bank of the river, just across from Russia’s Zeleny Nozh Port (下列宁斯阔耶), a mere river apart. Positioned at longitude 132°18′–134°17′ and latitude 47°35′–48°17′, the port is surrounded by Fuyuan County (抚远县) to the east, Fujin City (富锦市) to the south, and Suibin County (绥滨县) to the west.

General Overview

Location and Geographical Advantage

  • Geographical Coordinates: Longitude 132°18′–134°17′, Latitude 47°35′–48°17′

  • Strategic Position: Situated at the confluence of the Songhua and Heilong rivers, Tongjiang serves as an important link between China and Russia, with direct access to both waterways and land transport routes.

  • Neighboring Areas: Tongjiang is 60 kilometers from Jiamusi City (佳木斯) and 3.5 kilometers from the city center, with easy access via Tonggang Road (通港路).

Port Type and Capacity

  • Port Class: First-class international cargo and passenger port.

  • Annual Throughput: 4.6 million tons.

  • Transport Modes: Waterway, road, and rail.

  • Special Features: Tongjiang is Heilongjiang’s only multi-modal transport port, which provides significant advantages for trade with Russia.

Infrastructure and Operations

Port Zones

  • Western Operational Area: Located along the Songhua River, this zone features four deep-water berths with a daily throughput capacity of 3,000 tons. Shipping operations are carried out from May to October during the open water period.

  • Eastern Operational Area: Situated on the southern bank of the Heilong River, this area includes an automobile ferry terminal with an annual throughput capacity of 300,000 tons.

  • Rail Operations: A China-Europe Railway (中欧班列) has been in operation since 2023, reducing the transport distance by 809 kilometers compared to Suifenhe Port (绥芬河口岸).

Customs and Border Control

Tongjiang has a streamlined inspection process, utilizing the “appointment clearance + manifest merging” model. The port’s customs can process train shipments within two hours, facilitating efficient cross-border trade.

Recent Developments

Cargo Growth and Trade Expansion

  • Increased Cargo Volume: In the first seven months of 2025, the port handled 3.696 million tons of cargo, a 17.3% year-on-year growth.

  • China-Europe Railway: The rail link has completed 285 shipments, connecting over 20 cities and expanding its scope to include new products like rapeseed oil and auto parts.

  • Cold Chain Logistics: The port imported Russian ice cream for the first time in May 2025, marking the beginning of frozen food trade through Tongjiang.

  • Infrastructure Expansion: An investment of 989 million RMB is being made to enhance inspection capabilities and improve logistics infrastructure, with a goal to increase annual throughput by 40%.

Development History

Early Trade Activities

  • 1904: Trade activities between China and Russia began in Tongjiang.

  • 1958: The Chinese government approved the establishment of the port.

  • 1986: After a hiatus due to political events, the port was re-opened as a first-class international port.

  • 1994: The port was upgraded to handle international passenger and cargo transport.

Strategic Importance

Tongjiang’s location makes it an essential trade link between China and Russia, particularly with access to Russia’s Far East and Central Asia. The port has played a critical role in the region’s economic development, with increased trade in products like coal, timber, and agricultural goods.

Future Plans and Investments

Infrastructure and Connectivity

Tongjiang is slated for further expansion, with plans to enhance its transport capabilities:

  • Water-to-Land Intermodal Terminal: The Ministry of Transport is developing a new terminal to facilitate both maritime and land-based freight.

  • Railway and Airport Expansion: Preparations for expanding the railway network and constructing an airport are underway, enhancing the port’s connectivity to global markets.

Port Contributions and Economic Impact

Contribution to Cross-Border Trade

Since its reopening, Tongjiang has become a crucial hub for both local and international trade. By 1999, the port had signed trade contracts worth 8 billion USD with Russia and other former Soviet Union countries.

Economic Shifts

Tongjiang has evolved from a simple transit point for goods to a vibrant area of economic cooperation, with growing exports of labor, technology, and services. The port’s role in promoting Sino-Russian trade and fostering regional economic growth continues to expand, particularly in sectors like labor exports, technology cooperation, and border tourism.

Surrounding Facilities and Accessibility

Key Nearby Locations

  • Tongjiang Border Port Hotel (同江口岸宾馆): Located at No. 268, Tongsan Road, with booking available at 0454-2922221.

  • Tongjiang Port (同江港): Situated along the river with contact available at 18545029811.

Travel and Border Tourism

In 2023, group visa-free travel was restored, allowing Chinese tourists to visit Russia via Tongjiang Port. This has expanded tourism opportunities, facilitating easier access between the two countries.