Published on: 2026-04-23
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
It has been six months since the introduction of the visa-free regime between China and Russia. The effect of this measure continues to strengthen. Currently, shopping, traditional Chinese medicine, and business negotiations have become the most popular reasons for visits among Russian citizens traveling to Heilongjiang province. Cross-border contacts are becoming increasingly regular and diverse.
According to statistics from the border control station of Heilongjiang province, in half a year of visa-free regime (up to March 16), the number of Russian tourists entering through the province’s checkpoints amounted to 232 thousand people, which is 61.2% more compared to the same period last year. Long queues of Russian citizens line up at the Heihe checkpoint.
Russian tourist: “Currently, there is a visa-free regime in effect, so a visa is not needed for a trip to China — this is very convenient. You can go to China for a tour, take a walk. There are many shopping centers here where you can buy various things. Plenty of tasty restaurants. The hotels are very clean and comfortable.”
Not only in Hayshe, but also at all checkpoints of the Heilongjiang province, there is a flow of Russian tourists. In Harbin, many guests from Russia visit the central street, stroll through the markets, immersing themselves in the city atmosphere. In Suifenhe, Russian businessmen arrive with their lists for purchases, conduct negotiations on cooperation, and buy goods. Today, all checkpoints in Heilongjiang have become a “cross-border living environment” for Russians. The province has universally updated signs in Russian, optimized the cross-border payment system, and improved the quality of service for guests.
Sun Kai, deputy head of the first duty detachment of the border control station Heyse: “After the introduction of the visa-free regime, many Russians deliberately come to us for the weekend, arriving on Friday and leaving on Sunday. The flow for the weekend has noticeably increased. We have optimized the border control procedures, opening additional channels in advance to ensure the most convenient and fastest passage for all categories of passengers, thereby practically demonstrating the advantages of the visa-free regime.”
Please note; this information is raw content received directly from the source. It represents an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.