The Heihe–Blagoveshchensk cross-border river passenger route resumed operations on May 7, marking the beginning of the 2025 open-water season. The revived service, connecting the Chinese mainland’s Heilongjiang Province with Russia’s Amur Oblast, features one 240-seat vessel from each side, offering a scenic and efficient travel option for tourists and business travelers alike.
Local authorities highlight the route’s potential to revitalize summer tourism in Heihe, a key port city in northeast China. With its strategic location along the Amur River, the service is expected to foster cultural exchanges and strengthen economic ties between the two regions. Analysts note that increased cross-border mobility could spur opportunities for small businesses, hospitality ventures, and regional investment in tourism infrastructure.
The reopening aligns with broader efforts to enhance connectivity between China and Russia, particularly in border areas where transportation links play a vital role in trade and diplomacy. As demand for cross-border travel grows, the route is poised to serve as a model for sustainable tourism development and cross-cultural engagement.
