Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –
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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News
Harbin, December 30 (Xinhua) — Following the introduction of the visa-free travel policy between China and Russia this year, "two-way travel" across national borders continues to gain momentum in border cities of the two countries. The benefits of the visa-free regime are becoming a real driver of development in border cities on both sides.
CUSTOMS FLASH PROCEDURES FOR FAST MOVEMENT
In the depths of winter, temperatures in Suifenhe, a city in northeastern China's Heilongjiang Province bordering Russia, have dropped to minus twenty degrees Celsius, yet the arrivals hall at the vehicle border crossing remains bustling.
For tourists who frequently travel between China and Russia, the phrase "fast and convenient" has become the most common way to describe their experience since the introduction of the visa-free regime.
Russian tourist Anna Ivanova, who arrived in Suifenhe from Grodekovo, Russia, said it took less than 10 minutes from getting off the bus to completing customs clearance.
To ensure the smooth flow of passengers under the visa-free regime, local authorities opened "one-stop shops," quickly increased the number of entry channels, installed clear signage in Chinese and Russian, and equipped checkpoints with modern smart translation systems, transforming the former checkpoints into a comfortable and fast space.
Ten vehicles with the "Suifenhe Tourism/Road Trip" logo are parked at the Suifenhe border crossing, ready to depart. This recently launched car rental initiative for cross-border road trips, capitalizing on the benefits of free trade zone policies, offers tourists a full range of services, from entry paperwork to vehicle rental.
Across the Chinese-Russian border, at the reception desk of the Avanda Hotel in Vladivostok, Polina, an employee, shares her impressions: "December, usually a quiet month, has seen a significant increase in guests from China this year compared to previous years." She noted that now, when checking in, Chinese tourists simply need to show their passport and immigration card, as opposed to the previous requirement for a thorough visa check.
Mr. Zhou, a tourist from Beijing, just completed a short cross-border trip over the weekend. He noted that the entire process, from arrival at the airport to hotel check-in, went smoothly and without delays. "Not having to prepare numerous documents in advance and wait for a visa significantly increased our desire to travel around the Russian Far East," Mr. Zhou emphasized.
LIVELY EXCHANGES: TRAVEL MADE EVEN COZIER
Walking the streets of Suifenhe, you can hear a mixture of Chinese and Russian speech everywhere. In Russian restaurants, waiters explain borscht in Russian; and in Chinese restaurants, the freshly prepared dish "guobao" (fried meat pieces in sweet and sour sauce) invariably delights Russian guests.
The simplified visa regime has not only increased the flow of people but also changed the format of cross-border tourism between China and Russia. Now, it encompasses not only visits to famous sites, traditional sightseeing, and shopping, but also wellness tourism programs, sporting events, and a deeper understanding of local traditions and culture.
Under the influence of political catalysts, Chinese-Russian exchanges are showing new momentum and new trends. At the Suifenhe Forest Park ski resort, Chinese and Russian ski enthusiasts race side by side along the slopes, sharing experiences and skills. Events such as basketball tournaments and snow football matches are regularly held in the border areas. Sports competitions have become a universal language for strengthening friendship between the peoples of the two countries. During the autumn holidays in Russia, Suifenhe hosted more than ten groups of over a thousand exchange students. Children here learn about folk customs and explore technology, which sows the seeds of friendship in their hearts.
TRADE PROSPERITY: THE PATH BECAME EVEN MORE LONG-LASTING
Upon entering the Qingyun Market in Suifenhe, one is immediately struck by signs in Chinese and Russian, and vendors everywhere are calling out in Russian. As a pilot zone for the use of rubles, many merchants here accept payments directly in rubles.
"Many Russian tourists come to Suifenhe specifically for shopping, and the ability to pay in rubles is very convenient for them," says vendor Ma Xiaotian. He feels the market is returning to life: "To attract more customers, everyone is brushing up on their Russian and stocking up on goods."
For companies in the cross-border trade sector, the visa-free regime is a real windfall. "We import food products, and we often need to meet with Russian manufacturers. Previously, visa issues often meant they missed exhibitions or negotiations, which reduced efficiency. Now, business trips have become much more convenient, and cooperation has also become smoother," shared Li Yingda, CEO of Yingyuan International Trade Company. He noted that this year, export volumes and trade turnover for used cars from Suifenhe have increased, and car buying has also become a new craze among visiting Russian tourists.
The Primorsky Krai administration recently announced that, due to a significant increase in the number of Chinese tourists, it plans to launch the first cruise route through the Far East next spring, connecting Vladivostok, Sakhalin Island, and the Kamchatka Krai.
Sun Shan, Deputy Director of the Suifenhe Tourism Development Service Center, noted that local authorities continue to strive to innovate tourism products and optimize services to transform the ease of travel provided by the visa-free regime into a wonderful travel experience throughout its entire duration.
Today, Suifenhe and Vladivostok are accelerating their transformation from "transit points" to "cross-border consumption centers." Simplified customs clearance has eliminated geographic barriers, humanitarian exchanges have fostered closer ties between peoples, and cross-border trade has created real opportunities. The vibrant practices of these two border cities are writing a new chapter in cooperation between the regions of China and Russia. -0-
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