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
Beijing, January 15 (Xinhua) — From January 1 to 9, 2026, more than 91,000 incoming and outgoing tourists passed through all Heilongjiang Province checkpoints, a 43.8 percent increase compared to the same period last year, the China Media Group (CMG) reported, citing data from the provincial border control agency.
Harbin, a key destination for ice tourism, recently launched four new international flights to Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Bangkok, and Kuala Lumpur, increasing the number of passenger flights from 87 to 118 per week. Many foreign tourists come to Harbin specifically to see the ice town and enjoy winter activities.
The 42nd Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival officially opened at the Great World of Ice and Snow Park in Heilongjiang, capital of Northeast China, on Monday, January 5.
The festival, held under the motto "Icy Sky and Snowy Land – Creating the Future Together," features ten premium themed winter tourism routes and more than 200 events covering topics such as ice and snow culture, sports and physical education, and business cooperation.
A key driver of growth has been the simplification of visa procedures. The gradual introduction of measures such as 240-hour visa-free transit, visa-free travel for Russian citizens, and online entry card processing for foreigners, combined with Heilongjiang's unique ice and snow tourism resources, has attracted large numbers of foreigners to travel and shop in China.
The average daily passenger traffic at Heihe River Port is approximately 4,000, reaching over 27,000 over the past week. Thanks to the bilateral visa-free regime between China and Russia, over 19,000 people passed through Suifenhe Port from January 1 to 9, a 50 percent increase year-on-year.
Faced with continuous peak passenger traffic, local border control agencies are quickly adjusting screening channels, adding emergency channels and service points for the convenience of citizens. Along with improving customs clearance efficiency, checkpoint security has been strengthened to ensure the safe, orderly, efficient, and unhindered movement of Chinese and foreign passengers.
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