Heihe

Border town right on the Heilongjiang River across from the Russian city Blagoveshchensk. Heihe City has a population of more than 100,000 (1.7 million in the Heihe Prefecture). The city's economy is based on selling stuff to Russians, which is helped by Heihe and Blagoveshchensk forming a free-trade zone.

By plane

By train

Trains from Harbin take 10-13 hours and cost ¥43-234. Other trains include from Qiqihar (11h30; ¥38-133).

By bus

By road

• Aihui History Exhibition Hall

  phone: +86 452 8211007

• Ancient city of Aigun

• Wudalianchi Volcano

• Heihe Island

• James River National Forest Park

• James River Rafting

• Heihe Port

• SwimmingTake a swim in the Heilongjiang River.

• BoatingTake a boat trip on the Heilongjiang River.

There are many shops here specialising in Russian products, so if you are into Russian dolls and kitch Russian artifacts, this is the place.

• Russian International Trade CentreOne of the best places to find Russian goods.

• Great Island International Trade CentreHangar consisting of two floors selling food, clothes, household items, jewellery, and all kind of kitch Russian and Chinese stuff.

• Skybar

• Aihui Hotel

  address: 11 Wenhua Street, Aihui District

• Haitian Hotel

  address: 131 Zhongyang East Main Street, Aihui District

• Heihe International Hotel

  address: 48 Wangsu Street
  Considered the best hotel in town. Spacious rooms with fridge, some with views across the river to Russia. Fitness available. Chinese restaurant, bar and cafe.

• Huayuan Business Hotel

  phone: +86 456 8276700
  address: 368 Zhongyang Street, Aihui District (爱辉区中央街368号; Àihuīqū Zhōngyāngjiē)
  Rooms with free internet. Meeting facilities and ticket office available. Chinese restaurant and room service.

• Yida Hotel

  address: 51 Zhongyang East Main Street, Aihui District

• Take a boat trip to the Russian city Blagoveshchensk (Chinese citizens do not need visa, but check first if you do). In the winter, the river is frozen and can be crossed by bus.