Visa-Free Policy Turns ‘Walking to China’ Into Everyday Reality for Russia-China Border

An old Russian saying described an arduous task as being “like walking to China.” Today, that phrase has a new, literal meaning. A bilateral visa-free policy has made crossing the border an everyday routine for residents of China and Russia.
In the twin cities of Heihe, China, and Blagoveshchensk, Russia, life is becoming deeply intertwined. A reporter visiting Heihe found streets filled with Russian shoppers and bilingual signs. This reflects a broader integration happening along the vast 4,300-kilometer shared border.

A Surge in Cross-Border Activity

The change is direct and visible. China began a one-year visa-free trial for Russians on September 15 last year. Russia reciprocated for Chinese citizens starting December 1. Consequently, the streets of Heihe now see significantly more Russian visitors than just a year ago.
During recent holidays, the connection sparked a travel surge. Families and friends made friendly “neighborly calls” across the river. Russian visitors shop for everything from electronics to daily essentials, while language barriers fade as shopkeepers speak Russian and customers use Mandarin.

Revitalizing a Border Community

This new vitality is crucial for Heihe. The city had faced population decline and economic challenges over the past decade. Residents worried about shrinking job opportunities and weak local demand.
The visa-free policy, coupled with a rebounding border trade and a growing ice-and-snow tourism sector, is shifting that sentiment. “People are starting to see new job opportunities,” noted a local resident. The policy is weaving the daily fabric of both border communities closer together.
For a Russian couple living in Heihe, the change is personal. They report that since the policy began, more friends and family choose to visit. What was once a major logistical hurdle is now a simple trip. The old metaphor of a distant, difficult journey has been replaced by the reality of close, convenient connection.