The Kani-Kurgan-Heihe checkpoint, linking northernmost China’s Heilongjiang Province and Russia, started cross-border passenger service on Tuesday.

Travelers of the first passenger train go through the customs procedures on Dec. 10, 2024. (Photo: Liu Song / Chine News Service)

Four buses operate daily in both directions, departing from the Heihe international passenger terminal and Blagoveshchensk’s Amurasso terminal. The route crosses the Heihe-Blagoveshchensk highway bridge, serving as the primary entry and exit point.

The new passenger route marks a significant step in expanding the services of China-Russia highway ports, further easing cross-border travel and exchanges.

Located on the China-Russian border, Heihe faces Blagoveshchensk City across the Heilongjiang River. The Heihe-Blagoveshchensk cross-border highway bridge over the Heilongjiang River opened in June 2022, playing an important role in fostering China-Russia trade and relations.