How to get to Heihe

Planning an upcoming journey, many tourists wonder how to get to Heihe — a colorful border city in the northeast of China. This lively trade hub attracts guests with its unique atmosphere and developed infrastructure, so you can travel to Heihe by choosing the most convenient mode of transport: plane, train, bus, or car.

For those who value time, the most convenient way to reach the city is a flight to Heihe Aihui Airport (HEK). This regional aviation hub receives domestic flights from Harbin, Beijing, and other metropolises, and its location near the city limits allows tourists to be in the centre of events almost immediately after landing.

An alternative option, especially convenient for travelers coming from the Russian side, is flying to Blagoveshchensk (BQS), located on the opposite bank of the Amur River, just 2 kilometres from the Chinese border. Ignatyevo Airport serves many scheduled flights, and this route is often chosen for the opportunity to combine visiting two countries in one trip.

Traveling by rail is an excellent way to appreciate the scale and landscapes of China. Heihe itself has a railway station connecting the city with other transport hubs in Heilongjiang province. The most popular and convenient route is the train from Harbin: a comfortable overnight journey allows tourists to sleep on the road and arrive at the border early in the morning, ready for walks and shopping.

For travelers starting their journey from the Russian side, a popular alternative remains the train trip to the city of Blagoveshchensk. Direct trains arrive here from Moscow, Vladivostok, and other major centres. After arriving at Blagoveshchensk station, tourists simply need to get to the customs checkpoint to cross the Amur via the bridge or river transport and reach their destination.

The most impressive and shortest route connects the city with the Russian bank: international buses from Blagoveshchensk now run across the new road bridge over the Amur. The trip takes less than an hour including formalities, covering the symbolic distance between two states. Also, from the Russian side, transport is organized from the settlement of Talakan: the road, spanning about 300 kilometres, takes approximately 4–5 hours, allowing you to enjoy taiga landscapes before crossing the border.

If you are already traveling within the PRC, consider the convenient bus service from Nenjiang. This route, about 250 kilometres long, passes through picturesque agricultural districts of Heilongjiang province and lasts on average 3–4 hours. Modern intercity liners ensure a high level of comfort, making the journey across the northern expanses of the country untiring and educational.

Traveling by car to Heihe allows you to plan your schedule independently and enjoy the road. The nearest starting point on the Russian side is Blagoveshchensk: although private car passage across the border has its specifics, a taxi will quickly deliver you to the checkpoint. You can also build a route from the settlement of Talakan, from where the path to customs takes several hours along scenic roads.

If you are heading to the city from the inland regions of China, a convenient highway leads from neighboring Nenjiang. The distance is about 245 kilometres, which can be covered in approximately 4.5 hours by car or taxi. The drive along this route passes through peaceful agricultural areas, allowing you to reach the Amur embankment comfortably.

Thorough preparation for a trip to Heihe will help avoid minor organizational difficulties and allow you to fully focus on your experiences. To make your stay in this lively border city as comfortable as possible, we have compiled a list of useful recommendations.

1. Clothing and Seasonality. The climate here is sharply continental, so your wardrobe depends directly on the time of year. Winters in the region are severe and windy — be sure to bring thermal underwear, a windproof down jacket, and warm non-slip footwear. Summers can be hot and humid, so light clothing made of natural fabrics and comfortable sandals for long walks will be useful.
2. Transport. The most popular and affordable way to get around the city is by taxi, the cost of which is quite reasonable here. For short distances, you can use the services of cycle rickshaws, which adds local flavour, while the central shopping streets are best explored on foot.
3. Finances. The official currency is the Yuan. Although due to the proximity of the border, Rubles may be accepted in many shopping centres, the exchange rate will be extremely unfavorable. International bank cards work far from everywhere, so it is most reliable to carry a supply of cash Yuan or set up Alipay or WeChat Pay payment systems in advance.
4. Health and Safety. The city is considered safe for tourists, even in the evening. Pharmacies are easily found by the green cross sign, but note that pharmacists often offer traditional Chinese medicine remedies. It is recommended to bring a basic first aid kit with familiar medications, as finding Western equivalents may be difficult.
5. Communication. A unique feature of Heihe is the widespread use of the Russian language, especially in trade, dining, and services. Here you will be understood in Russian much faster than in English. Nevertheless, for resolving non-standard questions, it is better to have an offline translator on your phone.
6. Local Etiquette. The Chinese are a hospitable people but appreciate restraint. Greetings are usually limited to a nod or a light handshake. In restaurants, it is customary to order several shared dishes for the table; remember an important rule: never stick chopsticks vertically into a bowl of rice — this is associated with funeral rites.
7. What to Avoid. It is strictly not recommended to drink raw tap water — buy bottled water in supermarkets. Also, exercise caution when crossing roads: traffic can be chaotic, and drivers do not always yield to pedestrians even at zebra crossings.
8. The Art of Bargaining. This is an important part of shopping in private shops and markets in the city. Do not hesitate to bargain: sellers often initially inflate the price, expecting the buyer to enter into a dialogue. With a smile and persistence, you can reduce the cost of goods by 30–50%.

By following these simple practical tips, you will be able to feel confident in any situation. May your journey to China be remembered not for domestic hassles, but for bright discoveries and successful purchases.