How to get to Suifenhe

Suifenhe is a colourful border city in Heilongjiang Province, playing the role of a vital trade and cultural hub in the northeast of China. If you have decided to travel to Suifenhe to appreciate its unique atmosphere or to go shopping, it is worth studying the available routes in advance. The question of how to get to Suifenhe has several solutions: you can arrive here by railway or bus, as well as by taking advantage of air travel.

For those who prefer air travel, the journey to Suifenhe has become significantly more convenient thanks to the operation of Suifenhe Dongning Airport (HSF). This transport hub receives flights, allowing tourists to reach their destination with minimal expenditure of time and effort, bypassing long overland transfers.

Flights to neighbouring cities with developed route networks also remain a popular option. The nearest major airports are located in Jixi and Mudanjiang, from where you can quickly reach the trade centre by taxi, bus, or train. Additionally, Vladivostok, located approximately 155 km away, often serves as a convenient arrival point; from there, comfortable transit across the border is established.

Contrary to outdated perceptions, Suifenhe possesses its own railway station, which actively receives trains and serves as an important link in the region's transport system. This makes travelling by train one of the most reliable and convenient ways to reach the "city on the border".

From the domestic side of China, regular connections are established with major centres of Heilongjiang Province. Tourists can utilise direct routes from Harbin and Mudanjiang. Modern high-speed trains are particularly popular, allowing you to cover the journey from Mudanjiang in just over an hour, enjoying the comfort and landscapes.

For travellers from Russia, the key route remains the Grodekovo — Suifenhe railway border crossing. This path historically links the Primorsky Krai with China and is a sought-after option for those who prefer to cross the border by rail, avoiding potential queues at road checkpoints.

Bus services connect Suifenhe with key points on both sides of the border, offering travellers a budget-friendly alternative to trains. The most popular international route starts from Vladivostok: covering a distance of about 170–200 kilometres takes on average 4–5 hours, including time for customs formalities. This trip allows you to observe how the landscapes of the Russian Primorye smoothly change to the lively quarters of the Chinese trade city.

Within China, getting to the city is no less convenient thanks to the high-quality expressways of Heilongjiang Province. Regular buses arrive from Mudanjiang, located approximately 160 kilometres away; a comfortable trip lasts about 2.5 hours. Travellers also often choose the route from the city of Jixi, from where the bus delivers passengers to the destination in just a couple of hours, covering a distance of 120 kilometres.

Travelling by car along the high-quality roads of Heilongjiang Province will bring pleasure to lovers of comfort and freedom of movement. The journey from Mudanjiang along the modern G10 expressway will take about one and a half hours, covering a distance of 160 kilometres. The route from the city of Jixi is no less convenient and picturesque: a road about 120 kilometres long will require approximately two hours, opening up views of the hills characteristic of the region.

For car travellers starting from Vladivostok, the distance is around 190–200 kilometres, which is equivalent to 3–4 hours of driving to the border crossing. If you prefer the role of a passenger, a reasonable choice would be to book a transfer or intercity taxi from neighbouring Chinese cities: such a trip often costs between 300–500 yuan and saves you from the hassle of navigation.

A trip to Suifenhe is a unique experience combining the flavour of Chinese culture with the convenience of border trade, and proper preparation will make this journey as comfortable as possible. To ensure you can focus on relaxation and shopping without being distracted by minor inconveniences, we have compiled a list of important recommendations considering the local specifics.

1. Clothing and Seasonality. The climate here is sharply continental. Winters in Heilongjiang Province are harsh and windy, with temperatures often dropping below -20°C, so be sure to bring a warm down jacket, thermal underwear, and a windproof hat. Summer is warm and humid; light clothing made of natural fabrics is suitable, but it is worth bringing a windbreaker for evening walks. Most importantly — wear the most comfortable footwear possible, as you will be walking a lot through shopping centres and streets.
2. Transport within the City. The most popular and accessible mode of transport is the taxi. In Suifenhe, fares are very democratic, and often a fixed fee applies for trips within the centre (usually about 6–10 yuan). Public transport is also developed, but for a tourist, a taxi saves a lot of time. The city centre is quite compact, so it is easy to move between major department stores on foot.
3. Monetary Questions. The official currency is the Chinese Yuan. A unique feature of Suifenhe is that in many shops and restaurants, vendors may accept cash Rubles, however, the exchange rate offered by private individuals is often unfavourable. International Visa and Mastercard cards work almost nowhere. The best strategy is to have a supply of cash Yuan or set up Alipay/WeChat payment systems if possible.
4. Health and Safety. The city is quite safe for tourists, but in crowded places (markets, shopping centres), it is worth keeping a close watch on bags and pockets. Pharmacies are easily recognised by the green cross; you can find both traditional Chinese remedies and Western analogues there, but names will be in characters — use a photo translator app. Drink only bottled water.
5. Language Barrier. This is one of the few places in China where knowledge of English is unlikely to help you, whereas the Russian language is understood by many. Shop assistants, taxi drivers, and waiters often possess a basic set of Russian phrases necessary for trade and service. Nevertheless, having an offline translator on your smartphone to read signs and menus will be very useful.
6. The Art of Bargaining. In private shops and markets, bargaining is not just possible, but necessary. It is part of the local culture and a form of entertainment. Name a price 2–3 times lower than the stated one and seek a compromise with a smile. However, in large state department stores and supermarkets, prices are fixed, and bargaining is inappropriate there.
7. What to Avoid. Be wary of intrusive street "helpers" offering to lead you to the "best shop" or warehouse — they often lead to places with inflated prices for the sake of their commission. Also, do not buy complex electronics without thorough checking on the spot, and it is advisable to maintain polite behaviour and avoid public disputes with local residents.
8. Customs Rules. Remember that Suifenhe is primarily a shopping destination, so study the current regulations for importing goods into your country in advance (weight and value limits for personal use). Luggage is often weighed at the border, and excess weight may cost you additional expenses and time.

Observing these simple rules will help you avoid unnecessary hassle and feel confident in any situation. Suifenhe is a hospitable city which, with the right approach, will gift you with profitable purchases and interesting culinary discoveries.