Boundless borderlands

The Heilong Pool maintains a water temperature of around 8 C even when Jingpo Lake's waterfall freezes over in winter. [PHOTO BY XU LIN/CHINA DAILY]

Today, the heroine is known as the "angel of friendship and peace". In 2009, a statue of her was erected in the city's Peace Square.

In 2013, the Chinese government allowed Suifenhe to become the first city in China to use the Russian rouble as legal currency in tandem with the yuan. Russian citizens who visit the city for business also don't need to apply for a Chinese visa if they stay for less than 15 days.

At the city's border trade zone, each Chinese person with a border residency card is allowed to purchase duty-free goods worth up to 8,000 yuan ($1,192) each day. Residents in the Russian border area can also buy cheaper Chinese goods in their trade zone.

Since these preferential policies are attracting more Russian businesses to Suifenhe, Chinese tourists can enjoy various Russian merchandise at a cheaper price.

A stroll around the city's old commercial area is like taking a trip to Russia itself, which is lined with small stores bearing Russian signs. It's not uncommon to bump into Russian passers-by or hear Chinese people speaking fluent Russian.

In October, 2018, the Ross Empire shopping mall opened to the public, as a new trading center for both individuals and wholesalers. As well as selling everyday articles and amber jewelry, there is an endless array of colorful chocolates, candies, pastries and vodka on offer.

It has also become a haven for gourmets to sample authentic Russian cuisine and delicacies. When the Chinese Eastern Railway was under construction in the early 20th century, dozens of Russian restaurants and bakeries were set up to feed engineers and workers from the country.

Located in an old Russian house, the century-old Russes Bakery is famous for its delicious khleb (bread) made in the traditional Russian way.

Besides Russian food, tourists can also sample the locally-brewed bottled craft beer Zinnbach, which features unique flavors like chili, tangerine and chocolate. The brewery produces Belgian-style craft beer, using imported equipment, malt, hops and yeast.

Indeed, a trip to this region of Heilongjiang province offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience both Chinese and Russian culture simultaneously.