Heilongjiang events spur China-Russia border ties

The 7th China-Russia Border River Cultural Tourism Festival and the 24th China-Russia International Water Carnival Month event opened in Mingshan township in Luobei county, Hegang city, Heilongjiang province, on Tuesday, attracting tourists from both sides.

The festival is a traditional and distinctive event in Hegang that attracts wide attention and receives extensive praise from all sectors of society every year.

"Luobei and its hospitable people warmly welcomed all the guests and friends to our county, deepening the understanding of Luobei's historical and cultural heritage, experiencing its wonderful humanistic customs, enjoying the beautiful scenery, and savoring its unique local cuisine," said Sun Kun, Party secretary of Luobei, at the opening ceremony.

Located in the northeast of Heilongjiang, Luobei has a border length of 145.6 kilometers with Russia.

The county faces Jewish Autonomous Oblast in Russia across the Heilongjiang River, which separates the two nations.

"In recent years, the county has always adhered to the development concept centered on the people and innovatively implemented the development strategy integrating cultural and tourism industries," he said.

We have focused on creating the border river tourism brand of 'touring the Longjiang Three Gorges and admiring the scenery of two countries'."

Relying on the advantages of rich ecological resources and the proximity of China and Russia across the river, the county has innovatively developed the golden tourism routes, upgraded and renovated scenic spots such as the Golden Ancient Town and Mingshan Island.

"We are dedicated to building a border tourism destination, integrating sightseeing, leisure vacations, forest healthcare, and cultural and sports competitions, leading the county's cultural and tourism industry toward a fast lane of high-quality development," said Sun.

According to Sun, in 2023, the county's comprehensive economic strength ranked seventh across the province, showing strong resilience and great vitality in economic development.

During the three-day festival, a series of activities were held, including various performances, the invitational table tennis tournament and exhibitions of local specialty products like skilled craftsmen from Hegang and intangible cultural heritage.

There was also the launch ceremony of the "Border River Tour" tourist boat, a refreshing summer water gun battle and water carnival, beach volleyball performances, tasting of delicious stewed river fish in iron pots.

Tourists also enjoyed the "Moscow Suburbs Night" Border River food and beer carnival and tent camping during the event.

During the trip to Luobei, tourist Tang Yudi from Guangdong province experienced the distinct regional characteristics that distinguish Northeast China from South China.

"At the Heilongjiang River Museum, I saw large specimens such as sturgeon, the Siberian tiger and sika deer, which are rare in my hometown," she said. "The trip helped me to develop deep understanding of the culture of Northeast China and the border river areas."

The 2nd China-Russia Economic and Trade Negotiation Conference in Luobei county was held during this year's festival, which is a practical measure to implement new tasks proposed by the leaders of the two countries on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Russia, according to the local government.

The events can serve as important cooperation platforms for local governments and entrepreneurs from China and Russia who have established long-term connections with Hegang and Luobei, creating opportunities for friendship and development, showcasing the unique charm of China and Russia, and creating cooperation opportunities.

Contact the writers at zhouhuiying@chinadaily.com.cn