23.03.2015
Heihe is a Chinese city located in the northeastern part of the country, and its neighbor is the Russian city of Blagoveshchensk. Between the cities there is a constant river communication. The distance from Heihe to Blagoveshchensk is only eight hundred meters. Today it is a fairly developed city, in which up to one hundred and thirty thousand people live.
The development of Russian-Chinese relations originates in the nineties, just at the time when perestroika took place. This was mainly reflected in the general trade between states. Literally twenty years ago, Heihe China was a tiny village located on the border of the country, and at the present time the city is the zone where it is possible to carry out trade in a visa-free regime for residents of the Russian Federation. To cross the border it is enough to have a passport. It became possible to visit China without a visa in 2004.
Heihe and trade
Until that time, trade between China and Russia took place within the Great Heihe Island. Therefore, there was a place of customs control. And now the entire city is located in the shopping area.
Getting to the city is quite easy. In the summer, passenger boats pass through the Amur. In winter, the city can be reached by bus. There is no need to worry about the car, because they park in the port in the parking lot, which is under guard. A round-trip boat ticket is relatively inexpensive, it all depends on which class you choose.
Shopping in Heihe
Being in the queue for the purchase of tickets, we can conclude what the shuttles are. People go to the Chinese city of Heihe in order to stock up on cheap things, and also manage to have a good rest. When you go to this Chinese city, everything is pretty quiet and calm, without crowding and much pandemonium. But, the way back cannot be compared with this, since the majority have a huge number of trunks and there is a huge crush and fuss around. There are always queues at customs control. Here you still need to pay special customs fees.
Hotels in the city: where is the best place to stay?
Then everyone goes to the city center, mainly in the direction of the Huafu shopping center. Then you should take care of finding a hotel. There are a large number of them, moreover, the prices are very pleasant and affordable. For those who cannot afford comfortable conditions or a separate hotel room, it is proposed to go to a hostel. In local hostels you can find a good option for a rooming house, but there will be no separate bathrooms and there will most likely be a neighbor in the room.
For registration at the selected hotel (of any category), you will have to leave your passport as a deposit. This is a standard procedure that applies to all hotels in China.
Greater Heihe Island After checking into the hotel, you can safely go for a walk.
The incredible flavor of China immediately catches your eye. Since the city is very closely bordered by complete devastation and new modern high-rise buildings.
All city income is based on trade. There is an incredibly large number of different products. Russians come here to update their wardrobe. As for technology, good quality Chinese goods practically do not differ in price, which are set in stores in the Russian Federation.
But in addition to cheap shopping, it is worth coming here in order to take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Because even if we take into account the prices for customs duties and a ticket for a steamer, spending the night in a hotel in this Chinese city will cost less than in Blagoveshchensk.
Food is also much cheaper in China. To have a hearty lunch, you need to pay quite a bit, and most importantly (when choosing a place to eat) visit those places where most of the locals eat, because these are really good places, because they are both inexpensive and tasty at the same time. Therefore, pay attention to where the representatives of the middle class go, there you will definitely not be charged for cheating for foreign origin
After the contrasts of the city, signs with inscriptions in Russian immediately catch your eye. Ridiculous mistakes in writing phrases or an incomprehensible interpretation are indescribably “cutting the eyes”, but still it looks original, and at the same time a little ridiculous. Although it is quite practical and convenient, given the fact that the Russian language is neither known nor understood here. Therefore, something can be explained only with the help of gestures.
Heihe morning market The Chinese city of Heihe with its central square is very reminiscent of the metropolitan Arbat with all its tourists. Here, tourists will receive increased attention from local merchants who will try to sell them anything. After all, this is what they live here.
Another interesting feature of the locals is the tradition of hanging red ribbons everywhere, as they believe that this procedure will help to have a positive effect on karma.
It is quite interesting and able to add impressions if you look into the gates, as they are strikingly different from the usual tourist places. Here you can find out how life actually goes on for an average resident of a Chinese town.
Even on the streets of the city it is difficult not to notice the substations of transformers, which are located directly on the poles. For the inhabitants of Russia, this is a rather wild and unusual phenomenon.
Another interesting feature of the city are garbage cans. They can always be found next to the pole, while they are non-standard and have various shapes and models. A variety of trash cans adds some flavor and zest.
Returning directly to trade, it is worth noting that literally all goods manufactured by the country's industry are sold here. At the same time, medicine in the city is at a fairly high level. The most cunning Russians try to take away as many goods as possible, trying to save on the difference compared to prices at home.
- the best place for a sea holiday
