The tourism industry in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province has experienced significant growth since China and Russia resumed visa-free travel for tourist groups in September 2023.

As a benefit of the policy, coach buses can travel between Russia's Nizhneleninskoye and Heilongjiang's Tongjiang City several times a day.
Fish is one of Tongjiang's signature dishes and travelers will all have a taste of the local cuisine. Many Russian tourists who have eaten the freshly cooked fish were impressed by it.
"The fish tastes good. You mean which fish? The one we just ate. It is fantastic," said Sveta, a Russian tourist.
Handcrafts made from fish skin is an intangible cultural heritage in Tongjiang. They are not only delicate but also demonstrate China's cultural charm.
Svetlana, another Russian tourist, picked one of the fish skin paintings as a souvenir to keep as a memory of her trip.
"It's really surprising. I'm glad I can visit here. I really appreciate it," she said.
Cross-border studies and exchanges have also become quite popular thanks to the visa-free policy.
In Suifenhe City, an art festival for Chinese and Russian teenagers was held on Saturday. More than 400 teenagers took part in the event. The brilliant performances have showcased the charm and vitality of the two countries' cultures.
"We're very glad to be here, taking part in such a wonderful activity in a warm and friendly atmosphere," said Nadia, an attendee at the event.
Since 2024, activities such as student exchanges have been carried out several times in Suifenhe.