[Dateline: Recent]

[Voiceover]

Heihe, a Chinese city bordering Russia in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, has become a hotspot for travel since visa-free group tours between the two countries resumed last September.

As early as 7:30 a.m., the departure hall at the Heihe Port is bustling with Chinese tourists.

Under the visa-free policy, tour groups are fast-tracked through immigration, and embark on a short bus ride into Russia, just 750 meters away.

[Soundbite]

Chinese tourist:

"It's quite remarkable that you can cross two countries in one day, which is an unprecedented experience."

[Voiceover]

Meanwhile, an increasing number of Russians are visiting the Chinese border city for shopping, dining, and medical treatments.

[Soundbite]

Russian tourist:

"People here are friendly. I like the city so much and I come here several times every month. It has become a habit for me to shop and dine here."

[Voiceover]

The influx of tourists has led to an explosive growth in the city's tourism industry.

According to recent data, the city's tourism revenue surged over 66 percent year on year in 2023, with border tourism revenues topping nearly 80 million U.S. dollars.

[Restrictions : No access Chinese mainland]