Dulata Border Port in Ili, Xinjiang

Dulata Border Port (都拉塔口岸) is strategically located in the southwestern part of Aixinshili Town (爱新舍里镇), Chabuchar Xibe Autonomous County (察布查尔锡伯自治县), in the Ili Prefecture (伊犁州), Xinjiang (新疆), China. The port shares a border with Kazakhstan’s Almaty Region (阿拉木图州) and is situated near the Ili River (伊犁河).

This border port, formally opened in 1994, has played a critical role in facilitating trade, cultural exchanges, and economic cooperation between China and Kazakhstan. It was granted approval to operate as a border trade zone in 1999, and by 2003, Dulata handled over 20,000 tons of goods, with a trade volume of 41.865 million USD.

As of December 2024, the port has seen remarkable growth, surpassing 101,000 inbound and outbound passengers, a 108.6% increase from the previous year. The port has steadily optimized its customs procedures and is expected to reach nearly 110,000 passengers by the end of the year.

Key Statistics:

  • Location: Southwest of Chabuchar Xibe Autonomous County, Xinjiang

  • Opened: August 1992 (agreed by China and Kazakhstan)

  • Trade Volume (2003): 41.865 million USD (20,564 tons of goods)

  • Customs Established: June 26, 2008

  • Passenger Traffic (2024): Expected to exceed 110,000 by the end of the year

Geographical Location and Accessibility

Dulata Border Port (都拉塔口岸) is positioned at the crossroads of the Ili River (伊犁河) and the expansive grasslands of Kazakhstan. Located approximately:

  • 50 km from Chabuchar County (察布查尔县)

  • 63 km from Yining (伊宁市), the capital of Ili Prefecture (伊犁州)

  • 250 km from Almaty (阿拉木图市), Kazakhstan’s largest city

  • 3.8 km from Kazakhstan’s Springja District (春贾区) and its Korlzat Port (科尔扎特口岸)

Dulata’s location along the Ili River and close proximity to Kazakhstan offers substantial logistical advantages. It serves as a crucial route for trade, particularly for counties like Tekes (特克斯), Nilka (尼勒克), and New County (新源), all of which benefit from trade with Kazakhstan. This proximity facilitates swift trade, reducing transport time and costs compared to other border ports like Horgos (霍尔果斯).

The average elevation at Dulata is 750 meters, and the region experiences mild temperatures, with an average annual temperature of 8.5°C. The area has a relatively short frost-free period of around 160 days annually, and it receives about 270 mm of rainfall.

History of Dulata Border Port

Early Beginnings

Historically, Dulata (都拉塔) was just an arid plain without significant infrastructure. It had no irrigation system, leaving it largely undeveloped and sparsely populated. For much of its history, it served as a transshipment point for goods between China and Kazakhstan. This made it a vital trade route, especially during the periods of intense commercial and cultural exchange.

In 1992, following an agreement between the governments of China and Kazakhstan, Dulata Border Port was officially opened. After several years of development and infrastructure projects, it began functioning as an active border trade market in 1999.

Significant Developments:

  • 1992: China and Kazakhstan agree to open Dulata Border Port.

  • 1994: Dulata is officially opened to trade, with the Chinese government granting approval for its operation.

  • 1999: The border trade market at Dulata is established, allowing for cross-border trade between Chinese and Kazakh citizens.

  • 2007: Dulata saw a record trade volume of 296,000 tons of goods, marking an important milestone for the port. During this year, the trade volume reached 690 million USD, and the port handled over 20,000 vehicles, with nearly 50,000 passengers crossing the border.

Economic Impact and Role in Regional Development

Dulata Border Port has been a catalyst for economic development, particularly in the Ili Region (伊犁州). The opening of the port has spurred infrastructure investments, facilitated trade, and enhanced cross-border interactions. The port’s contribution to local economies, especially in agriculture and border trade, has been substantial.

Boosting Trade and Infrastructure Development:

  • Agriculture: Dulata has facilitated the trade of agricultural goods, including vegetables, fruits, and livestock products. The development of the border trade market has created opportunities for local farmers and businesses, expanding the trade of agricultural products like coal, steel, and fertilizers between China and Kazakhstan.

  • Infrastructure: The port has contributed significantly to the improvement of roads, customs facilities, and warehouses. Over time, this has transformed Dulata from an arid, undeveloped region into a thriving trade hub. The development has also attracted domestic and international businesses to invest in the area.

Strategic Importance and Future Prospects

Location and Economic Advantage:

Dulata Border Port (都拉塔口岸) has significant strategic importance due to its location near the Central Asian market and its role in facilitating trade between China, Kazakhstan, and Central Asia. The port has been aptly nicknamed the “Grassland Port” (草原口岸) due to its position within the expansive Kazakh grasslands, offering easy access to the Kazakh market. This geographical advantage positions Dulata as a major gateway for goods and services between China and Central Asia.

The growing trade volume and investment in the port’s infrastructure are expected to increase the port’s capacity, leading to higher trade volumes and passenger flows. By 2025, it is anticipated that Dulata could handle up to 200,000 tons of goods annually, with 150,000 passengers transiting through the port.

Significant Trade Milestones:

  • 1998: China’s coal exports began via Dulata, and Kazakhstan’s steel and fertilizers also began entering China.

  • 1999: The border trade market opened with over 1,500 tons of goods traded, worth approximately 15 million RMB.

  • 2000: Trade between China and Kazakhstan via Dulata reached 9,650 tons, with an export value of 10 million RMB.

Social and Cultural Impact

Cultural Exchanges and Border Communities:

Dulata Border Port has not only fostered economic growth but has also served as a cultural exchange point. The region is home to a diverse range of ethnic groups, such as the Xibe (锡伯) people, who have lived in the area for centuries. These ethnic communities have long been engaged in cross-border trade and cultural interactions with Kazakhstan, Russia, and other neighboring countries. The opening of the port has further facilitated these exchanges, allowing for greater cultural understanding between China and Kazakhstan.

The establishment of the port has led to the growth of local businesses, particularly in the hospitality and service sectors, as well as agricultural industries. It has also spurred the growth of border tourism, with visitors exploring the cultural heritage and natural beauty of the region.

Potential for Further Development:

The port’s development is expected to continue driving regional growth. Future plans include the expansion of customs facilities, the construction of new warehouses, and the introduction of more comprehensive services for border traders. This will help to further solidify Dulata’s position as a key economic and cultural hub.