Huichun Border Port in Hunchun, Jilin

Huichun Border Port (珲春口岸) is located 15 kilometers south of Hunchun City (珲春市), Jilin Province (吉林省), and lies at the intersection of the borders of China, Russia, and North Korea. It faces the Krasnoyarsk Port (克拉斯基诺口岸) in Russia across the border. This port is the only land border port in Jilin Province (吉林省) that is open to Russia and serves as a critical node in the Belt and Road Initiative.

The port facilitates trade of various goods including seafood, vegetables, cars, timber, and liquefied gas, contributing to economic cooperation between China and Russia. In addition, the port’s significance has grown as it continues to boost trade and tourism along the Belt and Road routes.

Core Functions and Trade

Cross-Border Transit

The Huichun Border Port is strategically important, providing direct connections to Zarubino Port (扎鲁比诺), Poyet Port (波谢特港), and Vladivostok (符拉迪沃斯托克), key port cities in Russia. It serves as an essential node for the northern route of the Belt and Road initiative.

• In 2024, the port launched services for border travel passports and foreign visa processing, reducing cross-border travel time to under 1 hour, resulting in a 30% increase in annual tourist traffic.

Trade Characteristics

• Imports: The port is known for importing frozen seafood, particularly Russian king crab (帝王蟹) and snow crab (雪蟹). On average, over 100 tons of seafood are imported daily, accounting for 25% of the port’s total cargo.

• Exports: The port handles a wide range of exports including cars, hazardous chemicals, and other products. In 2022, the railway port (铁路口岸) of Huichun initiated 24-hour customs clearance, expanding its operations to include China-Europe Railway Express services.

Practical Information

• Location: The port is located 100 meters south of Hunchun City‘s Jinhai Street (近海街道), near the Huichun Port Road (口岸大路).

• Opening Hours: The road port (公路口岸) operates from 08:30 to 17:30, while the railway port operates 24/7.

• Inspection Services: The port offers Russian language guides, a one-stop visa processing service, and temporary driving permits for foreign travelers.

Surrounding Areas and Attractions

Quanhe Border Port (圈河口岸)

Located 150 meters west of National Highway 201 (201省道), Quanhe Port (圈河口岸) specializes in trade between China and North Korea. The port has recently upgraded the border river bridge (界河大桥) to enhance cross-border transport capacity.

Fanchuan Scenic Area (防川景区)

This 4A scenic area (4A级景区) is located in Fanchuan Village (防川村) of Jingxin Town (敬信镇), Hunchun City (珲春市), and offers a panoramic view of the Sea of Japan (日本海). Visitors can enjoy the unique geographical landscape where China, Russia, and North Korea converge.

Development and Historical Background

Establishment and Growth

• 1988: Huichun Border Port was established.

• 1993: The Chinese government approved the port for international passenger and freight transport.

• 1996: The port opened the land-sea combined transport route (陆海联运航线) from Hunchun to Zarubino and Japan’s Miyake Island.

• 1998: Passenger services were officially launched.

• 2000: A passenger and freight route to Sokcho (束草市), South Korea was opened.

Infrastructure Expansion

The port is capable of handling 600,000 tons of goods and 200,000 passengers annually. The Phase II expansion project (二期工程) was completed to accommodate increasing trade volumes, with 10 passenger inspection channels and an enhanced cargo handling capacity of 60 tons per year.

In 2022, Huichun Railway Port (珲春铁路口岸) saw its first export of domestic SUVs to Moscow, marking a significant milestone in the port’s development.

Future Prospects

The 2024 updates show continued growth in passenger traffic and trade volumes. The port’s foreign exchange exchange service (外币代兑) was established to facilitate cross-border financial transactions, and passenger numbers have exceeded 5,000 per day, setting new records.

Important Notes

• Drone Restrictions: The port area prohibits drone photography.

• Border Permit: A border crossing permit is required for access to certain areas.

• Real-Time Policies: Latest information regarding policies and regulations can be found on the Huichun Municipal Government‘s official website.

The Huichun Border Port (珲春口岸) plays a pivotal role in fostering trade and tourism between China, Russia, and North Korea. It has become a key gateway for both goods and people, with modernized infrastructure and expanded services that are essential for the Belt and Road initiative. As the port continues to grow, it will remain an important hub for cross-border exchanges and economic development.