China News Service, Manzhouli, October 2. Title: Cross-border "visiting" is booming. Passenger flow in China's border town Manzhouli reaches a new high
Author Li Aiping Angela Wang Xiujie
In Manzhouli in October, the five-star red flag fluttered in the wind, and the port travel inspection hall was packed with people. The largest land port city along the China-Russia border ushered in the "National Day Golden Week" tourist season. A large number of Russian tourists lined up with their families and friends to enter the country to experience the atmosphere of China's National Day and the charm of the small border town of Manzhouli.
According to statistics from the Manzhouli Entry-Exit Border Inspection Station, as of October 1, the number of people entering and exiting through the Manzhouli Port this year exceeded 1 million, a record high. On October 1, more than 3,500 Chinese and foreign tourists entered and exited through Manzhouli Port.
Convenient cross-border travel has become a highlight of this year’s golden autumn. At 9 a.m. on October 2, the travel inspection hall of Manzhouli Highway Port was in orderly order, and police officers on duty escorted Chinese and foreign tourists on their cross-border journeys. Many Russian tourists deliberately choose to enter China during the National Day for an autumn date in a border town.
Yelena, a tourist from Zabaikalsk, Russia, and two friends successfully completed the immigration formalities. This is her second time visiting Manzhouli during China’s National Day. Yelena introduced with a smile on her face: "My Chinese friends invited me to experience China's National Day, and we can travel to Beijing, Hebei, Shenyang and other places."
Talking about the convenience of cross-border travel, she was full of praise: "The visa-free policy is so convenient. I came here once last year, and this year I specially invited friends to come together, which truly enabled cross-border travel at any time."
Anderson, a travel expert from Moscow, made a special trip to Manzhouli to check out the delicious food. “Here you can not only see distinctive ethnic costumes, experience different customs and customs, but also taste authentic Russian flavor.” In addition, he is also planning to try all the hot pot, iron pot stew, etc. recommended online. Regarding the visa-free policy, Anderson gave a thumbs up: "The entry card can also be filled in online, and customs clearance is very smooth. I have another constant choice for my travels."
According to reports, visa-free entry into China has become the first choice for many Russian tourists, and short-distance cross-border travel is the most dynamic component of personnel exchanges and cultural tourism consumption between the two countries. "The streets here are clean and tidy, the locals are very warm and friendly, and there are countless specialties. Our family loves it very much!" Russian tourist Yulia said frankly.
"Compared with long-distance travel, cross-border short-distance travel is easy and fulfilling. When the holidays come, we go straight to Manzhouli." Russian tourist Katya said that coming to Manzhouli to experience the fireworks in the border town is becoming more and more popular. Cross-border "visiting" has also become a new trend for Russian people to travel during holidays.
