The Amur River between Heihe and Blagoveshchensk is one of the most accessible international borders in northeast Asia. The two cities are separated by about 750 metres of water, and in summer regular ferries cross in minutes. The Russian skyline is clearly visible from the Heihe riverbank — close enough that the Cyrillic lettering on buildings across the water can sometimes be made out with binoculars. This proximity defines the city: Heihe exists, in large part, to facilitate commerce and contact across this narrow stretch of water.
The Blagoveshchensk–Heihe Bridge, completed in 2022, now provides a permanent road link. The riverfront area in Heihe has been developed with a promenade and viewing areas that make the most of the border setting. Evenings are particularly atmospheric, when the lights of both cities reflect off the river simultaneously. Crossing to Russia requires a visa, but watching the interaction of two countries across a river — the ferry traffic, the trade goods, the different architectural styles on each bank — is interesting in itself.