Major Economic Indicators (2007)

Source: Heihe Economic and Social Development Report 2007

Introduction

Heihe is located at the northern edge of Heilongjiang Province on the Russian border, on the south bank of the Amur River, adjacent to the Russian city of Blagoveshchensk.

Heihe has a relatively long winter, compared to other cities in China. Its average annual temperature is -1.3 Celsius to 0.4 Celsius and the temperature can drop to lows of -40 Celsius in winter.

Heihe was among the first batch of border-opening cities that China established during the 1990s. It has a tight trade relationship with Russia. Transportation between Blagoveshchensk and Heihe is by boat in the summer and by bus over the frozen river in the winter.

Economic Features

Hehei is an agriculture-based economy, with grain, soybean and vegetables as its major products. The GDP in its agricultural sector accounted for 39.4% of its total GDP in 2007. At present, the green and export-oriented agriculture is the focus of its development.

Heihe established coal mining, food processing, wooden products and building materials as its pillar industries. In 2007, the value-added industrial output reached RMB 848 million, up 18.1% over 2006.

In 1992, Heihe was approved by the State Council as a border-opening city. Now, it is a major centre of Sino-Russian trade. In 2007, its foreign trade jumped by 49.2% to US$2.4 billion.  

Cultural Highlights

Heihe was first set up in the 17th century, when the governor of Qing Dynasty established it as the office location for its military units.

Presently, there are 31 minorities in Heihe.

Heihe's culture is deeply influenced by Russia. The cultural communication between Heihe and Russia began in the 1980s. Currently, there are numerous communication activities, including literature shows, fireworks shows, film weeks and arts festivals.

Tourist Attractions

Heihe has plenty of natural tourism resources, including Amur River and Wudalianchi, where people can take a trip to local volcanoes. A famous historical scenic spot is the Old City of Aihui, in which the first unequal treaty between China and Russia was signed in the 19th century. Today, it has become a base for patriotism education.

Traditional Dongbei foods, as well as Russian foods, can be found in Heihe. Famous delicacies include Subo Soup, fresh fish salad, Dongbei Stew, and Sanhuawuluo.

Major Development Zones

At present, there is one state-level development zone in Heihe, namely Heihe Border Economic Cooperation Zone.

State-level Development Zones in Heihe

Source: National Development and Reform Commission of P.R. China