Russia and China to Launch Record-Breaking Cross-Border Cable Car by 2023
A new cable car linking Russia and China is set to open by the end of 2023. The project will connect the cities of Blagoveshensk and Heihe, cutting travel time between them to just six minutes. Construction of the iceberg-shaped terminal is now 93% complete. The two countries have been strengthening ties in recent years. In June 2022, a bridge between Blagoveshensk and Heihe was officially opened. Visa-free travel privileges have also been extended, making cross-border movement easier.
The upcoming cable car will stretch nearly one kilometre across the Amur River. Two gondolas, each holding 110 passengers, will complete the journey in two and a half minutes. At its highest point, the cable car will rise 70 metres above the water.
The terminal itself will feature shops, cafes, and restaurants alongside viewing points. A duty-free zone and border control checkpoint will also be included. The project comes as China remains a major buyer of Russian energy, particularly since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Once operational, the cable car will provide a quick and convenient link between the two nations. The terminalโs facilities and visa-free travel rules are expected to boost tourism and trade. Officials plan to unveil the system before the year ends.
