Costing around RMB 1.2 billion (USD 179 million), the regional airport is designed to handle 450,000 passengers and 3,600 tonnes of cargo and mail annually, according to an official spokesperson with Suifenhe City.

The construction of an expressway leading to the airport broke ground on October 15.

Russia displaced Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan as a top destination for mainland Chinese travelers during the National Day holiday in 2016, and welcomed 103.1% more visitors during the peak period.

Southeastern city Suifenhe is Heilongjiang province's largest port to Russia. It sees nearly a million cross-border trips and its trade volume exceeds RMB 10 billion a year.

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