Passenger railway reaches China's easternmost county (2)

The railway, the eastern end of which terminates just 12 km from the Russian border, will help to increase visitors and boost tourism in Fuyuan and the border island of Heixiazi (Bolshoy Ussuriysky), said Song Kui, a researcher at the Heilongjiang provincial academy of social sciences.

The tranquil border town is the first place to see the sun rise in China, and it also boasts a well-protected wetland and scenic spots at the confluence of the Heilongjiang (Amur) and Ussuri rivers.

Locals refer to Heixiazi Island, located at the intersection of the Heilongjiang (Amur) and Ussuri rivers, as the "Fuyuan Delta."

China and Russia ended a century-long dispute over the region and held a border redrawing ceremony on Oct. 14, 2008, declaring that each side owned half of the 335 square km island.

In November 2010, the two countries agreed to cooperate to develop the island into an eco-tourism zone. In July 2011, China opened its half of Heixiazi Island to tourists.

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