New logistics route from China to Russia via Jalinda

In recent years, logistics between China and Russia has undergone a major transformation. The growth of trade turnover, the congestion of traditional border crossings and the need to diversify routes make us look for new solutions. One of these decisions becomes New multimodal logistics route through Jalinda border point between the Amur region of Russia and the Chinese city of Mohe in Heilongjiang province.

This project is often called “quiet” but strategic. It is not accompanied by loud statements like large bridges or megaports, but such routes in the future can redistribute cargo flows and give impetus to the development of regions. In 2026, the route should enter a new stage - from test transportation to more stable and systematic operation.

Where is Jalinda and why is she?

The village of Jalinda is located in the north of the Amur region, on the banks of the Amur River. On the Chinese side it corresponds to the city of Mohe - the northernmost point of China. Historically, this section of the border was used in limited ways: the harsh climate, remoteness from major centers and weak infrastructure made it secondary.

However, these features are now turning into advantages. Jalinda is located outside congested transport hubs, which means that it is easier to build new logistics chains without constant bottlenecks. In addition, the proximity to the railways and the ability to use the Amur River make this point convenient for multimodal transportation.

The essence of the project: not one route, but a whole system

It is important to understand that the route through Jalinda is not just another border crossing. It's complex logistics projectIt combines three types of transport:

• railway,
• automobile
• Water (ferry and seasonal).

This scheme allows you to adapt flexibly to seasonality, type of cargo and the current load of infrastructure. If one element temporarily works with limitations, it can be compensated by others.

What logistics will look like in practice

Railway section

The bulk of cargo from China arrives in Russia by rail. As part of the new route, the key point is the Skovorodino station, a major transport hub of the Trans-Siberian Railway. It is here that cargo consolidation, sorting and further distribution are planned.

While the section of the railway to Jalinda is not fully restored, a combined scheme is used: railway + motor vehicles. However, there are plans to modernize and restore railway communication closer to the border, which will significantly simplify transportation.

Road transport

Road transport plays the role of a “connecting link”. It is used to deliver goods from railway junctions to the checkpoint and back. This is especially important in the transition phase, when the infrastructure is still being developed.

Automotive logistics provides flexibility: you can quickly respond to changes in demand, work with small and medium-sized lots, service goods that do not require a strict link to the railway schedule.

Ferry and seasonal crossings through the Amur

One of the key features of the route is the use of the Amur River. In the warm season, pontoon and ferry crossings are planned. In winter, the use of ice crossings in compliance with all safety standards.

This is a temporary but crucial decision. It allows the route to operate year-round even without a major bridge. In the long term, it is here that the construction of the Amur railway crossing is planned, which will be the logical completion of the project.

What is new introduced in 2026

2026 is considered a turning point for the route through Jalinda. It is during this period that the transition from the preparatory stage to practical operation takes place.

Major changes:

1. Launch of regular services
   If earlier it was about test and pilot flights, then in 2026 it is planned to enter a more stable schedule of cargo movement.
2. Formation of a multimodal hub
   In Jalinda, the development of logistics infrastructure will begin: sites for transshipment, temporary storage warehouses, customs clearance zones.
3. Simplification of border procedures
   The project involves the optimization of interaction between Russian and Chinese services, which should reduce the time of crossing the border.
4. Expansion of the range of goods
   If at the start the route is focused mainly on mass and raw materials, then in 2026 it is planned to connect a wider product line - from building materials to processing products.

What cargo will go through Jalinda

The route is initially conceived as universal, but priority is given to the following categories:

• products of the forest industry;
• agricultural goods and processed products;
• metals and semi-finished products;
• construction materials;
• industrial goods and equipment;
• Container goods for regional distribution.

The proximity to the resource base of the Far East makes the route especially convenient for exporting Russian goods to China, not just for imports.

Economic importance of the route

For Russia.

The route through Jalinda reduces the burden on traditional border crossings, stimulates the development of the northern regions of the Amur region and creates new jobs. In addition, it increases the sustainability of the logistics system, which is critical in the context of unstable global trade.

For China.

For China, this route opens an additional channel of access to Russia’s resources and markets, especially in the northern regions. It also fits into the strategy of diversification of external trade routes.

Infrastructure and territorial development

The project is not limited to transportation. A related infrastructure is planned to be developed around the route:

• warehouse and logistics complexes;
• service zones for transport;
• energy and digital infrastructure;
• housing and social facilities for employees.

Thus, Jalinda can gradually turn from a border settlement into a full-fledged logistics center of regional importance.

The new logistics route through Jalinda is not a one-time initiative, but a long-term infrastructure project. In 2026, it enters the stage of practical implementation and begins to play a real role in Russian-Chinese trade.

Its value is not only in kilometers of roads and tons of cargo, but also in redistribution of logistics flows, development of regions and formation of a new geography of trade. Such projects are gradually changing the economic map, even if at first they seem invisible.