Harbin in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, which is to host the 9th Asian Winter Games from February 7 to 14, has opened fast e-channels for inbound and outbound passengers during the upcoming travel rush for the Games and the Spring Festival.
On Friday, the first ever automated self-service lane for entries and exits in Heilongjiang officially began operation at the Harbin Taiping International Airport, allowing eligible passengers of a flight from Seoul, South Korea to enter the country after a quick passport verification.
"I feel it's very fast after I got off the plane, as if we were taking the subway, and cleared at one go. The workers and people on duty are very warm to us," said Park Ji-ying, an inbound traveler.
A total of 228 passengers enjoyed the convenient services at the airport's e-channels on the day.
"We have set up eight e-channels for inbound passengers and six for outbound ones. Before opening them, we tested the devices to make sure they operate smoothly. We also trained all the staff on how to use the e-channels and increased patrols to help passengers use the devices and ensure their clear smoothly and swiftly," said Geng Fuquan, a border inspection officer.
The upcoming Asian Winter Games marks the second time for Harbin to host the Games and the third time for China.
The Games has so far received 1,275 athlete registrations -- 755 men and 520 women -- from 34 countries and regions across Asia. This is expected to make it the edition with the highest participation of teams and athletes.
The Spring Festival, the most important traditional festival in China, falls on Jan 29.
Harbin airport opens e-channels for int'l travelers to Asian Winter Games
