Raohe County in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province welcomed an influx of Russian tourists during the New Year holiday from Thursday to Saturday, who came to experience winter entertainment activities, savor delicious Chinese cuisine, and enjoy shopping.
The Raohe Port recorded more than 2,000 tourists from Russia from December 30 to January 3.
At a local ice and snow-themed park, many were thrilled by the excitement of a 300-meter-long icy slide and the chance to ride snowmobiles.
"This scenic area is beautiful! I really enjoy being here. The activities organized by our Chinese friends are very interesting," said a Russian tourist Anya.
"We tried the ice activities and loved them very much. We'll definitely be back," said another Russian tourist Yulia.
The opening of a pontoon-supported ice passage between Raohe and Russia's Pokrovka Port on December 25 has further facilitated cross-border travel.
"Since the opening of the ice passage last month, many Russian tourists have come here to eat dumplings. I serve at least ten tables every day," said Diao Hongcheng, a local restaurant owner.
Northeast Chinese county welcomes surge of Russian tourists during New Year holiday
Northeast Chinese county welcomes surge of Russian tourists during New Year holiday
The latest round of Iran's retaliatory attacks had injured 16 Qatari citizens by early Sunday, as the country intercepted more than 60 missiles and over ten drones launched from Iran, according to official data.
From Saturday night to Sunday morning, multiple explosions were heard southwest of the capital city of Doha as Qatar's air defense systems repeatedly activated to intercept incoming Iranian missiles.
According to data released by Qatar's Ministry of Defense, since the attacks began on Saturday, Qatar has been targeted by 65 missiles and 12 drones.
Among these, 63 missiles and 11 drones were successfully intercepted before reaching their intended targets while two missiles struck the U.S. military's Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar and one drone hit an early warning radar facility in the country.
Qatar's Interior Ministry announced on Sunday that the attacks had wounded 16 of its citizens, all due to scattered missile debris, with limited property damage in some areas.
The ministry urged citizens to remain indoors whenever possible, avoid non-essential outings, and steer clear of any unidentified objects.
Despite Sunday being the first working day of the week in Qatar, a noticeable decrease in vehicles and pedestrians was observed on the streets.
Following the Saturday attack, Qatar closed its airspace and territorial waters, suspended all public events and gatherings, and shifted all schools to remote learning.
Except for military, security, and healthcare systems, most government agencies implemented remote work arrangements.
Qatar's Ministry of Commerce and Industry also advised the private sector to adopt remote work practices where possible.
Meanwhile, the Qatari government continues to send signals of stability.
The Ministry of Defense said it possesses full capabilities to protect national security, with the current security situation remaining stable and under control.
The Interior Ministry announced that security and civil defense forces have entered a state of full emergency readiness, capable of responding to any emergency.
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry stressed that domestic supplies of daily necessities are enough to meet public demand.
Iranian attacks wound 16 Qatari citizens: Interior Ministry
