The relevance of this study is explained by the need for the architectural and urban planning support of international cooperation between Russia and China in cross-border territories with common interests. The study investigates the city of Blagoveshchensk located in the border settlement system of Blagoveshchensk – Heihe. The purpose of the study is to develop the foundations for a factor and comprehensive assessment of the architectural and planning potential of the development of Blagoveshchensk. The objectives of the study are to identify the architectural and planning potential in the Strategy for Socio-Economic Development and the Master Plan of Blagoveshchensk; and to determine the main lines and priorities for realizing architectural and planning potential in the implementation of the Strategic and Master Plans of the city. The methods used include the factor and comprehensive assessment of the current state and prospects of architectural and planning urban development. The study identifies architectural and planning potentials in the Strategy for Socio-Economic Development and the Master Plan of Blagoveshchensk. It highlights the main areas for realizing the architectural and planning potential in implementing the Strategic and Master Plans based on the economic-geographical and transport-logistics advantages of Blagoveshchensk.