Muse

Muse lies in northern Shan State right on the Chinese border, opposite the town of Ruili in Yunnan, 760 kilometres northeast of Yangon, with around 134,000 inhabitants. The town is by far the most important land border crossing in Myanmar - more than 70% of Myanmar's official trade with China passes through here, with an annual volume of over four billion US dollars. During British Burma (1886-1948) Muse was an insignificant border post; the town only boomed after China's opening in 1988 and the Burma-China border trade agreement. Major exports include jade, timber, rice, beans, maize and watermelons, while machinery, electronics and consumer goods flow in. Muse is also a centre for illegal trade in timber, wildlife and drugs from the Golden Triangle. The region has been heavily contested for years by the TNLA and the Chinese-aligned MNDAA alliance.

Nearby cities

Taunggyi

The capital of Shan State, located on a ridge and known for its cool climate.

Lashio

The largest town in northern Shan State and an important trading center near the Chinese border.

Putao

A remote gateway to the Eastern Himalayas, famous for trekking, snow-capped peaks, and rare biodiversity.

Hsipaw

A relaxed town in the Shan highlands, famous for trekking to ethnic hill villages and its historic Shan Palace.

Kengtung

A picturesque town in eastern Shan State, known for its traditional architecture and ethnic diversity.

History & landmarks

Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda

The most important sanctuary on Inle Lake, housing five small Buddha statues covered in gold leaf beyond recognition.

Nature

Salween River

One of Asia's longest free-flowing rivers, cutting through deep gorges in eastern Myanmar.

Inle Lake

A famous freshwater lake in Shan State, known for its floating villages and one-legged rowers.

More places

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105 Mile Trade Zone

The largest and most important border crossing station on the border with China near Muse, handling the bulk of bilateral trade.

Shweli 1 Hydropower Station

A large hydropower project on the Shweli River in Shan State, contributing to the energy supply of both Myanmar and neighboring Chinese p…

Shan Hills

A vast mountainous plateau that forms the eastern part of Myanmar, known for its deep gorges and distinct ethnic diversity.

Kakku Pagodas

A remote religious complex in Shan State consisting of thousands of ancient stupas clustered closely together.

Gokteik Viaduct

An impressive railway bridge from the British colonial era that crosses a deep gorge in Shan State.

Inle Lake Floating Gardens

Unique agricultural areas on Inle Lake where farmers grow tomatoes and other vegetables on floating islands.

Tigyit Coal Power Plant

Myanmar's largest coal-fired power plant, located in southern Shan State, providing energy but often facing criticism for pollution.

Pindaya Caves

A major pilgrimage site featuring an extensive limestone cave system that houses thousands of Buddha statues.