Houqiao Border Port in Yunnan
Houqiao National Port (猴桥口岸) is located in Houqiao Town, Tengchong City, Yunnan Province, approximately 70 kilometers from the city center. Situated in Heinitang of Houqiao Town, the port is 6.1 kilometers away from the China-Myanmar Tunnel, serving as a critical junction on the China-India highway. From here, one can directly access Muse, an important town in northern Myanmar.
Basic Information
- Location and Geography: Houqiao Port is strategically positioned in Heinitang, Houqiao Town, Tengchong City, Yunnan Province, about 70 kilometers from downtown Tengchong. Its proximity to the China-Myanmar border tunnel makes it a crucial hub for traffic between China and Myanmar, and it also plays a pivotal role in traffic on the China-India highway.
- History and Culture: Historically, Houqiao Port was a significant station on the ancient Southwest Silk Road, with customs and military fortifications established during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The stone structures built during the Qing Dynasty, particularly during the Daoguang era, are still well-preserved. In the 1940s, the construction of the Stilwell Road made important contributions to China’s victory in the war against Japan.
- National Class I Port: Houqiao Port was officially designated as a National Class I Port in 2004, facilitating trade and personnel exchanges between China and Myanmar.
Development History
- Transportation and Infrastructure: The Tengchong-Muse Highway resumed operations in 1993 and underwent significant upgrades in 2007, greatly promoting the development of the port. The port handles a large volume of personnel, vehicles, and cargo transport annually. In 2010, the port processed 960,000 personnel crossings and handled 3 million tons of cargo.
- Strategic Importance: With the implementation of the “Belt and Road Initiative” and the “Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar Economic Corridor,” Houqiao Port has become a crucial platform for international trade and cooperation. Its development has also contributed to the economic prosperity and social development of the surrounding regions.
- Future Development: Houqiao Port continues to optimize its facilities and enhance service capabilities, aiming to maintain its pivotal role in international trade and cultural exchange, thereby contributing to regional development and prosperity.
In summary, Houqiao Port serves as a vital node for trade and cultural exchanges between China and Myanmar, boasting significant historical, cultural, and economic value. It stands as a cornerstone for the development of Yunnan Province and its surrounding areas.
