Ruili Border Port in Dehong, Yunnan

Ruili Border Port (瑞丽口岸) is the largest land border port between China and Myanmar, handling significant traffic in terms of people, vehicles, and goods. Located in Dehong Prefecture, Yunnan, it serves as a vital transportation hub with direct access to Myanmar’s cities of Bang Sai, Muse, and Nankan to the east and south. The port also connects to China’s Wanding Economic Development Zone (畹町经济开发区), a Class I port, and Zhangfeng secondary port to the west. Ruili’s border inspection center, operational since 2003, offers modern facilities to manage cross-border traffic and trade.

Key Statistics

• May 5, 2025 (Post-May Day): 75,900 passengers and over 8,600 vehicles crossed at the port, marking a 28.6% increase in daily traffic compared to non-holiday periods.

Historical Development

Ruili Port has undergone significant development since its establishment. In 1990, it was authorized to open to third-party countries, and in 1992, it became an officially designated border trade city. Its proximity to Myanmar’s Stilwell Road and key cities like Mandalay and Yangon further enhances its strategic importance. The completion of the Jie’gao Bridge in 1991 connected Ruili with Myanmar’s main road network, strengthening its role in the region’s transport infrastructure.

Transportation Hub and Trade

Ruili serves as a critical node for trade and transportation between China and Southeast Asia. The port facilitates the movement of goods and people, linking China with Myanmar, Bangladesh, Thailand, Singapore, India, and the Middle East. Over the years, both cross-border trade and general commerce have flourished, making Ruili one of the busiest ports for international trade.

Trade and Infrastructure Expansion

In 2009, the port handled 3.54 million passengers and 710,000 vehicles, showing a significant increase in traffic from the previous year. This growth is largely attributed to infrastructure improvements and streamlined customs procedures, allowing Ruili to manage larger volumes of goods and travelers. The port is now a central point for both small-scale border trade and international commerce.

Organizational Structure

The management of Ruili Border Port is handled by several key agencies, including Ruili Customs, the Anti-smuggling Bureau, the Inspection and Quarantine Bureau, and the Border Inspection Station. These entities work together to regulate and facilitate the flow of people and goods. Ruili has implemented cutting-edge systems to expedite entry and exit procedures, enhancing both security and service efficiency.

Self-Service Border Check System

In response to the growing number of travelers, Ruili Border Port launched a self-service system in 2023, allowing passengers to clear customs in as little as 8 seconds. This system utilizes facial recognition, fingerprint scanning, and document verification, reducing wait times and human error. The implementation of self-service cards has been particularly beneficial for frequent crossers, further easing the flow of traffic through the border.

Achievements and Growth

In the first half of 2024, Ruili recorded 2.27 million travelers and 305,600 vehicles crossing the border. This marks a significant increase in traffic compared to previous years, reflecting the port’s growing importance in facilitating bilateral trade and tourism. By the end of 2024, it is expected that Ruili will process over 3.5 million passengers.

Future Developments

Ruili Border Port is integral to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, and its expansion plans aim to further strengthen its role in international trade. The port is focusing on improving its infrastructure and operational capabilities to manage increasing traffic, making it a central hub for both people and goods traveling between China, Myanmar, and beyond.