Nabang Border Port in Yingjiang, Yunnan

Nabang Border Port (那邦口岸) is located in Nabang Town (那邦镇) in Yingjiang County (盈江县), Yunnan Province (云南省). It is situated in the Jiayang River Valley (羯羊河谷), facing Myanmar’s Laiza Port (拉咱口岸) across the river, making it a critical point along the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor. As a national secondary border port (国家二级口岸), it facilitates both passenger and cargo traffic, allowing border residents to cross freely with valid documentation.

1. Geographical Location and Natural Environment

Nabang Border Port (那邦口岸) lies in the western part of Yingjiang County (盈江县) and is less than 100 meters away from Myanmar’s Laiza (拉咱), making it a key location at Border Marker 31 (界桩31号). The area is at the lowest elevation in Dehong Prefecture (德宏州) at 210 meters above sea level and is known for its tropical monsoon climate. Summers see surface temperatures often exceeding 55°C, with daily temperatures above 35°C for seven or more hours, earning it the nickname “Flame Gate of the Border” (烈焰国门). The region is also impacted by dense fog and extreme heat. In 2024, temperatures as high as 45°C were recorded in the border patrol area.

In addition to its extreme climate, the surrounding area is home to natural landscapes such as the Tongbi Pass (铜壁关) and the King Banyan Tree (榕树王). However, due to the valley terrain, the area is often affected by fog and high temperatures.

2. Port Function and Management

Passenger and Cargo Clearance

As Yingjiang County’s only dual-use border port, Nabang Border Port (那邦口岸) has a joint inspection building, a transport route to Shangtianba (上田坝), and a border trade market. In 2024, the port saw a 150% increase in daily border inspections for people and vehicles. Cargo items include charcoal, building materials, and jade rough, among others. Border residents can use the “China-Myanmar Border Area Entry and Exit Pass” (中缅边境地区出入境通行证) to cross the border. Customs procedures include truck waiting areas, declaration checks, and vehicle inspections, all overseen by customs officers using body cameras.

Emergency Access

In June 2022, the port introduced a “Green Channel”  for cross-border medical emergencies, reducing entry and inspection times to just 15 minutes. The system ensures that law enforcement officers are ready with protective equipment, while customs and medical institutions coordinate for swift processing.

3. Border Trade and Economic Development

Border Market

The 150-acre border trade market was approved by the provincial authorities in 2010. After completing an upgrade in 2023, it became a closed-off management area. The market sees a daily trade volume of 400,000 RMB, with Myanmar’s agricultural products and Chinese daily goods being the primary items traded.

Cooperative Operations

A cooperative has been formed for the border trade market, with three mutual assistance groups  overseeing more than 1,200 registered border residents. The “Centralized Declaration and Phased Release” (集中申报+分批放行) model helped achieve a trade value of 36.26 million RMB between February and April 2023.

4. Border Security and Law Enforcement

Daily Duty

Border security personnel work 12-hour shifts in extreme heat, fully equipped. Duties include verifying documents, inspecting vehicles, and conducting random checks of bulletproof vests. The highest single-day inspection record was 380 individuals.

Border Patrol

A “vehicle patrol + foot patrol” system is in place along the 20.5-kilometer border, focusing on marker areas and roads. In 2024, 47 night patrols were conducted using police lights, resulting in 12 cases of illegal border crossings.

Comprehensive Border Management

In 2019, joint research led to recommendations to strengthen border management and regulate trade order. As part of the anti-crime campaign, over 70 legal awareness sessions were held, and more than 1,500 handbooks were distributed. In 2024, the port saw a 157% increase in passenger traffic and a 277% increase in cargo vehicle traffic compared to previous years.

Nabang Border Port (那邦口岸) serves as an important economic gateway for China and Myanmar, with significant improvements in border trade and infrastructure development. The region’s unique geographical location, alongside its growing trade and cooperative systems, makes it a key cross-border point for business and cultural exchange.