Ruili

Ruili (瑞丽 Ruìlì) is a county-level city under the jurisdiction of the Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, in southwest China, located on the border with Myanmar. Known as "Mengmao（勐卯）" in ancient times, it is situated in the western part of Yunnan Province. It is the birthplace of the nationality of China, and one of the regions with the earliest history, the strongest foundations, and the highest degree of openness along China’s southwest border. It is a major border crossing between China and Myanmar, with the town of Muse across the border. During World War II, this was the border point on the Burma Road.

By the end of 2023, the permanent resident population of Ruili is 23400, with an urbanization rate of 77.18%. The main ethnic groups are Dai, Jingpo, Deang, Lisu and Achang.

Ruili City was named for its meaning of "auspicious and beautiful." In 1932, during the 21st year of the Republic of China, the Ruili Administrative Bureau was established, and in 1952, Ruili County was set up. Ruili City is an important border city in southwest China, featuring a special border trade zone operating under the "within the border, outside customs" model. It is also a significant hub for jewelry distribution and one of the first cities in China to be recognized as an excellent tourist city. Major highways, including the Hangrui Expressway, G320, G556, and H320, run through the city.

Ruili's terrain consists of mountains, hills, and plains, with a high vegetation coverage. The city is located north of the Tropic of Cancer and has a South Asian subtropical humid monsoon climate. Ruili City covers a total land area of 1,020 square kilometers, with 222,208 mu of arable land, including 113,453 mu of paddy fields and 108,755 mu of dry land. The region is rich in water resources, with a total volume of 10.313 billion cubic meters and a transboundary water flow of 9.64 billion cubic meters. The forested area covers 47,603.5 hectares, with a forest coverage rate of 55.02%, displaying a distinct vertical zonal distribution.

Dehong Mangshi Airport (LUM), with connections to Kunming, is the closest airport.

• One Tree Forest
• Chinese-Burma Friendship Street
• Border Trade Street
• Touring and Gem Washing Field
• Wanding Ecological Park
• Hansa Temple
• Jiele Big Golden Pagoda
• 🌍 Memorial Park for Overseas Chinese Drivers and Mechanics from Southeast Asia in Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression (南侨机工回国抗日纪念公园), Zhengyang Road 正阳路 (bus no. 4), ☏ +86 692 5151001. 09:00-17:00, closed on Mondays. Dedicated to the more 3000 Overseas Chinese drivers and mechanics who chose to leave their homes in Southeast Asia during the Second World War in order to work on the Burma Road. There is a museum in the middle of the park. Free. (updated Sep 2022)

This town is located at the Chinese-Burmese border. There is much trade in imported goods, notably jade and fabrics. Wooden furniture (sourced from Burmese logs) is also widely available. Cheap souvenirs can also be bought from travelling Burmese merchants in the city, or from the sizeable number of other foreigners present in the city such as Pakistanis and Indians.

Be prepared to bargain hard. Be cautious about fake jade; see Shopping in China.

There are many hotels in Ruili. However, hotels in the city are surprisingly expensive, compared even to provincial capitals. There seem to be no places below ¥300.

• Jing Cheng hotel - reputed to be the best hotel in the city. It is housed in the city's tallest tower. The city's only 4-star hotel but in reality feels more like a 2- or 3-star hotel. Breakfast provided is very limited to local cuisine.

• Mu-se - in Shan State, Myanmar