Muse

Muse is a border town in northern Shan State, directly opposite Ruili in China's Yunnan province. It is the busiest land border crossing between Myanmar and China, with a massive volume of cross-border trade. The town has a distinctly Chinese character and is a centre for jade and gem trading.

The best time to visit is November to February. A visa for China is required for crossing.

Muse is 80 km north of Lashio (2–3 hr by road). From the Chinese side, Ruili is connected by road to Kunming.

• Muse Market: A huge border market with Chinese and Myanmar goods.

• Friendship Bridge: The main border crossing.

• Ruili, China: The Chinese border city with modern development.

• Border Market Shopping: Electronics, textiles, and Chinese products.

• Cross into China: Ruili is a gateway to Yunnan province.

Basic guesthouses offer rooms for US$10–20.

• Lashio (80 km south, 2–3 hr) — Northern Shan State capital.
• Ruili, China (across the border) — Chinese border city.
• Hsipaw (by road south, 6–7 hr) — Shan hill station.