On Myanmar border, a city thrives

Opening-up has played a key role in the economic development of Tengchong, Yunnan province, both in the past and today, local authorities say.

"It is not hard to see that all the economically active periods in Tengchong's history were those when we had close contacts and deep exchanges with South and Southeast Asia, and the times of weaker economy were often when such contacts were weakened or interrupted for various reasons," said Liu Pincheng, vice-head of Tengchong's bureau of business and trade. The principle continues to work today, Liu said.

Tengchong is located along the Myanmar border. Historically, it served as a key transportation hub along the Silk Road in Southwest China.