Approximate Border Location
Wait Times
Trucks 60-240m; peaks 240-720m
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Operating Hours
Hours variable; restrictions possible
Crossing Types
Freight/ped by permit; controls
Border Type
Land crossing via road (border trade post)
Peak Times
Weekdays 09:00 AM-01:00 PM
Daily Crossings
200-2,000/day
Currency Exchange
CNY; MMK; USD common; ATMs scarce
Safety Information
High security; access can change quickly
Languages Spoken
Mandarin, Burmese, English
Accessibility Features
Minimal; uneven approaches
About Chinshwehaw & Qingshuihe
The Chinshwehaw-Qingshuihe border crossing (also known as Chinshwehaw in Myanmar’s Shan state and Qingshuihe in China’s Yunnan province) connects the small border town of Chinshwehaw in Laukkai township, Kokang Self-Administered Zone, northern Shan state, to Qingshuihe in Zhenkang County, Lincang prefecture, Yunnan. You reach this point when traveling overland from central Myanmar toward southwestern China, often as part of routes from Mandalay or Lashio to Lincang, Kunming, or Tengchong. It serves as a secondary but strategically important land crossing along the 2,129-kilometer China-Myanmar border, handling passenger traffic, small vehicles, and significant local trade in a region where ethnic Kokang Chinese communities dominate on both sides of the frontier.
Location and Connections
Chinshwehaw lies in the Kokang region, about 30 kilometers from Laukkai and roughly 250 kilometers northeast of Mandalay. Qingshuihe sits directly opposite in Zhenkang County, with onward roads to Lincang city (around 150 kilometers) and farther to Kunming (over 600 kilometers). The crossing features separate immigration and customs facilities on both sides, with a short neutral zone and a paved road bridge over the Salween River tributary. The surrounding landscape includes subtropical hills, rubber plantations, tea gardens, and dense border markets typical of the China-Myanmar frontier. No rail passenger service crosses directly (the main rail link is at Ruili-Muse farther north), but freight trains use nearby corridors. The area is known for its active cross-border trade in agricultural products, consumer goods, and gems, with markets on both sides drawing merchants from Yunnan and Shan state.
Historical and Geopolitical Background
The China-Myanmar border was formalized by the 1960 boundary treaty after colonial-era disputes. Chinshwehaw-Qingshuihe has served as a trade route for centuries, used by Kokang Chinese and Shan traders exchanging tea, rubber, and daily goods. The crossing gained modern significance after Myanmar opened to China in the 1990s, becoming a key artery for Chinese investment in northern Shan state and Myanmar exports (fruits, rubber, timber) entering China. The Kokang region has a complex history, with ethnic Chinese majority population and periodic unrest, including the 2009 Kokang conflict and the 2015 MNDAA offensive that temporarily closed the crossing. The 2021 Myanmar coup and subsequent civil war in Shan state have led to fighting between the Myanmar military and ethnic armed groups (MNDAA, TNLA), causing intermittent closures and heavy Chinese security presence. China has maintained influence to protect trade and infrastructure interests, including the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor. The crossing supports significant fruit trade (dragon fruit, mango) and remains economically vital despite conflict. Fun fact: Chinshwehaw’s name reflects its Kokang Chinese heritage, with many residents holding dual cultural identities, and the crossing has served as a lifeline for local commerce even during periods of instability.
Current Status and Operating Hours
As of early 2026, Chinshwehaw-Qingshuihe operates with restrictions due to ongoing conflict in northern Shan state. The crossing opens daily from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (China time; Myanmar is 1.5 hours behind), but passenger traffic has been limited, with priority given to freight and locals. The crossing has seen periodic closures or reduced operations due to fighting, shelling, or military movements in Kokang, though China has worked to keep it functional for trade. Dry season (November to May) provides more stable access; monsoon rains (June to October) cause flooding risks on Myanmar approaches. Security involves heavy Chinese and Myanmar presence, with thorough checks for goods and documents. Verify status through Chinese Yunnan Border Inspection, Myanmar Immigration, or traveler forums, as conflict or policy changes can affect access at short notice.
Crossing Procedures Step by Step
You process exit and entry on both sides. From China to Myanmar: at Qingshuihe Chinese immigration, present your passport for exit stamp, answer questions on purpose and duration, and clear customs if carrying goods. Walk or drive across the bridge to Chinshwehaw Myanmar immigration for entry stamp (Myanmar citizens cross freely; foreigners use visa-on-arrival or e-visa when available). The reverse from Myanmar follows the same sequence: Myanmar exit stamp followed by Chinese entry (customs check for restricted items). Procedures include manual document verification, bag or vehicle scans, and security questions. Wait times range from 30 minutes to several hours, longer during conflict-related delays or peak trade. Foreigners report efficient processing when open, though expect added scrutiny for goods, cash, or longer stays.
Visa Requirements for Foreign Visitors
Chinese and Myanmar citizens cross without visas under bilateral arrangements for border residents or short trips. Foreigners entering Myanmar from China can obtain visa-on-arrival at land borders (30 days for $50 USD for most nationalities; payable in cash, USD preferred) when the crossing is open for international traffic. Bring passport photos and exact fees. Passports need six months validity. China requires no visa for Myanmar citizens but may check foreigners for onward permits if traveling to restricted areas in Yunnan. Rules remain stable when operational, but confirm via embassies or official portals, as Myanmar’s conflict and China’s border policies can affect enforcement.
Transportation Options and Road Details
From Kunming, high-speed trains or buses reach Lincang or Ruili (8-12 hours), then local transport to Qingshuihe. From Chinshwehaw, buses or shared taxis head to Muse, Lashio, or Mandalay. Private cars cross if compliant (insurance, permissions). No direct public buses routinely cross; arrange onward locally after clearance. Roads from Lincang stay paved and modern; Myanmar side includes highways with rough patches and military checkpoints. Monsoon mud or conflict can delay travel. Full Kunming-Mandalay trip takes 3-4 days with border time. Daylight travel essential for safety and visibility.
Scams and Safety Warnings
Common issues include inflated transport fares near Qingshuihe or poor exchange rates (use banks). Touts may offer “fast” services or unofficial currency exchange. Myanmar’s northern conflict brings risks of roadblocks, fighting spillover, or instability; avoid non-essential travel to Shan state. Monitor news closely; register with embassies. Avoid unofficial paths or nighttime travel.
Nearby Attractions and Practical Tips
Qingshuihe offers local markets and proximity to Ruili’s jade halls. Chinshwehaw leads to Muse’s border markets and Lashio’s colonial history. Carry USD/CNY/MMK cash, water, snacks, sunscreen, and passport copies. Start early; consider Ruili-Muse as a backup if needed. Translation apps aid local interactions.
Final Notes for Planning
Chinshwehaw-Qingshuihe provides a busy but conflict-affected crossing between China and Myanmar, with straightforward procedures when open. Confirm status, prepare visas/fees, and monitor security closely. With preparation, it offers access across this economically vital frontier. Safe travels.
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