How to Travel from China to Myanmar: Key Tips for 2025

The allure of Myanmar, coupled with diplomatic and infrastructural advancements, has sparked a surge of Chinese travelers eager to explore its diverse landscapes, rich heritage, and vibrant culture.

This article delves into the rising number of Chinese tourists visiting Myanmar. It provides a guide for travelers from China, including entry requirements and essential advice for a trip to Myanmar.

Chinese citizens choose Myanmar as a destination for family

Overview of some travel guides for tourists from China to Myanmar

An important international border, the one between China and Myanmar extends 2,200 kilometers (1,367 miles) from the tri-border region with India in the north to the point where the two nations meet Laos in the south.

May Chinese tourists need a visa to travel to Myanmar?

China is a country that is not exempt country list for the Myanmar visa. Therefore, a Myanmar visa for Chinese citizens is required. Currently, Myanmar has introduced an eVisa system that allows travelers from certain countries, including China, to apply for a tourist visa online. The eVisa application process involved submitting an online application, making the necessary payment, and receiving an approved eVisa that needed to be presented upon arrival in Myanmar.

Apply for a Myanmar e-visa for Chinese citizens

When traveling to Myanmar, it's essential to understand the Myanmar visa requirements for Chinese citizens. You can apply for a Myanmar visa in several ways: through the Myanmar embassy in China or the consulate in your country or by applying for a Myanmar e-visa online.

Important information: The Myanmar government must approve your application for a visa before you can purchase COVID-19 coverage for Myanmar travel insurance. By requesting a COVID-19-covered travel insurance policy without divulging any other information, you can apply for an e-visa on the website of the Myanmar Immigration Service.

How to get Myanmar from China for travelers?

By train

Travelers may choose to take a train to China's border town of Ruili and then continue their journey by bus or other means to the Myanmar border, even though there are no direct rail services between China and Myanmar. You may enter Myanmar from there and travel to places like Mandalay or Yangon.

By bus

Buses that travel over long distances connect China with Myanmar, providing a cost-effective yet lengthy mode of transportation. China's Kunming and other border towns are served by buses that take passengers to Ruili, where they may enter Myanmar and continue to other parts of the country.

By car

Overland travel is preferred by certain daring tourists, who might choose to rent a car or drive their own during the trip. This method involves extensive planning, which includes acquiring the required licenses, being aware of border crossing protocols, and being ready for a range of road conditions.

Know the China time to Myanmar time

Myanmar Standard Time (MMT) is one hour and thirty minutes behind China Standard Time (CST). It is 10:30 AM in Myanmar and 12:00 PM (noon) in China. In contrast, China would experience 1:30 PM while it is 12:00 PM (noon) in Myanmar. This time difference should be considered while organizing phone conversations, meetings, or travel between China and Myanmar to guarantee synchronization and prevent any schedule issues.

Exchange money China to Myanmar today: How many 100 Chinese yuan to Myanmar kyats?

When converting money, it's crucial to make sure you're getting the most recent exchange rate because they might vary. Now, the exchange rate of 100 Chinese yuan would be equivalent to 29.850 Myanmar kyats.

We suggest contacting a currency exchange agency, utilizing internet resources for currency conversion, or checking with a reputable financial institution for the most current and accurate information on the exchange rate between the Chinese Yuan (CNY) and the Myanmar Kyat (MMK). Several reasons, including market demand, economic circumstances, and geopolitical events, can cause exchange rates to move regularly. When converting the Chinese Yuan to Myanmar Kyat or vice versa, you can be sure you get the most accurate information by checking the most recent exchange rate.

How long does it take from China to Myanmar?

The quickest route between China and Myanmar is via air. Depending on the route and number of layovers, direct flights from large Chinese cities like Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou to major Myanmar cities like Mandalay or Yangon usually take around 4 hours and 30 minutes.

Many airlines provide connecting flights from China to Myanmar for tourists such as China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, and Air China.

Why do many Chinese tourists choose Myanmar as their destination?

Visa convenience to entry for Chinese tourists

Myanmar began issuing visas on arrival to Chinese visitors on October 1, 2018, to strengthen its tourism business and attract more Chinese visitors. Meanwhile, Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar Chen Hai noted that there are currently more than 200 weekly direct flights between the two nations, a figure that is seven times more than three years ago.

For example, China Eastern Airlines launched a direct route from Shanghai to Myanmar's commercial capital of Yangon last year, halving the previous minimum travel time of seven hours. Yangon has become a new attraction for Chinese visitors as visa procedures, transportation, and payment channels have improved.

In addition to the facilitation of visas and direct flights, many other beneficial policies, such as the Myanmar Tourism Master Plan, the Responsible Tourism Policy, and the Community Involvement and Tourism Policy, have already been put into place to protect the safety and interests of visitors from all over the world. China has greatly benefited from these policies as well. Myanmar is an essential member of ASEAN and an active contributor to the Belt and Road Initiative. China and Myanmar have long-standing good relations.

Proximity and accessibility between China & Myanmar

• Geographical proximity: Myanmar shares a long border with China's southwestern region, including the provinces of Yunnan and Guangxi. This proximity means that Chinese tourists can easily access Myanmar through various means of transportation, including road, rail, air, and water. For instance, they can travel by land through border crossings or fly directly to major cities like Yangon or Mandalay.
• Short travel distance: The relatively short distance between China and Myanmar makes it appealing for Chinese tourists who prefer shorter trips or have limited vacation time. Flights from major Chinese cities to Myanmar often have reasonable durations, making them convenient for weekend getaways or short-term holidays.
• Improved transportation links: In recent years, there have been efforts to improve transportation links between China and Myanmar. This includes constructing and upgrading roads, railways, bridges, and border crossings, facilitating smoother travel for tourists. Additionally, direct flight connections have been established between various Chinese cities and major destinations in Myanmar, making it easier for Chinese tourists to reach their desired locations.
• Increasing tourism infrastructure: Myanmar's tourism industry has been growing, and this development includes expanding tourism infrastructure to accommodate the influx of visitors. There are now numerous hotels, guesthouses, and resorts available in popular tourist destinations, offering a range of options to suit different budgets and preferences. This increased availability of accommodation options makes it more convenient for Chinese tourists to plan their trips to Myanmar.

China to Myanmar is a fantastic journey for worthy travelers

Festivals and Traditions activities: Experience Await for Chinese tourists

Myanmar offers cultural richness and diversity through its traditional festivals and customs. Myanmar is known for its myriad festivals celebrated throughout the year. These festivals often have a profound cultural and religious significance, reflecting the country's diverse ethnic groups and historical traditions. Participating in these festivals can provide tourists, including Chinese visitors, with immersive and memorable experiences.

Water Festival (Thingyan): Thingyan, Myanmar's water festival, marks the Burmese New Year. It involves lively water fights and celebrations on the streets, symbolizing the washing away of the old year's sins and bad luck.

Full Moon Festivals: Myanmar celebrates various full moon festivals related to Buddhist traditions. The most famous is the "Tazaungdaing" festival, also known as the Festival of Lights, where elaborate paper lanterns are displayed and illuminated.

Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda Festival: Held at Inle Lake, this festival involves parading Buddha images on a royal barge around the lake, accompanied by traditional boat races and vibrant festivities.

Taunggyi Balloon Festival: This festival is known for its hot air balloon competitions, where colorful and creatively designed balloons are launched into the sky. It's a visually stunning event that attracts both locals and tourists.

Ananda Temple Festival: Celebrated in Bagan, this festival centers around the Ananda Temple and features traditional music, dance, and religious rituals, providing insights into Myanmar's ancient culture.

Chinese tourists to Myanmar to explore the cultural & historical there

Natural beauty makes Chinese tourists must be surprised

Myanmar is blessed with diverse and breathtaking natural beauty, which appeals to Chinese tourists seeking scenic landscapes and outdoor adventures.

Beaches: Myanmar has stunning coastal areas and beautiful beaches along the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea. Its pristine white sand, clear turquoise waters, and swaying palm trees create a tranquil and idyllic setting for relaxation and beach activities.

Mountains and Hill Stations: Myanmar is home to various mountain ranges, offering picturesque landscapes and opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. The Shan State region, with its mist-shrouded hills and scenic vistas, is a popular destination. Places like Kalaw, Hsipaw, and Kyaingtong (Kengtung) provide trekking routes through terraced fields, tribal villages, and tea plantations, immersing visitors in the area's natural beauty and cultural diversity.

Waterfalls: Myanmar boasts several impressive waterfalls that attract nature lovers. The Dee Doke Waterfall in Shan State, the Anisakan Falls near Pyin Oo Lwin, and the Pwe Kauk Falls (also known as Hampshire Falls) near Mandalay are just a few examples.

National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries: Myanmar has numerous national parks and wildlife sanctuaries that preserve the country's diverse flora and fauna.

Caves and Karst Landscapes: Myanmar features impressive cave systems and karst landscapes worth exploring. The Pindaya Caves in Shan State are famous for their thousands of Buddha images and intricate limestone formations. The Sadan Cave in Kayin State and the Shwe Oo Min Cave in Mandalay Region are notable attractions, offering unique geological and spiritual significance.

Discovering natural beauty - a memorable experience for Chinese tourists

Conclusion

A varied and exciting trip across disparate landscapes and civilizations may be had by traveling from China to Myanmar. The route offers a variety of experiences, whether traveling overland by bus or train to witness the gradual change in landscape and customs, or taking a direct flight from bustling Chinese metropolises like Beijing or Shanghai to the enchanting cities of Mandalay or Yangon. The border region acts as a gateway for trade, cultural exchange, and exploration. It is distinguished by its rough terrain and rich ethnic variety.