Myitkyina is the capital of the Kachin State in Myanmar (Burma). It is the northern most railway terminal, 919 miles from Yangon(Rangoon), 487 miles from Mandalay, and 26 miles south of "Myit Sone", the confluence of MaiKha and MaliKha Streams.
Ayeyarwaddy (Irrawaddy), the most useful river in Burma has its source from "Myit Sone", and flows 1325 miles from north to south of Burma. The water over here is crystal clear. Burma's highest snow-capped mountain Khakabo Razi (5881 m) lies in the Putao town, a half hour's flight from Myitkyina. About 148 km west of Myitkyina, there is a place called "Hpa Kant", which is home to the best jade mines in the world . Myitkyina and its environs, long-forbidden to foreigners, have recently become newly emerged destinations for international travelers, meaning the whole region with its different indigenous ethnic nationals, and their cultures remain unspoiled, exotic and original. People can travel to Myitkyina by two and half hour flight from Yangon (via Mandalay) or 24-26 hours by train from Mandalay.
Small, but Diverse and Strong Although Myitkyina is a small town, it is ethnically diverse. There are different kinds of people: Kachin, Ba Mar, Shan, Li Shu, Chinese, Indian, and others. People are friendly, and kind. They are living peacefully while exercising their own religions: Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, and Hinduism. There are churches, pagodas, and monasteries at many places.
Basically, people open small shops for living. However, jade mining is always a very attractive business for many people. Obviously, many people go to 'Hpa Kant' to do jade business hoping they will get rich quickly. Actually, there are a few people became very rich with jade business. For others, they always have hope.
Recently, discovery of gold near the confluence, Myit Sone, has changed Myitkyina. Not only many local people are flocking to gold mines but also many Chinese businessmen from China, which has border with northern Burma, are pouring into Myitkyina. Therefore, Myitkyina is filled with many new guests who see the opportunities. The effect of the 'gold rush' is that local businesses are getting better than before.
The appearance of private banks, Asia Wealth Bank(AWB), Kan Baw Za Bank (KBZ), and May Flower Bank, in recent years shows
the growth of Myitkyina's economy.
Area
approx. 2510 square miles
Population
146,544
Male: 77,039 Female: 69,505
People
Kachin (majority), Li Shu, Ba Mar,Shan, Chinese, Indian, and others.
Official Language
Burmese (Jinghpaw is also widely used)
Total Townships
25
Original 18 Townships
1. Thida 2. Ayer 3. Myo Ma 4. Min Yat 5. N. Shan Su 6. S. Shan Su 7. Kachin Su 8. Kyun Pin Tha 9. Aye Zay Di 10. Shwe Nyan Pin 11.Du Ka Taung 12. Yan Kyi Aung 13. Mye Myint 14. Yu Za Na 15. Myo Thit 16. Aung Nan 17. Kay Mar Thiri
New Added Townships
18. Shwe Set 19. Man Kean 20. Si Tar Pu 21. Tart Gong 22. A Lae Gong 23. Rum Bu 24. Myo Thit Kyi 25. Nan Gwe
