Editor's Note: On December 3, 2024, marking the third anniversary of the opening of the China-Laos Railway, this steel dragon serves as a vital link connecting the deep friendship and vibrant development between China and Laos. Over the past three years, countless touching stories and  inspiring dreams have intertwined along this railway. At this important moment, Kunming Information Hub has conducted in-depth interviews with individuals from various circles in both countries, showcasing the profound transformations and wide-ranging impacts brought by the China-Laos Railway through their perspectives. The series "the Train to Prosperity - Third Anniversary of China-Laos Railway" will take you through the corridor connecting the two countries, listen to the voices of Chinese and Lao people, and deeply experience the strong momentum of cooperation and immense potential for sustainable development.

In May 2022, Kunming officially took charge of Mohan. Leveraging the strength of the provincial capital, Mohan has accelerated its development and growth. In more than two years, this town on the China-Laos border has quickly become the main platform for cross-border cooperation, the main battleground for project construction, and a fertile land for cultural, economic, and trade exchanges.

In the eyes of people from all walks of life in China and Laos, everything in Mohan is changing rapidly for the better, bringing new hope. Especially after the opening of the China-Laos railway, the transportation network in Mohan has become more diversified, and business and trade exchanges have become more frequent, making it an important link between China and Laos.

Dai Anbi, a China-Laos International Shuttle Bus driver

Dai Anbi from China is a driver on the China-Laos International Shuttle Bus, which runs daily from Jinghong in Xishuangbanna through Mengla and Mohan to Nanta in Laos, and has witnessed the area's rapid development after Kunming took charge of Mohan.

"The new roads are not only wide and flat, but also well connected, which has greatly improved travel efficiency." According to Dai Anbi, the development of the Mohan area has taken place in leaps and bounds since Kunming took over, and the changes have been particularly remarkable. In particular, he mentioned the new high-speed rail line and modern buildings such as the International Trade Centre, which has become a new landmark in the area.

Mohan Port

One of the most notable changes has been a significant increase in the efficiency of immigration and customs clearance, which used to involve long queues. Now, with the intelligent system, it can be done smoothly in a matter of minutes. Dai Anbi said: "Just like last time, a Laotian businessman I was carrying said, 'It's much more convenient to come to Mohan to do business than before.'"

Tourists departing from Boten in Laos and entering Mohan in China

Dai Anbi also describes the development of the international shuttle bus industry: "Since the resumption of international shuttle buses, the flow of passengers has increased significantly, and the sources of passengers have become more diverse. Especially during the Water Splashing Festival, Mohan experienced an unprecedented tourism boom and became an international business center and tourist destination."

"It is an honor to witness and be part of this process!" He looks forward to the changes and future development of the Kunming taking charge of Mohan. He believes that these changes will not only promote the economic development of China and Laos but also deepen the people-to-people exchanges and friendship between China and Laos. (Kunming Information Hub Zhang Yu Hong Junjie)

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(Editors: Reena, Ines)