Bhamo


Bhamo, historically known as Man Maw or Hsinkai is a city in Kachin State in northern Myanmar, south of the state capital,. It is on the Ayeyarwady River. It lies within of the border with Yunnan Province, China. The population consists primarily of residents Chinese or Shan descent, with Kachin peoples primarily occupying the hills around the town. It is the administrative center of Bhamo District and Bhamo Township.

Etymology

Bhamo is derived from the Shan language placename "Man Maw", meaning "potter's village" or "village of jars."

History

Bhamo was once called Sampanago, the capital of the now-extinct Shan predecessor kingdom of Man Maw. The ruins of the old city walls, dating from the fifth century, are found some from the modern town.
From 1869 to 1879, it was the seat of British colonial Assistant political agent, subordinate to the Resident with the king of and in Ava. In the early 20th century, due to its location at the highest navigable point of the river, it formed a part of caravan routes bringing jade from India to China.

Contemporary

Bhamo is the terminus of river ferries from Mandalay. There is no river ferry between Bhamo and the state capital Myitkyina. The land route between Bhamo and Mu Se District is in poor condition.
Bhamo is one of the official border trading towns between China and Myanmar.

Education

There are three universities in Bhamo: Banmaw University; Technological University ; and University of Computer Science.

Climate

Bhamo has a climate that lies in the transition between tropical savanna climate and humid subtropical climate. Temperatures are very warm throughout the year, although the winter months are milder. There is a winter dry season and a summer wet season.