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Myitkyina, a key town located on the border in northern Myanmar, serves as the capital of Kachin State. Situated on the western bank of the Maykha River, an upper tributary of the Irrawaddy River, Myitkyina is the most important river port in northern Myanmar with a population of approximately 35,000. Positioned in a hilly region in the north with an elevation of over 1000 meters, it experiences an average annual temperature of 23.7°C and an annual rainfall of around 2000 millimeters.
During World War II, Myitkyina held strategic significance and was a point of contention. It is known for its teak and other timber production, as well as cultivation of rice, sugarcane, and silk processing. The city is a hub for agricultural produce and a center for timber and food processing. Strategically located in the northern region, it is a key trade center along the Ledo Road. The road extends south to Bhamo in China’s Yunnan Province and north to the Grape City in China’s Tibet. Moreover, it is the terminus of the Yangon-Myitkyina railway line which traverses north-south, connecting to the largest jadeite mining area in Myanmar, Mogaung.
In World War II, the Merrill’s Marauders of the US Army and the Northern Combat Area Command led by General Stilwell engaged in prolonged and intense battles against a portion of the Japanese 33rd Army commanded by Lieutenant General Honda Shinichi. Eventually, Myitkyina was captured by the Allied forces under General Stilwell’s leadership in what came to be known as the “Battle of Myitkyina”. With its important strategic position, the city not only connects the rest of Myanmar through rail and waterways but also lies on the planned Ledo Road (later renamed the Stilwell Road). Myitkyina is only open to foreigners with special permits.
Located 43 kilometers north of Myitkyina is the “Three Rivers Confluence” known as Minsonta, where the Irrawaddy River, Maykha River, and Malikha River meet. Minsonta, also called the “Three Rivers Confluence”, is a scenic spot in Kachin State. Standing in the pavilion in front of the grand white-bodied pagoda, feeling the river breeze, overlooking the magnificent confluence of the three rivers, one’s heart feels expansive and thoughts wander endlessly. The Irrawaddy River, originating in Tibet’s Zayü County where it is known as “Milha Dhorjok”, flows southward into Yunnan as the Dulong River before becoming the Irrawaddy once it enters Kachin State.
On the other hand, the Maykha River originates at the southern foothills of the Da Xue Shan mountain range along the border between China and Myanmar. It is flanked by the Jiangxinpo on the east and the Kumeng Ridge on the west. These two rivers, one masculine and the other feminine in nature, combine to form the Irrawaddy, known as the “Blessed River” and “Mother River” of Myanmar. The Irrawaddy River, like a wild Kachin man, turbulent and unable to be tamed by the mountains, rushes downstream. The Kachin call the Irrawaddy River “Enmaka”, meaning the “Untameable River”. In contrast, the Maykha River resembles a charming and gentle maiden, gracefully making her way from the sacred snow-capped mountains. “Maylik” is a vibrant red mountain flower, and “Maylikka” means the “River of Flowers”. The gentle flow of the river allows motorboats to venture into the captivating depths of the “Flower Lady”. Along the banks, several large boats are parked, engaged in gold panning activities. Simple makeshift sheds line the river banks, where indigenous people with sun-darkened skin are busy using traditional methods to extract gold under the scorching sun. In the high forests on the riverbanks lies a narrow asphalt road, with a row of seven to eight riverside restaurants specializing in the local delicacy – grilled river fish. The half-elbow-long river fish is skewered and grilled to perfection, with crispy skin, tender meat, and a uniquely delicious flavor.
