The number of transnational marriages has increased in recent years in Ruili, a small border city separating southwest China's Yunnan Province and Myanmar's Namhkan County.

According to preliminary statistics, there are now 500 Sino-Myanmar couples in Ruili which is famous for its Naxi Dongba Culture and pictographic characters.

The increase in cross-border marriage is attributed to the country's opening-up policies and the frequent business contacts between the two neighboring countries, local social analysts say. According to local officials, many Myanmar people have been coming to Ruili for shopping, sightseeing, and doing business for the past 10 years, providing good opportunities for young people from both sides to nurture love. Shuai Enhuang, a farmer from a village in Ruili, said he was extremely happy to see his youngest son marry a pretty Myanmar girl, as did his three elder brothers. The 57-year-old Shuai used to live a very poor life, but became well-off after contracting a farm and planting winter fruits and vegetables. He then replaced his shabby bamboo hut with a well-furnished home, attracting four Myanmar girls to marry his four sons. (Xinhua)