Bhamo (known to the Chinese as Xinkai, or 'New Market'), was once an important town on the Haw caravan trade route between China and Burma. Within the Shan and Karen inhabited regions of northern and eastern Burma trade routes ran to Myitkyina, Lashio and Bhamo. Large mule caravans, some 'half a mile long' were still arriving in Bhamo as late as the 1920s.