Serene Retreat

Beaches, temples and old colonial architecture characterize the city.[Photo by Rebecca Lo/For China Daily]

The next day, we join a walking tour of Yangon’s Chinatown, which starts with a visit to Kheng Hock Keong temple on the eastern end of Merchant Road. I find it amazing that so many hawker stalls can whip up delicacies such as quail egg omelets every night, and we giggle at the deep fried grasshoppers and crickets being offered as snacks.

Buy, buy in Bangkok

Washington DC seeks more Chinese tourism

Interior designer and Yangon native Mya Myitzu takes us out in the evening to one of her favorite nightspots. We start off with a light meal of savory Shan noodles at Union Bar and Grill, one of Yangon’s most popular expat joints known for its writhing dance floor.

We then continue with a nightcap at Japanese bar Gekko and sip on sake and fruit based cocktails. Both of these establishments are yet set within Yangon’s colonial buildings downtown, a trend that Mya explains is extending to loft condos and boutiques.

At Mya’s suggestion, we check out Transit Shed Number One, a pop up venture initiated by local entrepreneur Ivan Pun.

Situated near Wardan jetty, the disused warehouse building has been transformed into a contemporary art gallery and Myanmar Made, a shop featuring Myanmar crafts and accessories. The lofty space with skylights showcases the art and products to their best advantage, and I pick up a red wool shawl with a geometric pattern that makes for a great souvenir.

Continuing our retail therapy, we take a detour to the home, studio and boutique of French designer Patrick Robert. He lives in an ivy-clad mansion north of Shwedagon pagoda, and his boutique offers an assortment of singular home accessories.

We join the rebranding party at Sule Shangri-La that evening, and enthusiastically wave our Myanmar flags along with the hundreds of guests celebrating the occasion. With Miss Myanmar Moe Set Wine leading a parade through the hotel’s ballroom, we are happy that we get to see first hand how the country is welcoming a new era of travelers.

Flying there: Air China offers non-stop flights between Shanghai and Yangon. Please check for the latest schedules.