China-backed market renovation benefits Myanmar's capital

Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar, Hong Liang (third from right), and Chairman of Nay Pyi Taw Council, Dr. Myo Aung (third from left), cut the ribbon at the handover ceremony of the rebuilt Thapyaygone Market on May 27, 2017. [Photo: China Plus/Tu Yun]

The Thapyaygone Market, one of the largest markets in the capital area, used to accommodate hundreds of outdoor vending booths, satisfying almost every need of local residents.

Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar, Hong Liang, and Chairman of Nay Pyi Taw Council, Dr. Myo Aung, reveal a stone monument for the rebuilt Thapyaygone Market on May 27, 2017. [Photo: China Plus/Tu Yun]

After the overhaul, it has been converted to an indoor market hosting 480 stalls.

The new marketplace covers a total area of 12,000 square kilometers, three times the size of the previous one.

The 700,000-US-dollar facelift project was funded by the Chinese embassy in Myanmar.

Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar, Hong Liang, and Chairman of Nay Pyi Taw Council, Dr. Myo Aung, visit a rice stall inside the new Thapyaygone Market on May 27, 2017. [Photo: China Plus/Tu Yun]

Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar, Hong Liang, and Chairman of Nay Pyi Taw Council, Dr. Myo Aung, visit the new Thapyaygone Market on May 27, 2017. [Photo: China Plus/Tu Yun]

A vendor and a child sit beside their fruit stall inside the new Thapyaygone Market on May 27, 2017. [Photo: China Plus/Tu Yun]

A boy sits on the commodity platform in the new market on May 27, 2017. [Photo: China Plus/Tu Yun]

Customers purchase goods from a stall in the new Thapyaygone Market on May 27, 2017. [Photo: China Plus/Tu Yun]

Dried seafood is seen inside the market. [Photo: China Plus/Tu Yun]