Thirteen overland routes between Yunnan province and neighboring Southeast Asian countries were reopened on Monday after eight years of suspension, providing a boost for tourism and other businesses in the region.

On hearing the news, local tourism agencies were overjoyed at the prospect of increased numbers of tourists traveling in both directions, while jade traders could not wait to expand their cross-border business.

Under new rules, both residents and non-residents of Yunnan can apply for travel permits to visit towns in Vietnam, Laos and Myanmar.