上个世纪70年代，一些外省人和归国华侨来到芒市感到很惊讶：“芒市怎么会是这样子？”当他们明白原委后，又会对其他未到过芒市的人说：“原来芒市不是‘市’，只是个小街子！”
民国时期的潞西设治局（类似县政府）也未设在芒市，而是设在距芒市30公里以外的山区勐戛。新中国成立后潞西县政府设在芒市，芒市一条街就是今天的汽车客运北站到今天的老百货大楼这一段。在滇缅公路两侧各地商人盖了一些高高低低的黑铁皮房子，但在此要想搭乘一辆过路的老旧货车还是十分艰难。后来一天一班的客运班车通车了，但想坐车外出仍需提前几天订票。改革开放以来特别是近几年来，芒市的市政建设突飞猛进，日新月异。目前的芒市街道纵横交叉，车流如织；高楼大厦林立，宾馆、饭馆、农市、超市随处可见；滇缅公路变成了团结大街，320国道又让位给芒市大街；每天都有数架客机在芒市机场起降；除了本地人，许多华侨、外省人、外国人在芒市进进出出……无论是什么人对芒市是不是“市”都不再产生疑问了。
In the 1970s, some returned overseas Chinese come MangShi mainlanders and surprised: "how is it MangShi?" When they came, and after that to other not to MangShi said: "originally" city ", MangShi not only a small son!"
During the period of the republic of LuXi SheZhi bureau (similar to the county), but also not MangShi located in MangShi 30 kilometers away from the mountains and direct. After the founding of MangShi in LuXi county, MangShi street is today's bus passenger transport station to today's old store building. In Burma road both merchants built some high low black iron in the house, but to take a bus pass old old car is very difficult. Then one day the passenger train ride to open, but still need to advance tickets days go out. Since the reform and opening up, especially in recent years, the municipal construction MangShi crackles with the dynamics of change. Currently, the MangShi street traffic attraction, High-rise buildings, hotels, restaurants, agriculture, supermarket everywhere, Burma road into the streets, 320 national unity and gives his seat to MangShi street, Every day there are MangShi airport passenger plane in landing, Besides, many local and overseas Chinese, mainlanders, foreigners in MangShi...umm... No matter what the person to MangShi "city" is no doubt.