About Mandalay

Mandalay, Myanmar's second-largest city, stands as the undisputed cultural heart and spiritual center of Burmese civilization. Located 631 kilometers north of Yangon on the eastern bank of the mighty Irrawaddy River, this ancient city serves as the economic hub of Upper Myanmar and the beating heart of traditional Burmese culture and Buddhist learning. Founded in 1857 by King Mindon, Mandalay was the last royal capital of the Burmese monarchy before British colonization. The magnificent Mandalay Palace, constructed between 1857 and 1859, served as the primary royal residence until 1885, symbolizing the sovereignty and identity of the Burmese nation. Though largely destroyed during World War II Allied bombing, with only the royal mint and watch tower surviving, a faithful replica was rebuilt in the 1990s, restoring this architectural masterpiece to its former glory.

The city is home to over 700 pagodas and countless monasteries, earning its reputation as the spiritual capital of Myanmar's Buddhist tradition. From the revered Mahamuni Buddha statue covered in layers of gold leaf applied by devotees to the Kuthodaw Pagoda known as "The World's Largest Book" with its 729 marble slabs inscribed with Buddhist teachings, Mandalay offers profound religious experiences. Mandalay Hill provides panoramic views of the ancient city and surrounding plains, while the iconic U Bein Bridge—the world's oldest and longest teak bridge—stretches 1.2 kilometers across Taungthaman Lake, creating breathtaking sunset vistas. The exquisite Shwenandaw Monastery showcases intricate traditional wood carvings that represent the pinnacle of Burmese craftsmanship, making Mandalay an essential destination for understanding Myanmar's rich cultural and spiritual heritage.