Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon

Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon (must see)

The Shwedagon Pagoda, also known in English as the Great Dagon Pagoda and the Golden Pagoda, is a 99 meters gilded pagoda and stupa located in Yangon. The pagoda lies to the west of Kandawgyi Lake, on Singuttara Hill, thus dominating the skyline of the city. It is the most sacred Buddhist pagoda for the Burmese with relics of the past four Buddhas enshrined within, namely the staff of Kakusandha, the water filter of Koṇāgamana, a piece of the robe of Kassapa and eight strands of hair of Gautama, the historical Buddha. Uppatasanti Pagoda is a same-sized replica of Shwedagon Pagoda in Naypyidaw, the new capital of Burma.

According to tradition, the Shwedagon Pagoda has existed for more than 2,500 years, making it the oldest historical pagoda in Burma and the world. However, the historians and archaeologists say that the pagoda was built by the Mon people between the 6th and 10th centuries CE. By the beginning of the 16th century the pagoda had become the most famous place of pilgrimage in Burma.

A series of earthquakes during the next centuries caused damage. The worst damage came from a 1768 earthquake that brought down the top of the stupa and it was raised to its current state by King Hsinbyushin of Konbaung Dynasty. A new crown umbrella called hti was donated by King Mindon Min in 1871 after the annexation of Lower Burma by the British. A scaffold was erected and extensive repairs to the hti were made. The pagoda is listed on the Yangon City Heritage List.
Sight description based on Wikipedia.

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Shwedagon Pagoda on Map

Sight Name: Shwedagon Pagoda
Sight Location: Yangon, Myanmar (See walking tours in Yangon)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Yangon, Myanmar

Create Your Own Walk in Yangon

Create Your Own Walk in Yangon

Creating your own self-guided walk in Yangon is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Top Religious Sites

Top Religious Sites

Yangon has a number of religious places that are a must see for each visitor that comes to Myanmar. There is a mix of religions in this city, which is why you can see different sacred places from pagodas (characteristic of Myanmar) to Baptist churches that were founded many decades ago, with the arrival of the missioners. Take this religious tour to visit the sacred places of Yangon.

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Western Yangon Walking Tour

Western Yangon Walking Tour

The western region of the Yangon is the most magnificent and interesting part of the city. There are many tourist attractions of the highest caliber such as the Royal Barge, Shwedagon Pagoda and the National Museum. There are many thing to see there, so take this walking tour and don't miss out on seeing some of the most spectacular attractions in western Yangon.

Tour Duration: 4 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 8.9 Km or 5.5 Miles
Eastern Yangon Walking Tour

Eastern Yangon Walking Tour

Eastern Yangon Tour will guide you to the most exciting places you've ever been. You will be able to visit the local markets so popular with tourists and locals alike, the city's historical jewels such as City Hall and High Court Building. At the end of the tour, visit the monastery and perhaps do some meditation.

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 6.7 Km or 4.2 Miles