King Palace

Entry fee: covered in the through ticket of Mandalay Pass which charges US$10.

Located in the midpoint of the old city Mandalay, King Palace, built in 1859, is the imperial palace of the last empire of Myanmar, Konbaung Dynasty. Unfortunately, the palace was destroyed during the World War II, and the re-construction of the present King Palace on the site started in 1989 according to historical pictures and records. After 7 years effort, 89 main halls of the palace reappeared; and in September 1996, the palace was officially opened up to the public.

The entire King Palace was built in square with each side measuring about 2000 meters. It is equipped with four main gates, eight side gates and a moat. The architecture are all built in timber structure with fine carvings in the typical Myanmar style. Timbers are the rare and precious teakwood, a designated exclusive wood for imperial families which is strong in corrosion-resistant and not easy to be cracked.

Though not large in size, King Palace is a grand Myanmar-style architecture complex, offering a resplendent view from far away and reflecting the glorious culture and history of ancient Myanmar; it majestically housing 104 temples apart from numerous halls for the king and his concubines though without furnishings exhibition. All the buildings are painted in red and gold, with exquisite patterns carved on columns and corridors. .

There are two spots must to visit inside King Palace. One is the 33-meter-high watchtower, which is available for climb up with 121 steps; on the top of the watchtower, the entire palace and even a spectacular view of Mandalay is attainable. The other is the museum exhibiting the kings’ articles, furniture, clothing and pictures, as well as some Buddhism arts; it is the only place to encounter Myanmar history.