Shwedagon Pagoda

Entry fee: US$5

Location: Ar Za Nir St Yangon

Opening time: 04:00-22:00

Located by the Inya Lake and standing on the holy mountain Singuttara, the highest point of Yangon, Shwedagon Pagoda is a 98-meter-high stupa whose golden glow can be seen from throughout the city. With a layer of gold in its surface, the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda is one of the ancient wonders in the world and the Buddhist holy land in Burma as well as in the whole Southeast Asian area. The glistening pagoda enshrines four relics of Buddha, the cane of Kakusandha, the water purifier of Konagamana, the robe of Kassapa and the hair relics of Gautama Buddha.

According to legend, Shwedahon Pagoda was originally built in 6th century. Gautama Buddha gave his eight hairs after his enlightenment as a return to Burmese for their offerings. Then the Myanmar king had this pagoda built to enshrine the hairs. Over centuries, the pagoda fell into despair with the passing of time; it is in 14th century that it was rebuilt to be 18 meters high; and after several renovations, the pagoda was finally rebuilt to be 98 meters high in 15th century. Unfortunately, the apex of the Pagoda collapsed during the earthquake happened in 1768, and the present one was rebuilt later.

The platform for the pagoda is measured 435 meters in perimeter, and around the pagoda on the platform are densely standing 4 middle-size stupas and 64 small size stupas in diversified shapes. The whole Shwedagon Pagoda, including its accompaniments are all covered with gold in surface that wight totally more than 7 tons. For hundreds of years, kings and commoners donated gold and jewels to the pagoda that the umbrella at its apex now is decorated with 1065 gold bells, 420 silver bells, and over 80 000 jewelry and topped with a diamond-studded orb.