Amarapura

Amarapura is a southern suburb of Mandalay and lies on the east bank of the Ayeyarwady River. It is also known as Taung-my (Southern Town) or Myo-haung (Old City). Founded by King Bodawpaya in 1783 as his new capital, Amarapura means “city of immortality”. It is a popular tourist day-trip destination from Mandalay. Today most visitors come to walk on the world’s longest teak bridge; although a bit rickety in some parts, its 1700 huge teak pillars have withstood the storms and floods of the past two centuries.

The 1.2-kilometer bridge is named after its donor, U Bein, and work began in 1782. Amarapura is known today for its traditional silk and cotton weaving, and bronze casting. Amarapura is also famous for its silk-weaving industry, which produces the akyeik longyi (skirt worn by both men and women) that are used in formal ceremonies. Another tourists destination in Amarapura are, Bagaya Monastery(a wooden monastery), Amarapura Palace and Kyaut Taw Gyi Pagoda etc.