Taunggyi, Myanmar

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Taunggyi, Myanmar

Region: Shan State

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Geographic Coordinates: 20.783600, 97.035400

Climate: Seasonal.

Population: 381639

Language: Burmese

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Taunggyi, Located in the Shan State of Myanmar, Is a beautiful and vibrant city. Situated on a high plateau at an altitude of 4, 712 feet above sea level, It is one of the highest cities in Myanmar. The city is known for its stunning landscapes, Rich culture and traditions, And bustling markets. One of Taunggyi’s main attractions is the hot air balloon festival that takes place every November. This festival attracts thousands of visitors from all over Myanmar and across the world to witness hundreds of colorful hot air balloons being released into the sky.

The balloons are decorated with intricate designs and patterns which make for a truly spectacular sight. Taunggyi also boasts many temples and pagodas that are worth visiting. Shwe Phone Pwint Pagoda sits atop a hill overlooking the city providing panoramic views for visitors while Sulamuni Pagoda boasts impressive architecture with intricate carvings on its walls. For those interested in learning about local culture and traditions, There are plenty of opportunities to do so in Taunggyi.

Visitors can attend traditional dance performances or visit local markets where they can try delicious street food like Shan noodles or pick up handmade crafts such as woven baskets or silk textiles. Nature lovers will also find plenty to enjoy in Taunggyi as there are several parks located within the city limits including Kandawgyi Park which features a large lake perfect for boating or picnicking by its shore. Despite being smaller than other cities like Yangon or Mandalay, Taunggyi has much to offer travelers looking to experience authentic Myanmar culture while surrounded by stunning natural beauty.

With friendly locals eager to share their customs with visitors from around the world, This charming city promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you longing to return again soon!

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1. Kakku Pagodas: A historical complex consisting of over 2,000 stupas and temples dating back to the 16th century.
2. Inle Lake: A picturesque freshwater lake surrounded by mountains and floating gardens, renowned for its unique fishing techniques and traditional stilt houses.
3. Taunggyi Myoma Market: A bustling local market that offers a diverse range of fresh produce, handicrafts, clothing, and souvenirs.
4. Sulamuni Pagoda: An exquisite pagoda with intricate carvings that provides breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
5. Shwe Phone Pwint Pagoda: Another popular pagoda that boasts a golden stupa and panoramic views of Taunggyi city.
6. Hnee Paya (Beehive Monastery): An exceptional monastery built in the shape of a beehive with stunning architecture and intricate woodcarvings.
7. Ayetharyar Vineyard: The first vineyard in Myanmar producing high-quality wines using locally grown grapes.
8. Taunggyi Hill Station: An old colonial-era hill station located on a scenic plateau offering cool temperatures, lush forests, and stunning views of the Shan Mountains.
9. Pindaya Caves: A complex network of limestone caves filled with thousands of Buddha images dating back to the 18th century.
10. Red Mountain Estate Vineyards & Winery: Another popular winery located on the outskirts of Taunggyi providing wine tastings, tours, and beautiful sunset views over Inle Lake.

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1. Agriculture
2. Tourism
3. Textiles and garment manufacturing
4. Food processing
5. Handicrafts

The city is famous for:

• Production of high-quality tea leaves
• Production of cheroot cigars

Other industries include:

• Weaving silk fabrics
• Making pottery

Taunggyi’s thriving tourism industry is due to its proximity to Inle Lake and the surrounding Shan State region.

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1. Taunggyi is the capital city of Shan State in Myanmar with a rich history dating back to the Shan Kingdoms.
2. During British colonial rule, Taunggyi served as an administrative center for the region.
3. In 1927, a devastating earthquake struck Taunggyi, causing widespread damage and loss of life.
4. The city is well-known for its annual hot air balloon festival that attracts thousands of visitors each year.
5. U Nu, who was the first Prime Minister of independent Burma (Myanmar), was born in Taunggyi in 1907.
6. Sao Shwe Thaik, who was the last Sawbwa (ruler) of Yawnghwe State and first President of Union of Burma (Myanmar), lived in Taunggyi before his death in 1962.
7. Ludu Daw Amar, a famous Burmese writer and journalist also hailed from Taunggyi.
8. During World War II, Japanese forces occupied Taunggyi and saw significant fighting between Allied forces and Japanese troops during their retreat from Burma in 1945.
9. In recent years, increased tourism and economic growth have led to rapid development in Taunggyi.

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1. Taunggyi Cultural Museum showcases the history and culture of Taunggyi and surrounding Shan State.
2. Shwe Phone Pwint Pagoda, located on a hilltop, offers stunning views of Taunggyi and the surrounding area.
3. Kakku Pagodas, about 50 kilometers from Taunggyi, are a must-see for anyone interested in Myanmar’s rich history.
4. Sulamani Kyaung Monastery features intricate wood carvings and is home to dozens of monks.
5. Htan San Cave Temple is located inside a cave system with stunning stalactites and stalagmites throughout.
6. Myoma Market is a bustling market where visitors can find local produce, handicrafts, clothing, and more.
7. Inle Lake is not technically in Taunggyi but nearby; it’s a popular destination for its scenic beauty and unique floating villages.
8. Aye Thar Yar Vineyard offers tours and tastings of locally-produced wines amidst stunning views of the surrounding mountainside for wine lovers.
9. Indein Village Market near Inle Lake offers an authentic glimpse into local life with traditional foods, crafts, textiles, etc., for sale.
10. Pa-O Village Trekking Tours allow visitors to take guided treks through nearby Pa-O villages to learn about traditional farming practices & experience rural life in Myanmar firsthand.

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1. Taunggyi Tazaungdaing Festival is a significant celebration that takes place in November. It marks the end of Buddhist Lent and involves various activities such as hot air balloon competitions, traditional dances, and food stalls.
2. Tazaungmon Full Moon Festival is observed on the full moon day in October or November. People pay homage to Buddha by offering robes, candles, and other offerings at pagodas during this festival.
3. Shan State Day is celebrated every year on February 7th to commemorate the founding of Shan State as an administrative region within Myanmar.
4. Kachin Manaw Festival celebrates Kachin culture and traditions with various activities such as traditional dances, music performances, food stalls, and more.
5. Thingyan Water Festival or Myanmar New Year’s Day Water Festival occurs in April every year across Myanmar including Taunggyi where locals engage in water throwing activities.
6. Independence Day Celebration takes place on January 4th each year to celebrate Taunggyi’s independence from British rule in 1948 with parades and cultural events throughout the city.
7. Ananda Pagoda Festival happens annually during December/January near Bagan (a short distance from Taunggyi). This festival features local arts & crafts exhibitions alongside religious ceremonies & rituals attracting thousands of visitors from all over Myanmar as well as foreign tourists too!

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• Shan-style noodles: This is a must-try dish in Taunggyi. The noodles are served with a rich broth made from chicken or pork bones and topped with sliced meat, vegetables, and herbs.
• Kachin-style barbecue: Kachin people are known for their love of barbecue. You can find many street vendors selling grilled meat skewers marinated in spices.
• Tea leaf salad: This is a famous Burmese dish made from fermented tea leaves mixed with peanuts, sesame seeds, garlic, tomatoes, and other ingredients.
• Mya Kan Thar restaurant: This restaurant is famous for its Shan-style noodles and other traditional dishes such as fried rice cakes and tofu soup.
• Aye Myit Tar restaurant: This is another popular restaurant that serves authentic Burmese food such as curries, soups, salads, and stir-fries.
• Shwe Pyi Moe cafe: If you’re looking for something sweet to eat or drink after your meal, this cafe offers delicious cakes and pastries along with coffee and tea drinks.
• Night market street food stalls: At night markets in Taunggyi you can find various street food stalls selling grilled meats on skewers (satay), deep-fried snacks like samosas or spring rolls (puffs), noodle dishes like Shan-style noodles or pad Thai (kway teow) among others!

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Parks and Recreation

1. Taunggyi Myoma Park
2. Shwe Phone Pwint Pagoda Park
3. Kandawgyi Lake
4. Aye Thar Yar Golf Resort
5. Inle Lake (located near Taunggyi)
6. Shan State Cultural Museum and Library
7. Pindaya Caves (located near Taunggyi)

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Go Where The Road Takes You.

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