Shwedagon Pagoda

• Location: Ar Zar Ni Street, Yangon
• Recommended reason: Iconic building in Yangon
• Highlight: It is the iconic building in Yangon. The pagoda is wrapped in gold foil. The top of pagoda is inlaid with a lot of precious stones.
• Best time to visit: From July to February(During this period, the weather with a temperature around 20 °C is pleasant and suitable for going out.)
• Opening hours: 4:00-22:00

Located in the north of Yangon, Shwedagon Pagoda is located at the highest point of Yangon and is one of the most worthwhile tourist attractions in Yangon. Shwedagon Pagoda is not only a famous pagoda in the world but also a symbol of Myanmar. It is a Buddhist holy place in Myanmar and even Southeast Asia. Shwedagon Pagoda together with Angkor Wat of Cambodia and Borobudur of Indonesia are known as 3 major historical sites of Southeast Asia. In addition to these 3 historical sites, plus the Great Wall of China and the Taj Mahal of India, they are collectively known as Five Wonders of the East countries. It is the most famous religious place in Myanmar. You can feel the piety of Buddhists and the peace of believers.

Shwedagon Pagoda history

The Shwedagon Pagoda Yangon was only 9 meters high when it was first built. In 1450, the Burgundy King Boniyah rebuilt the pagoda and increased it to 92 meters. In 1453, the only queen in the history of Myanmar carried out a large-scale repair of the Shwedagon Pagoda. The pagoda was built with stones. Pavilions around the pagoda and a copper bell weighing more than 200 tons were built. In 1492, the grandson of the queen built 48 small pagodas around the big pagoda. In the 16th century, the King of the Taungoo Dynasty gilded the Shwedagon Pagoda. In 1581, King Nadabine of the Awa Dynasty built a gold and silver umbrella-shaped tower presented with 2,000 rubies at the base of the pagoda. In 1777, a Buddhist temple and four statues in alloy were built around the pagoda. Later, a bronze bell weighing 25.6 tons were built in the northwest of the Shwedagon Pagoda. In 1871, top of the pagoda is rebuilt. In the 80 years after the start of the Second British-Burmese War, the Shwedagon Pagoda was occupied by British colonists. In 1929, under the unremitting struggle of the people of Myanmar, the Shwedagon Pagoda was recovered to Myanmar.

Shwedagon Pagoda facts

The Shwedagon Pagoda is the highest point of Yangon and the center of Burmese Buddhist believers. The conical pagoda is nearly 100 meters high. The tower is wrapped in gold foil and there are thousands of gold and silver bells hanging around the pagoda. There are countless gems in the top of pagoda and a 76 carats giant diamond on the spire of the pagoda. The height of the pagoda is 112 meters. The base of the pagoda is 427 meters. There are 1065 golden bells and 420 silver bells hanging and 7000 pieces of rare red and sapphire inserting on the top of the pagoda. As a must-see attraction in Yangon, many people come to Shwedagon Pagoda to pay homage to Buddha. It is more crowded in the festivals. The number of visits of pagoda are not limited in a day. So many tourists choose to visit the pagoda in the afternoon and then come to watch the night scene in the evening, which let they feel the different styles of pagoda during day or night.

How to visit Shwedagon Pagoda?

There are four entrances for Shwedagon Pagoda. At the gate of each entrance, there is an unique style of the Burmese sphinx. It is necessary to climb more than 100 steps to reach the big platform of the pagoda. On the big platform, you can see the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda. There are dozens of small towers of different shapes around the main pagoda.

The Shwedagon Pagoda is the most sacred pagoda in Myanmar. It is dedicated to the remains of the four Buddhas. Many people go to the big platform to pray for Buddha or chant scriptures in the Shwedagon Pagoda. There are 1 Burmese zodiac and Buddhist statue in front of the 8 directions outside the Shwedagon Pagoda. These 8 directions represent 8 different Burmese zodiacs. Burmese zodiac is calculated by date from Monday to Sunday. In addition, it is divided into 2 different zodiacs in morning and afternoon of Wednesday. At night, believers can participate in lighting the Buddhist lights around the tower. There is also a museum in the  Shwedagon Pagoda. It is closed around 17:00. You can also visit the museum to learn about the history of the Shwedagon Pagoda.

How to get to Shwedagon Pagoda?

Take the No.204 Bus or No.43 Bus, get off at the Shwedagon Pagoda station, then you can walk to Shwedagon Pagoda.

Tips for visiting Shwedagon Pagoda

a. There is elevator in Shwedagon Pagoda. Wheelchair users can use it.

b. Myanmar is a Buddhist country. In the hearts of Burmese, it is a sacred place. When entering the temple, wearing vests and short skirts are not allowed.

c. Best time for viewing of the Shwedagon Pagoda is in the morning of sunrise or the afternoon of sunset.