The Pyu Ancient Cities consist of three ancient cities: Halin (in Sagaing Region), Beikthano (in Magway Region), and Sri Ksetra (in Bago Region). Located in the arid Irrawaddy River basin, these cities represent the glorious history of the Pyu Kingdom from around 200 BCE to 900 CE. In 2014, they were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This cultural heritage, comprised of the three ancient cities, can be defined to a certain extent as archaeological remains, including palace fortresses, burial grounds, early industrial production sites, Buddhist stupas, parts of city walls, water channels, and some of which are still used for irrigation. The reason for their inscription as a World Heritage Site is that these ancient sites mark the earliest urban civilization in Myanmar, the initial introduction of Hinayana Buddhism, one of the earliest ancient city sites in Southeast Asia, and the foundation of the Bagan Dynasty’s craft culture.

Pyu Ancient Cities
Reason to visit: Added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2014
Continent: Asia
Country: Myanmar
Regions: Sagaing, Magway and Bago Regions