Culture of Taunggyi

e city, the significance of market day has been lessened. However, the market-day tradition continues strong in the outlying small towns. Nearby, Inlay Lake is the home of the unique Intha culture. Inlay is famous for its traditional crafts industry and floating markets that are accessible via traditional longboats. The drive to the Pindaya Caves provides a good view of the Myelat country. Nearer to Taunggyi at the Kekku, one can see hundreds of stupas dating to the 16th century.

There is no significant industry in Taunggyi. It used to be the trans-shipment point for many of the agricultural products of southern Shan State. However, due to recently imposed zoning regulations, most of these operations have been moved to the surrounding new town of Ayetharyar.

Being the capital of the Shan State, Taunggyi hosts many government offices. There is a museum in town which has displays on the Shan culture, as well as items of historical interest, such as belongings of the Sawbwas. The city is also the headquarters of Eastern Command of the Tatmadaw (Burmese Army), and the army occupies a significant portion of the northeast area of the city