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One of the true wonders of Asia, Bagan (formely spelt Pagan) is a bewildering city of fabulous pagodas and temples on the banks of the Ayeyarwadi river, to the south-west of Mandalay. Across 40 sq km of country, stretching back from the Ayeyarwadi river, stand literally thousands of stupas and temples. In every direction you look you'll see ruins of all sizes- huge and glorious temples like the Ananda soar towards the sky, small graceful zedis stand alone in fields. Some come with all manners of historical tales, while others are identified only by a number.
Bagan's period of grandeur started in 1057 when king Anawrahta conquered Thaton and brought back artists, artisans, monks and 30 elephant-loads of Buddhist scriptures. Over the next two centuries, an enormous number of magnificient buildings were erected, but after Kublia Khan sacked the city in 1287 it was never rebuilt.
A major earthquake in 1975 caused enormous damage but everything of importance has now been restored or reconstructed.
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