Mandalay was the last capital of the Myanmar before the British took over so it still has great importance as a cultural center and historically it’s the most Burmese of the country, is located in the central Myanmar, 668 km north of Yangon. Also known as Ratanabon-nepyidaw (meaning Gem City), it was built in 1857 by King Mindon. Mandalay’s Buddhist monasteries are among the most important in the country-about 60% of all the monks in Myanmar reside in the Mandalay area; it is now the second capital and center of Myanmar’s art, cultures and learning Buddhism. The exquisite tapestry works, stone sculpture, the traditional art of gold leaf home industry are worth a visit. Mandalay can boast of the largest standing during the reign of the benevolent King Mindon, he had commanded the experts to chisel the entire scriptures of Tipitaka on 729 stone slabs in 1857. The mammoth book still serves as reference to the learners in Buddhist teachings. Other interesting places are the Mahamuni Holy Image, the Mandalay Hill, and the Sagaing Hill where Buddhist Sangha and nuns lead a peaceful secluded life of meditation. It is also the commercial centre with rail, road, river and air links to all parts of the country.