Shan State is a state located in Myanmar (Burma), which takes its name from the Shan people, the majority ethnic group in the Shan State. Shan State is comprised of 54 townships. Its capital is Taunggyi. The state is largely rural. Major cities of Shan State are Lashio, Kyaing Tong and Taunggyi.

Shan State borders China to the north, Laos to the east, and Thailand to the south. It also shares borders with five administrative divisions of Myanmar. Most of the Shan State is a hilly plateau; there are higher mountains in the north and south. The gorge of the Thanlwin River cuts across the state.

The cottage weaving industry of the Inle area in the southern Shan State is famous for the lotus robes. The famous Inle Lake is located in this part and it is a tourist attraction. The Inle Phaungdawoo Pagoda Festival is famous and there are boat race competitions of the one-legged rowers. Kakku Pagodas are ancient places of the Shan State. Pindaya limestone caves consists of thousands of Buddha images.

WHERE TO VISIT

  • Alodawpauk Pagoda
  • Wish-fulfilling Bamboo Reed Phaya
  • Bamboo strip lacquer Buddha image
  • Kyetthayaysaung Maha Myatmuni Phaya
  • Yadana Manaung Kaunghmudaw Pagoda

FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

  • Phaungdawoo Pagoda Festival (Shan State)
  • Shwe Umin Pagoda Festival (Shan State)
  • Hot-air balloon Festival (Shan State)

MORE ABOUT SHAN STATE

  • Map of Shan State
  • Map of Inle
  • Map of Thipaw
  • Map of Kakku
  • Map of Kalaw
  • Map of Lashio
  • Map of Taunggyi
  • Photo Gallery of Kakku
  • Photo Gallery of Kalaw – Pindaya
  • Photo Gallery of Taunggyi
  • Photo Gallery of Hot Air Balloon Festival
  • Photo Gallery of Inle