Bagan
(formerly Pagan or formally 'Bagan Archaeological Zone') is one of
Myanmar's top attractions. There are over 2,000 temples and pagodas in
an area of 26-sq-mile. Located in the dry central plains of Myanmar and
on the eastern bank of the Ayeyarwaddy River, it is about 429 miles
north of Yangon. There is no actual rainy season in Bagan like the lower
parts of Myanmar, this is a prerequisite for the perservation of
historic relics, dating back more than 1,500 years.
Bagan
has not yet been included in the World Heritage Site by UNESCO, mainly
because the government has haphazardly restored ancient temples and
stupas, ignoring the original architectural styles and using modern
materials which bear little or no resemblance to the original designs.
It is for sure a pity to Burmese, Myanmar, tourists and the world.
This
photo is taken early in the morning when the sunlight is mild and
orange in colour. Please note that earthquake ruined the tips of most
pagodas or stupas. They have been restored but the colour is a bit
different.
Burmese
Government has devoted a lot to preserve the relics in Bagan. But their
direction seems not 100% correct and appropriate. For the several local
university graduates we met in the trip, their major studies are all
Geography.
Numberous
temples spread across a vast plain. It is impossible to visit them all.
It is better to hire a bike or horse-cart to help the exploration.
We hire a bike to this pagoda early in the morning. It is one of the best places to see sunrise.
We climb up to the upper terrace to wait, chat and read.
When we see more pagodas, we notice which parts have been restored and which parts are new or old.
We stay on the upper terrace for long time before we go back to hotel for breakfast.
This is another view from the upper terrace.
Please pay attention to the tips and the patterns, which have little or no resemblance to the original design.
White colored pagoda is not commonly found in Bagan.
This is a different experience to see sunrise with numerous temples spreading across a vast plain.
This is the photo of temples in Bagan I like most. It should give blogmates or myself something to think of and think again.
/Deli Prince Club
