Pyu Ancient Cities

The Pyu Ancient Cities are a group of archaeological urban sites in central Myanmar that document an early historic city culture in mainland Southeast Asia, inscribed as a World Heritage property for their longevity and urban character. The principal sites include Halin, Beikthano and Sri Ksetra.

The Pyu city-states were occupied from the early centuries BCE through to the 9th century CE, developing distinctive urban forms, brick architecture and Buddhist institutions before political changes led to their decline. Archaeological investigations since the 20th century have documented stratified remains and material culture from across this span.

The sites are distributed across central Myanmar, largely in present-day Sagaing and Mandalay regions, situated along historic riverine and overland routes that connected them to Southeast Asian and South Asian trading networks.

• Multiple city sites: The Pyu urban network comprises multiple walled cities and urban sites that together illustrate urban planning and overseas trade in early mainland Southeast Asia.

What to See #

• Halin: An early urban centre with large earthen mounds, brick structures and evidence of Buddhist monuments dating from the early historic period.
• Beikthano: One of the earliest Pyu urban settlements featuring fortified layouts, brick walls and remnants of administrative and ritual buildings.
• Sri Ksetra: A major Pyu capital-site with extensive brickworks, stupas and cemetery areas reflecting urban growth between the 5th and 9th centuries CE.