Happy TravellerWelcome to Shwebo, a city in Sagaing Region, Myanmar, that is steeped in history and culture. Located 110 km northwest of Mandalay, between the Irrawaddy and the Mu rivers, Shwebo is the birthplace of the Konbaung Dynasty, established by King Alaungpaya in 1752. Today, it is a popular destination for tourists who want to explore the city’s rich heritage, visit its numerous Buddhist temples, and experience its unique culture.
== History ==
Shwebo was once a small village called Moksobo, with only about 300 houses. It was near the site of the ancient Pyu city-state of Hanlin. In 1752, the chief of the village, Aung Zeya, founded the Konbaung Dynasty to resist the upcoming invasion of Lower Burma-based Hanthawaddy forces. Aung Zeya, who also assumed the royal title of Alaungpaya, gained the allegiance of 46 surrounding villages and organized defenses by building a stockade and digging a moat around Moksobo. He renamed his village Shwebo, which means Golden Chief. Over the next eight years, Alaungpaya led the reunification of Burma with Shwebo as his capital. Shwebo lost its status as capital after Alaungpaya’s death in 1760. The successor Naungdawgyi moved the capital to Sagaing closer to the Irrawaddy river. Nonetheless, Shwebo continued to be an important region throughout the Konbaung era (1752–1885), providing a disproportionate share of soldiers that served in Konbaung’s armies. The region was usually held as an appanage by the most senior princes, usually the crown prince. It was to Shwebo that Prince of Mindon went in 1853 to raise the standard of rebellion in his successful bid to overthrow his half brother Pagan.
== Names of Shwebo ==
Shwebo is famous for its five names. Five titles had been conferred to the city namely: Moksobo, its original name; Yadana-Theinhka; Konbaung; Yangyi-Aung; and Shwebo, its modern name. Most people know these names, but the names Ayuhcyajpuur and Myaybhonesar are rarely known.
== Geography ==
Located in the
