THE U PEIN BRIDGE

A BRIEF HISTORY

Amarapura, one of the capitals of the third Myanmar Empire, is about 11 kilometers south of Mandalay. Near Amarapura, there is a huge teak bridge spanning the Taungthaman Lake, a shallow one. During the dry season, the bridge crosses the dry land. A 1.2 kilometers long wooden bridge built totally with teak planks by U Pein (U Bein), is the longest wooden bridge in Myanmar. The bridge has 984 teak posts of two centuries ago. In 1784, U Pein was a government official at that time of the shift from Innwa and he wisely salvaged material from the deserted Innwa Palace to build this long footbridge. Since the bridge was built across the Taungthaman Lake, the cool breeze across the lake give refreshment to whom take leisure under the shade of the big trees grown around the lake and the bridge. This place is also a marvelous sunset viewpoint.

It is the longest teak bridge in the world; although a bit rickety in some parts it has withstood the storms and folds of over two centuries. The bridge is named after its donor U Pein.

SHOOTING

It was 13th May 2009.  I had a chance to visit U Pein Bridge with my peers from office.  Nyi Min San also joined our group since I had requested his accompany. The sun was burning at the time we arrived there.  Summer in Central Burma is dying.

Remark: Long Live Mandalay… This post is the second dedication post to the 150th Birthday Anniversary of Mandalay.

The bridge located in Amarapura, near Mandalay city, it is the longest wooden bridge in Myanmar  constructed  with teak wood and man-power without the use of any metal…

The old intriguing 1,208 Meters long “U Pein Bridge” was totally constructed with teak by U Maung Pein in 1784. U Pein, the clerk of King Mindon, wisely salvaged material from the deserted Innwa Palace to build this long footbridge…

Taungthaman Lake and U Pein Bridge are top among the best tourist attractions in Mandalay…

Visitors, especially foreigners, hire these small boats and enjoy sightseeing around Taungthaman Lake…

The U Pein Bridge, made of pure teak wood, collapsed on 15 April 2008… due to congested visitors during Burmese New Year Festival & the renovation was completed in two week time…