Ancient name by Ratanapunja, the royal capital of the last monarchy of Myanmar. It enjoys the splendor of the golden age and still has great importance as a cultural center. The city earned its name after the 236-meter high Mandalay hill.

The location of Mandalay lies at 21/59 minutes latitude north and 96 4/6 minutes longitude east. Its area stretches to Nathteik range on the vast Dohthtawady river on the south, Ayeyarwady river on the west and Madaya stream on the north. From east to west it is 13 miles wide and 32 miles long from north to south. Mandalay consisted of 235 villages, 70 natural lakes, 11 streams, 22 small lakes and 5 big lakes. Mandalay possesses nine ridges and nine hills. The names of the nine hills are Mandalay hill, Yankin hill, Kalama hill, Kyetyet hill, Myethmway hill, Taunglote hill, Taungpulu hill, Hsakhar hill and Gandamar hill.

By 1858 the construction of the golden palace at Mandalay was completed. The palace was constructed  in Myanmar traditional architectural styled. King Mindon conducted the taking over ceremony of his new palace or the Nanthein Mingalar in Myanmar on 16 July 1858. From the temporary palace His Majesty seated on the gem studded golden palanquin led the grand procession which the Myanmar call Htwet Taw--gyi. The chief queen held the golden lotus flower. Wearing their robes of state, royal princes, ministers, other office bearers and vassal chiefs accompanied and followed the king. His Majesty went clockwise round the newly built golden palace which shimmered and glistened under the rays of the tropical sun. Finally the king ascended the steps of the royal audience hall and seated himself most regally on the Sihasana throne.

The centre place of old Mandalay is, of course the royal palace. Inside the palace were eight thrones. They were the Sihasana throne in the royal audience hall located in front of the main palace building. Then there is the Hamsasana throne in the Zaytawun hall, Hamayasana throne in the glass palace hall, Badonmasana throne in the west samot hall, Migasana throne in the south samot hall, Maruyasana throne in the north samot hall, Sinkhasana throne in the Airy hall and Gasasana throne in the Byedaik.

The Mandalay Palace city is divided into four quarters or wards. They are the eastern quarter, western quarter, southern quarter and northern quarter. It has twelve city gates, 48 turrets and many tiered spire-like roofs.There are also 3360 merlons on the four city walls. Mandalay city as a whole is composed of five townships. They are Aungmyaytharsan, Chan-ayetharsan, Maha-aungmyay, Chanmyatharsi and Pyigitagun. Mandalay is a square city.

Mandalay was founded on 15 April 1859. Mandalay is derive from Madala to manlay and then to become a Mandalay. When the cannons fired their resounding salvos, stakes were driven into the ground for the construction of the golden city, the moat, Mahalawkamarasein pagoda, the library, Thudama zayat, Maha-atulawayyan monastery and the Theindawgyi. The majority of monuments including the palace, palace walls, pagodas and monasteries were built soon after.

The city was completely damaged in the fierce fighting of World War II, including the royal palace, which has been reconstructed. Hence the pride and glory of Mandalay has been partially restored. There are many interesting edifices of cultural and religious importance and Buddhist monasteries with beautiful woodcarvings and masterpieces of Myanmar Masonry. Mandalay is best known not only for it's rich traditional, cultural and spiritual splendor but also exquisite handicraft such as hand-woven embroidery in silk and cotton, the incredible process of making gold leaves, wood and stone carving and bronze casting .

Mandalay is now Myanmar's second largest city, with a population of over two million. There are several ancient capitals around Mandalay such as Amarapura, Sagaing, Ava, Mingun where Kongboung dynasty kings used to rule respectively. Located 650 km north of Yangon, the second largest city of Myanmar.