Taunggyi

Taunggyi is the capital of Shan State, Myanmar. It lies on the Shan Plateau near Inle Lake and serves as the state's administrative and commercial center. The city sits at a high elevation, giving it a cooler climate than much of the country, with a landscape of rolling hills and forests.

The economy centers on administration, markets and services for the surrounding agricultural region, and it serves as a hub for travelers heading to Inle Lake.

Taunggyi has grown since the colonial era as the seat of Shan State government and remains the capital today. It hosts markets, temples, and cultural institutions that reflect the diversity of the Shan plateau region.

One of the city’s most internationally known events is the Taunggyi Balloon Festival, part of the Tazaungdaing festival in November, when large decorated hot-air balloons are launched at night.

Taunggyi is connected by road to Mandalay and other cities, and the nearest major airport is Heho Airport (near Inle Lake), about 40 kilometers away. The city is home to higher education institutions such as the University of Taunggyi.

The population is primarily Shan, with minority communities including Bamar, Pa-O, Danu, and Intha, among others, contributing to the city’s cultural mix.