Shwezigon Pagoda is the prototype for all Burmese stupas, built by King Anawrahta between 1059 and 1090. The imposing golden dome enshrines sacred bones and teeth of Gautama Buddha. It is one of Myanmar's most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites, surrounded by shrines featuring Jataka tale reliefs. The annual Shwezigon Festival in November-December features processions, performances, and local food stalls. Some surrounding smaller stupas sustained damage in the March 2025 earthquake but the main structure remains open to visitors