| The three quarters of a mile long U Pein Bridge crossing the Taung-tha-man Inn Lake is the longest teak bridge in the world; although a bit rickety in some parts, it has withstood the storms and floods of over two centuries. The bridge is named after its donor-builder U Pein who was a clerk to the Myo Wun or Mayor of Amarapura, when it was the capital city. It was constructed in 1849 from old planks and timber posts of dismantled houses in Sagaing and Inn-wa (or Ava). It took nearly two years to finish, but since it was opened in 1851 it has constantly been in use by the people. There are now 1086 posts and 482 spans. At 9 points, were what served as drawbridges which were built to allow the royal barges and war boats to go under the bridge and out to the Ayeyarwadi River in the old days. |