The name “Shwe Nandaw Kyaung” or literally translated “Golden Palace Monastery” may sound strange because “Golden Palace” which is the Myanmar king’s residence and “Monastery” which is the residence of the Buddhist monks are the building belonging to two different types of Myanmar architecture.

Built entirely of teak wood and lavishly embellished with intricate and sculptures, the Shwe Nandaw Monastery is one of the rare surviving vestiges representing the Mytanmar wooden architecture of the late 19th century. It is indeed a blend of palace and monastery.Today the Shwe Nandaw Monastery is 120 years old.There are many gilt and glass mosaic wooden chests in the shrine room. They contain manuscripts on palm leaf and folding parchments which are Buddhist scriptures. Framed pictures and photographs of Mindon. Thibaw and Queen are seen on the wooden panels.

The entire Golden Palace Monastery is a “veritable museum of mid-nineteenth century Myanmar wood carving”.

Today the golden Palace Monastery is one of the tourist attractions in Mandalay. It is a singular object of marvel and admiration for art Lovers and architects..