The commercial capital, it is the main gateway to Myanmar. Evergreen and cool with lush tropical trees, shady parks and beautiful lakes, it remains the largest city and main economic hub of Myanmar.
The "Valley of Rubies", the mountainous Mogok area, 200 km (120 mi) north of Mandalay, is noted as the original source of ruby including the world's finest "pigeon's blood" rubies as well as the world's most beautiful sapphires in "royal" blue.