YANGON, July 27 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar's Ministry of Hotels, Tourism and Culture has officially designated the historic Hsipaw Haw Palace in Hsipaw township, northern Shan state, as a protected ancient building that is more than 100 years old.
The Hsipaw Haw Palace, one of the most important cultural heritage landmarks in Hsipaw township, was built in 1924 by Sao Ohn Kya, who later became the Saopha (hereditary ruler) of Hsipaw, the state-owned daily The Global New Light of Myanmar reported on Monday.
Designed in a Western architectural style, the palace later served as the residence of Saopha Sao Kya Seng, the last ruler of Hsipaw, and his family. It was subsequently preserved by his nephew, Sao Oo Kya.
After Buddhist monks accepted the transfer of the palace from Sao Oo Kya, the site was opened as the Hsipaw Haw Buddha College on June 29 this year.
With its new protected status, the Palace will be preserved as a cultural museum and opened to visitors during designated opening hours, the report said. ■