Tawngpeng State, Historical kingdom in northern Shan State, Myanmar
Tawngpeng State is a mountainous region in northern Shan State, Myanmar, characterized by rolling highlands and tea gardens spread across the terrain. The area is also marked by historical silver mining sites that have been worked for generations.
The state was established in 1793 and became the sole Palaung kingdom among the former Shan States during British colonial rule. This distinction gave it a special political standing in the highland territories of that era.
The Ka-tur people, also called Golden Palaung, wear aluminum belts as part of their daily dress, a practice that once used silver in earlier times. This clothing tradition marks them apart from other groups living in the surrounding highlands.
Visitors need to arrange permits with local authorities before accessing the state, as travel to this region requires official approval. Namhsan serves as the main entry point for exploring the area and venturing into the surrounding highlands.
The name Namhsan comes from the Shwe language and means trembling waters, describing the marshy character of the terrain below. This poetic name reflects how heavy seasonal rains transform the landscape into waterlogged ground.
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