Sagaing, historically known as Jeyyapura or Atulavatī, is a major city located in the Sagaing Region of Myanmar. It is situated on the banks of the Irrawaddy River, approximately 20 km (12 mi) to the southwest of Mandalay on the opposite side of the water.
The city serves as an important religious and monastic center characterized by numerous Buddhist monasteries and pagodas. These structures crowd the hills along a ridge that runs parallel to the river. A notable landmark is the Soon U Ponya Shin Pagoda, which is connected to its site by a series of covered staircases ascending a 240 m (790 ft) hill.