YANGON, May 9 (Xinhua) -- Archaeological excavation of three Myanmar's ancient Pyu cities, already on the world heritage site list, continued for tourism development under a cultural heritage preservation plan, official media reported Tuesday.
The three Pyu ancient cities, Hanlin, Beikthano and Sri Kestra were inscribed by the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) into its World Heritage List in 2014.
Since the inscription, the three heritage sites have attracted visitors from home and abroad and research programs, as tourist development tasks have also been accelerated in the areas.
According to the World Heritage Department Myanmar Branch, Sri Kestra alone hosted more than 8,500 foreign visitors in the last fiscal year 2016-2017, up from 6,936 in 2015-2016.
With brick walls and moats, the three ancient cities are respectively located in Sagaing region's Wetlet township, Magway region's Taungdwingyi township and Bago region's Pyay township.
The cities lie in vast irrigated landscapes in the dry zone of the Ayeyawaddy River Basin and reflect the Pyu Kingdom that were prosperous for over 1,000 years between 200 BC and 900 AD.
The cities have been partly excavated archaeological sites and more works remain for palace citadels, burial grounds and early industrial production sites as well as monumental brick Buddhist stupas.
