The Chinthe is a leogryph (lion-like creature) that is often seen at the entrances of pagodas and temples in Burma and other Southeast Asian countries. The chinthe is featured prominently on the kyat; the currency of Burma. The chinthe is almost always depicted in pairs; and serve to protect the pagoda. They typically appear as animals; but are sometimes found with human faces.

The Mingun Pahtodawgyi (Mingun Temple) was built in 1790 by King Bowdawpaya (1745 - 1819) the sixth king of the Konbaung Dyanasty. The enormous stupa was never completed and today stands at a height of 50m (164 ft). It was originally intended to be the tallest stupa in the world at a height of 150m (490 ft). Pictures From Asia David Henley