The most impressive of all Mrauk-U's surviving temples, the Shite-thaung complex sits on the ridge north of the modern town. Built in 1535 by King Min Bin at the height of Mrauk-U's wealth and power, it is a low, dark, fortress-like structure whose chunky stone exterior contrasts sharply with the slimmer brick stupas of Bagan.
Inside, four concentric corridors wind around the central shrine. The walls of the outer corridors carry over a thousand carved reliefs — Buddhas, jatakas, donor portraits and military scenes — making the temple a kind of stone catalogue of Rakhine kingdom life. The inner sanctum holds a seated Buddha. Bring a flashlight; many corridors are unlit. Visit early morning for the best light.