The City of Rangoon was once the cleanest city in Asia, some even exaggerated as the Queen of the Cities. Singapore, in fact, was designed after studying how Rangoon was built. The name of this city has changed along the history: first Dagon, then Rangoon, and Okalapa Aung Myae Yan Hnin, then finally back to Rangoon. Rangoon, the capital city, is the main gateway to Myanmar. Evergreen and cool with lush tropical trees, shady parks and beautiful lakes, Rangoon has earned the name of "The Garden City of the East" Rangoon was founded by King Alaungpaya on the site of a small settlement called Dagon when he conquered Lower Myanmar in 1755. The name Rangoon means "End of Strife" which was anglicized as Rangoon by the British. The present day Rangoon covers 400 sq miles and has a population of over 4 million. The main attraction of Rangoon is the world-famous Shwedagon Pagoda. The Shwedagon, believed to have been built more than 2500 years ago, is a much-revered shrine whose cultural splendor never fails to enchant. Towering 100 meters above the green cityscape of Rangoon, the Shwedagon is a landmark visible from afar. Other tourist attractions include: the 70-metre long Reclining Buddha of Chauk-tat-gyi Pagoda; KabaAye (World Peace) Pagoda and Maha Pasana Cave; giant Images of Buddha's Earlier Lives at Maila-mu Pagoda; Mahawizaya Pagoda; National Museum; Bogyoke Aung San Park and Kandawgyi Lake; Peoples' Square and Peoples' Park; and Zoological Garden.