Winter in Shangri-La

📍The last stop, each one is a memory~ 1. Just got off the high-speed rail station and bounced excitedly. The newly opened high-speed rail, from Lijiang to Shangri-La is less than 50r💰. While waiting for the homestay pick-up, I communicated with Teacher He about photography composition, and the visual impact of Tibetans blending into the blue sky and red land. 2. On the way to Songzanlin Temple, I rented a set of Tibetan clothes (my set is 120r including makeup and costume, ordinary clothes can be 80r💰), and I felt like a woman like an eagle after putting it on. (Red is recommended as the most classic for shooting, I chose blue because it is special) I was praised by passers-by and asked for the store name in the ancient city hehe. 3. It's only thirteen yuan to take a taxi from Songzanlin Temple to the ancient city, and students can enjoy half price. If you have time, you can go to Napahai and take pictures with little sheep🐑 (I didn't go because I think the grassland is not good-looking in winter). 4. Speaking of food. I personally think the Tibetan food here is quite delicious, the prices are low and the folk customs are simple. An average of 50 per person can eat super full. 5. Walking in the Dukezong Ancient City at night, I found everyone dancing around. Most of them are young people, although they don't know each other, they will join the team whether they can dance or not (like me), the atmosphere is free and casual. I know I'm lucky, I always meet noble people on the journey. Everyone sits around the fire and chats in winter, and there are self-cooked butter tea and cheese snacks, which are warm and comfortable! 😘

Shangri-La: Independent Travel Guide for the Off-Season in Late December

Take a bullet train from Lijiang to Shangri-La for 63 yuan, it's very convenient and fast to take a taxi or bus after getting off the station. The bus No.1 costs 2 yuan to the north gate of the ancient city with free admission. Take a taxi from the main gate of the ancient city to Songzanlin Temple for 15 yuan, the ticket + sightseeing car costs 81 yuan, it's recommended to take the sightseeing car as the ticket office is quite far from the entrance of the scenic area. Climb up the steep steps to visit the main hall, you will feel a sense of transcendence, overlooking the snow-capped mountains, magnificent! In the afternoon, take a taxi for 20 yuan to the train station, take the last bullet train back to Lijiang for 56 yuan. Independent travel is very cost-effective and convenient, you will definitely not step into any traps. There's no need to book accommodation in advance during the off-season, just look around when you get there, there are satisfactory hotels with good cost performance.

Ganden Sumtseling Monastery | A regretful guide in travel

Before going to Ganden Sumtseling Monastery, I was full of longing After arriving, it was a photo shoot But still joined the Tibetan costume one-day experience - This stubborn tourist didn't buy a scenic area bus ticket, chose to walk up Thinking that walking along the way could see more of the Lamuyangtso Lake Regrettably, the lake is under reconstruction, only unfinished plank roads and big pits... Fortunately, I got on the No. 3 bus when I went down the mountain, and it only cost 2 yuan to get to the entrance of the scenic area - During the tour, in addition to listening to the voice by myself, I occasionally encountered a team led by a guide I learned some Buddhist knowledge sporadically, and gained some insights 👇🏻The following are some experiences from people who have been here: . ❌ Lamuyangtso Lake is currently under reconstruction, you can't see anything ✅Bring your ID card to buy individual tickets at the counter - 55r ✅Walking up the mountain is about 1.5km, about 10-15 minutes ✅After exiting the ticket check, you can also wait for the No. 3 bus across the street to go up the mountain ✅Stairs go up on the left and down on the right, visit the hall clockwise ❌You need to take off your hat, remove your sunglasses, and no photography is allowed in the hall ✅You can take the No. 3 bus down the mountain, which can reach the ancient city and the city, and there will be no bus after 18:00 ✅Keep your ticket stub, they will check tickets - Photos taken on May 30 Shangri-La travel | Shangri-La tourism | Diqing travel | Diqing tourism

The closest place to heaven is Shangri-La

1. Itinerary: Shangri-La is a large scenic area, it is recommended to arrange at least 3 days for the tour. On the first day, you can visit the Songzanlin Monastery and watch the Tibetan cultural performance in Shangri-La in the evening; on the second day, go to Napahai, passing through the Tsike flower sea, Pu'an Temple and White Horse Snow Mountain; on the third day, you can go to Tiger Leaping Gorge, Snow Mountain Meadow, etc. 2. Best travel season: Shangri-La has a pleasant climate in spring and autumn, and the best travel time is between April and October. 3. Special delicacies: Shangri-La's special delicacies include butter tea, butter zanba, yak meat, Tibetan medicine hot pot, etc. It is recommended to try. 4. Dressing advice: Shangri-La is at a high altitude with a large temperature difference between day and night, it is recommended to wear warm and thick clothes. Also, if you plan to walk, wear non-slip shoes and hiking shoes. 5. Recommended attractions: In addition to the above-mentioned attractions, there are also Cangshan Erhai Scenic Area, Wenhui Road, Happy Valley, Blue Moon Valley. 6. Special attention: Most of Shangri-La's scenic spots are sightseeing by bus, it is recommended to book a regular tour group and pay attention to personal safety during the trip. 7. Accommodation advice: Similar to Lijiang Ancient City, Shangri-La also has many local characteristic inns and hotels. When staying, you can choose nearby homestays to experience local life. Also, pay attention to safety and take good care of your belongings. 8. Payment advice: It is recommended to bring enough cash, some scenic spots still do not support credit cards and mobile payments. 9. Transportation guide: There are city buses in Shangri-La, and tourists can also choose to rent a car or charter a car to the scenic area. It is recommended to understand the route and travel time in advance.

'Small Potala' in Shangrila

The biggest temple in Yunnans Shangrila is the Gadansong Zanlin temple. Because of his design, it's also called 'Small Potala', in reference to Potala palace in Lhasa, Tibet. It's in the center of Shangrila old town, so you can't miss it. 🏞️🛕 The temple is a Tibetan temple and you can see many Monks working and living there. There are several praying halls and pagodas. Some signs are in English, during high season you can book an English speaking guide there. 🎟️ Entrance ticket is 95RMB per person and includes a small museum as well. #bucketlistreboot #shangrila #potala #chinatravel #yunnan

Shangri-La is amazing!!! 😍 It’s located northwest of Yunnan and its 11,300 feet above sea level! 😲 Me and my friend stayed in Shangri La old town area and we love everything in there. The area is so cute and have a lot of nice boutique hotel as well as antique shops! Not only that, but Shangri La is also famous for their unbelievable nature and monastery! We went to few of the famous places in there like, Songzanlin Monastery, Napa Lake, and Shika Snow Mountain. Those three places are really recommended to go visit! 🙌🏼 #naturalwonders#roadtrip

If you plan to travel to Shangri-La in winter, make sure go check out this grand activity at Songzanlin Lamasery for celebrating the Gedong Festival! Every year on the 29th day of the 11th month of the Tibetan calendar, local residents from Shanghai-La are gathering at the Songzanlin Lamasery to celebrate bumper harvests and pray for receiving a blessing in the next year. All the local Tibetans will wear the traditional and colorful clothes to watch the religious Cham dances. We went there one day earlier, and could only see the rehearsal, but it was already amazing and fascinating enough! #instagramworthydestinations #travelinspiration #decembertravel #couplestrip #nyedestinations #unforgettableexperiences

Tibetan Cultural Treasure & Songzanlin Monastery

Following the itinerary, we arrive at the Songzanlin Monastery in Shangri-La, which is the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan, known as the 'Little Potala Palace'. Inside the main hall, candlelight flickers, exuding the scent of yak butter, with Buddha statues enshrined in the center and on both sides. Outside the hall, the white walls, red eaves, and golden tiles are magnificent, imposing, and solemn. The red-robed monks, prayer wheels, white stupas, and prayer flags on the mountain top evoke a sense of awe and devotion.

The 'Little Potala Palace' - Ganden Sumtseling Monastery

Ganden Sumtseling Monastery is the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan Province and one of the famous large monasteries in the Kang region. It is also the center of the Gelug (Yellow) sect of Tibetan Buddhism in the Sichuan-Yunnan area and holds a pivotal position throughout the Tibetan area, earning the nickname 'Little Potala Palace'. The monastery is built against a mountain, resembling an ancient castle, and is a culmination of Tibetan architectural art, also known as the 'Tibetan Art Museum'. The monastery is also called Guihua Monastery, located 5 kilometers from the town of Zhongdian. It is a group of ancient castle-like buildings with the scale of an old town. Construction began in the year 1679 (the 11th cycle in the Tibetan calendar, year of the Earth Sheep) and was completed in 1681 (year of the Iron Rooster). The Fifth Dalai Lama personally bestowed the name 'Ganden Sumtseling'. Shangri-La, a place lacking oxygen but not faith, where Sumtseling Monastery is hailed as the 'Little Potala Palace'. 'If you can't go to Lhasa, then come to the Little Potala Palace in Shangri-La'. Ganden Sumtseling Monastery is located in Niwang Road, Jiantang Town, Shangri-La City, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. It is conveniently accessible within the city area and there is a parking lot for self-driving visitors.

Songzanlin Monastery

Ganden Songzanlin Monastery is the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan Province and one of the famous large monasteries in the Kang region. It is also the center of the Yellow Sect (Gelug) in the Sichuan-Yunnan area and holds a pivotal position throughout the Tibetan area, earning the nickname "Little Potala Palace". The monastery is built against a mountain, resembling an ancient castle, and embodies the pinnacle of Tibetan artistic architecture, also known as the "Tibetan Art Museum". The monastery is also known as Guihua Monastery, located 5 kilometers from the town of Zhongdian, and is a group of ancient castle-like buildings on the scale of an old town. It was constructed in the year 1679 (the 11th cycle of the Tibetan calendar, Yin Earth Sheep year) and completed in 1681 (Yin Iron Rooster year). The Fifth Dalai Lama personally bestowed the name "Ganden Songzanlin".

The Songzanlin Monastery in 'Lost Horizon'—Shangri-La

The term 'Shangri-La' first appeared in the novel 'Lost Horizon' by British author James Hilton. The story mainly tells of four Western travelers who accidentally come to the secret realm of Shangri-La, located in the mountains of the Tibetan area in China, in search of the Shangri-La Monastery in the 1930s. The novel made the term 'Shangri-La' famous, and it has become synonymous with paradise, Eden, beauty, happiness, and more. Nowadays, the location of Shangri-La is commonly believed to be in Zhongdian, Diqing of Yunnan, which has been renamed 'Shangri-La.' The original form of the 'Shangri-La Lama Temple' is the Songzanlin Monastery in Zhongdian. ⛰️ Songzanlin Monastery is a temple built on the mountain, resembling the Potala Palace in Lhasa, hence it is known as the 'Little Potala Palace.' It is the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan. In front of the Songzanlin Monastery, there is a large lake, the Lamuyangcuo Lake. 📷 Taking a photo with Songzanlin Monastery from the walkway or viewing platform on the other side of the lake is a good choice. 📍 The Ganden Songzanlin Monastery is located on Niwang Road, Jiantang Town, Shangri-La City, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, with convenient access from the city center and parking available for self-driving visitors. 💰 The ticket price is 90 yuan per person, including a sightseeing car. ⛰️ The altitude is over 3000 meters, with no personal risk of altitude sickness. 🌞 Strong ultraviolet rays, with a large temperature difference between day and night. ✔️ Attractions in or around Shangri-La City: 🔸Dukezong Ancient Town, 🔸Napa Lake, 🔸Pudacuo, 🔸Tiger Leaping Gorge, 🔸Meili Snow Mountain.

Life is like the sea｜Mountains and Rivers "Shangri-La Travel Plan".

In the northwest of Yunnan☁️, at the junction of Yunnan, Sichuan, and Tibet, there is a paradise lost in the world, which is Shangri-La. There are sacred snow-capped mountains🏔️, tranquil villages, deep gorges, dense primeval forests🌲, and lush alpine meadows. Shangri-La means "the sun and moon in the heart" in Tibetan. The beauty here is beyond words. Attractions 📷 🏔️Meili Snow Mountain Meili Snow Mountain, also known as the Prince of Snow Mountains, is the highest peak in Yunnan. When the sun shines on the mountain, the clouds roll, and the first ray of dawn illuminates Meili🌄, with rays of light descending from the sky, shining on the snow-capped peaks. Under the blue sky, the white majestic snow mountains and the blue gentle lakes, the vast forest sea, and the boundless grasslands bring a strong visual impact both in feeling and color🌈. 🪵Songzanlin Monastery Songzanlin Monastery is known as the "Little Potala Palace". The entire monastery is built in the layout of the Potala Palace in Lhasa, built according to the mountain⛰️. The monastery houses eight gilded Shakyamuni statues from the fifth and seventh Dalai Lama periods, palm-leaf scriptures, five-color gold-painted Thangkas, golden lamps, etc. It offers a spiritual cleansing experience in Yunnan. 🐎Yila Grassland Napa Lake•Yila Grassland, meaning "the lake behind the forest🌲" in Tibetan. In winter, it is a pool of clear water, and in summer, it becomes a fertile grassland, showcasing different beauties throughout the seasons. On a sunny day, Napa Lake reflects the blue sky🌿, large clouds, and layered mountains in the lake, creating a romantic scene in every frame. 🚶Yubeng Village Walking through dense primeval forests, encountering mushrooms🍄, squirrels🐿️, cattle, and sheep🐑 in the green mountains, crossing streams, and step by step reaching the snow-capped mountains and the sacred waterfall, this is a place longed for by hiking enthusiasts, known as the "hiker's paradise". 🐯Tiger Leaping Gorge One of National Geographic's top ten hiking routes, hiking here backs against Haba Snow Mountain🏔️, overlooking Jade Dragon Snow Mountain🏔️ across the river from the mountainside. The almost vertical cliff below is the roaring Jinsha River. The thrilling section almost walks along the edge of the cliff🧗‍♀️, feeling the charm and thrill of nature🤫. Alpine meadows🌲, tropical forests🪵, and exposed rocks, one must visit Tiger Leaping Gorge once in a lifetime to truly experience the high mountains⛰️ and gorges. Shangri-La·Diqing Yubeng Village Tiger Leaping Gorge (Shangri-La section) Yila Grassland Meili Snow Mountain·Diqing Ganden Songzanlin Monastery Lijiang·Yunnan

Songzanlin Monastery

❤️Recommended Reason: Ganden Songzanlin Monastery is the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan Province, and also one of the famous large monasteries in the Kang region. It is also the center of the Gelug (Yellow) School of Tibetan Buddhism in the Sichuan-Yunnan area, holding a pivotal position throughout the Tibetan area and is known as the 'Little Potala Palace'. The monastery is built against the mountain and looks like an ancient castle, embodying the pinnacle of Tibetan architectural art, and is also known as the 'Tibetan Art Museum'. The monastery's architecture is a collection of the essence of Tibetan religious culture, with its buildings glittering in gold and richly decorated with gilded copper tiles. The temple corners are adorned with mythical creatures, and the grand Tshogchen (main assembly hall) is spacious and magnificent. Inside the hall, many Buddha statues are enshrined, with the towering and sacred Kuntang, and the exquisite murals and carvings on both sides of the western wings are dazzling. 📝Note tips: Groups of twenty are allowed to enter, with a dedicated guide for leading and explaining. Due to the high altitude, it is necessary to go up slowly, otherwise, it is easy to suffer from altitude sickness.

Shangri-La Ganden Sumtseling Monastery, a sacred place in the heart

Ganden Sumtseling Monastery, the Little Potala Palace, is a place lacking in oxygen but not in faith. It is the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan. Many auspicious birds circle above the monastery, creating a unique landscape. There are also many handsome men and beautiful women dressed in Tibetan costumes taking photos inside. The ultraviolet rays inside are particularly strong, but everyone must remember not to wear sunglasses or use umbrellas. Photography is not allowed in the main temple hall, and friends who are prone to altitude sickness should remember to take protective measures.

The Songzanlin Monastery in Shangri-La (Part II) || You're really having a blast!

Address, No. 3 Niwang Road, Shangri-La City, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province According to records, the Songzanlin Monastery has a profound 'Dharma connection' with the Seventh Dalai Lama, Gendun Gyatso. After the ascension of the Sixth Dalai Lama, the three great monasteries in Lhasa sought to recognize the reincarnated child (who would later become the Seventh Dalai Lama) through divination. However, this child was persecuted by the Mongolian and Shuote Tibetan King Lhazang Khan, so the child was escorted by monks to Songzanlin Monastery for refuge. The child offered milk to the water source and prayed for the water to turn into 'milk sweat' to nourish all beings, and thus the water became known as 'Milk River'. Later, the child was supported by Ta'er Monastery in Qinghai and eventually received recognition and support from Emperor Kangxi, who also conferred the title 'Hongfa Juezhong'. Therefore, the Seventh Dalai Lama continued to support the expansion of Songzanlin Monastery thereafter.

Don't rush, take this travel guide for Songzanlin Monastery transportation and sightseeing

Songzanlin Monastery is known as the 'Little Potala Palace' because it looks quite similar to the Potala Palace in Lhasa when seen from a distance. It holds a significant position throughout the Tibetan area and is a must-visit stop for tourists in Shangri-La. The temple is mainly decorated in red, yellow, and white, and the views are spectacular, whether you're looking at the architectural complex from afar or overlooking the scenery of Lamuyangcuo Lake from the temple. ⏰ Opening hours: 8:00-17:30 (entry stops at 5:00 pm) Suggested visiting time: About 2h, it's recommended to arrive in the morning, as it gets crowded after noon. 🚌 Transportation: Take a Didi from the old town to the ticket office of Songzanlin Monastery, which takes about 20 minutes. About tickets 🎫 It's more economical to buy tickets at the manual ticket counter. Tell the ticket seller you only need a one-way bus ticket up the mountain + entrance ticket. When coming down the mountain, you can take the public bus directly, which only costs 2️⃣ yuan to get back to the ticket office of Songzanlin Monastery or the old town. The ticket is 55 + 10 for the bus ticket up the mountain, totaling 65. The cost for a guide is extra, depending on what you need. If you're fit enough, you can even walk the 5km uphill (about 30 minutes). If you buy tickets from a machine, it's 81, and remember to bring your ID card❗️ 📷 About sightseeing: At the entrance, you need to climb stairs to reach the temple. Friends who are less physically strong in the plateau area should rest intermittently instead of rushing up all at once, and it's recommended to carry a bottle of oxygen to prevent altitude sickness. 4️⃣ key spots are: Songzanlin Monastery Gate Tower - Tsongkhapa Hall - Tshogschen Hall - Main Kangyur Sakyamuni Hall. Note that in Tibetan culture, you start from the left and walk clockwise. Do not take photos directly of the Buddha statues inside the temple!

The Songzanlin Monastery in Shangri-La || You're really having a blast!

Address: No. 3 Niwang Road, Shangri-La City, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province The monastery is surrounded by an elliptical wall, and the main hall is majestic and splendid. The murals inside are brightly colored and delicately painted, mainly depicting historical anecdotes and promoting Buddhist teachings. The two main temples, Zhacang and Jikang, are built at the highest point and are located in the center of the entire monastery. The grand temple faces south with its back to the north and is a five-story Tibetan-style carved building. Arriving in Shangri-La feels like you're closer to the sky 😅, the altitude here is quite high, about 3300 meters, so be mindful of altitude sickness.

Once the moonlight of my heart in the Tibetan region, a guide to trekking and avoiding pitfalls has arrived

I remember the first time I went to Shangri-La 20 years ago, the Songzanlin Monastery gave me a tremendous shock. Not only because it is the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan Province, the center of the Gelug school in the Sichuan-Yunnan area, but also because of the magnificent giant statues in the temple, which combine sanctity and beauty, leaving me with an unforgettable impression. This time, revisiting Shangri-La, Songzanlin Monastery is like returning to an old haunt. However, the monastery today is no longer as I remember it; its area has expanded many times over, completely encompassing the Lamuyangtso Lake, and the visitor center has been built several kilometers away, where they now run a sightseeing car business. Tourists with sunburn makeup occupy every corner of the temple, and everywhere you look are Tibetan princesses and princes on the run, making the place look more like a fashion show than a temple. However, to be fair, Songzanlin Monastery itself is still quite as I remember it, with the temple complex built against the mountain, resembling an ancient castle. Climbing the steep stairs, you reach the highest point with the three main temples of Zhacang, Jikang, and Zhukang, surrounded by the eight Kangshen, monks' quarters, and other buildings, with their varying heights and layered progression creating a clear three-dimensional outline. The main building, Zhacang, means 'monastery' in Tibetan, which is where the monks study scriptures and doctrines. Walking into it, whether it's the murals on the walls or the Buddha statues in the center and on both sides of the main hall, instantly takes me back to my memories of 20 years ago. However, having seen many temples in the Tibetan region since then, they somehow don't seem as stunning as they once were. What surprised me was that despite its high status in the Tibetan region, Songzanlin Monastery is not even a provincial heritage site, perhaps because there are too many new additions, making it look increasingly brand new. Of course, Songzanlin Monastery is still very photogenic, otherwise, it wouldn't be known as the 'Little Potala Palace'. But the best photo spots are not inside the temple, but around its perimeter: 📷Spot 1⃣️ Along Lamuyangtso Lake No need for a telephoto lens, a standard camera or smartphone will do. You can shoot from multiple angles around the lake, especially from the sky burial site, which is an unobstructed high point. In the morning or evening, you should be able to capture the reflection of Songzanlin Monastery 📷Spot 2⃣️ Dari Viewing Platform On the way to Napahai, the location is a bit far, but you can capture the fields, villages, and the monastery in one frame, especially impressive in the morning mist. However, you need a telephoto lens to get a good shot, otherwise, you'll have to crop the image yourself, which is less effective. The biggest pitfall 🕳️ of Songzanlin Monastery is actually the ticket price. Online tickets and self-service ticket machines only sell one type of combo ticket for 90 yuan per person, which includes a temple ticket for 55 yuan, a round-trip sightseeing car for 20 yuan, and a guide fee for 15 yuan. However, at the manual ticket counter, you can buy them separately. Personal suggestions: ✅ If it's not your first time visiting a Tibetan Buddhist monastery, you can skip the guided tour, as it takes up time and the content is very basic, not very useful. ✅ The sightseeing car is optional; if you decide to take it, just buy a one-way ticket. It's less than half an hour's walk, and you can also check out the lakeside photo spots of Lamuyangtso along the way. On the way back, you can take the No. 3 bus, which costs 2 yuan and passes through the visitor center parking lot. You can also take this bus directly back to Dukezong Ancient Town.

In Yunnan, nestled among the mountains, is the "Little Potala Palace"

In Shangri-La, there is a must-visit place, that is the "Little Potala Palace"—Songzanlin Monastery, the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan Province. The entire monastery is built against the mountain, resembling an ancient castle, shining brilliantly under the harsh highland sun, captivating to the eye. 📍Location: At the foot of Foping Mountain, north of Shangri-La city area, Diqing, Yunnan Built in the 20th year of Kangxi (1681 AD), the main temple is grand, with the three halls of "Jikang", "Zhacang", and "Zhukang" standing tall in the center. Opposite Songzanlin Monastery, lies the very famous Lamuyangcuo Lake, both the lake and the buildings are spectacular and imposing, here one can experience a uniquely serene world... 🔍How to get from Lijiang to Shangri-La? Carpool from Lijiang to Tiger Leaping Gorge, then take a direct bus to Shangri-La. 💕tips: Although the train is fast, there are too many tunnels along the way, missing a lot of scenery, such as the classic Tiger Leaping Gorge. It is also inconvenient to run between train stations back and forth, so it is not recommended. How to get from Dukezong Ancient Town to Songzanlin Monastery? ❶Take bus No. 3 directly to Songzanlin Monastery, the fare is 2 yuan, and the journey takes about 30 minutes. ❷DIDI, from the old town to Songzanlin Monastery costs 14 yuan, and the journey takes about 15 minutes. 🗺️Classic tour route of Songzanlin Monastery: ❶Songzanlin Monastery main entrance - Tsongkhapa Hall - Zhacang Hall - Main Kang Sakyamuni Buddha, the tour takes about 1.5 hours ㅤ ❷Songzanlin Monastery lake circuit boardwalk:ㅤ Songzanlin main entrance → floating bridge → distant view photography → Dongquesheng → sacred tree → Xiaojiezi → Lamuyangcuo Square → sacred spring → Songzanlin Monastery viewing platform No ticket purchase, sightseeing takes about 1 hour.ㅤ ㅤ ❸Songzanlin Monastery internal visit route:ㅤ Songzanlin Monastery main entrance - Jidekang - Zhayakang - Tsongkhapa Hall - Zhacang Hall - Main Kang Shakya Muni Buddha Hall - Rongbakang - Dukekang - Songzanlin Monastery gate tower. The whole tour takes about 3 hours. 🎫Ticket purchase: It is recommended to buy at the scenic spot window, only 55 yuan for the main entrance ticket + 10 yuan for a one-way sightseeing car (a total of only 65 yuan) 💡Important tips: ①Do not wear skirts or inappropriate clothing inside the temple ②Do not wear hats or sunglasses inside. ③Do not step on the door frame, no photography of any Buddha images. ④Please walk clockwise into the courtyard when visiting, do not take a return path.

Ganden Sumtseling Monastery | Is it a monastery or a temple?

After breakfast at the hotel (Xinxiu. Qionglu Siye Manor), drive to Sumtseling Monastery, arriving at the parking lot at 9:30 am, leave after a 3-hour tour to go to Dukezong Ancient Town for lunch, and head to Napahai Lake for a lake tour around 3 pm, returning to the hotel at 6:30 pm to end the day's journey. 1. Navigate to 'Ganden Sumtseling Monastery Parking Lot', park the car and look around, you can basically find the location of the visitor center, which is near the parking lot. After we parked, several Tibetan compatriots came to sell ethnic clothing, which we politely declined. 2. The ticket mainly includes the round-trip bus fare from the visitor center to the monastery, which is 75 yuan per person. The ticket window staff will ask if you want to add 15 yuan for a guided tour, but it's not necessary. Just follow the tour group once you enter the monastery. 3. If you have time, follow the guide and listen to the explanations, there is a lot of information, and many interesting facts, such as, one staff member mentioned that Sumtseling Monastery is a 'monastery' not a 'temple'. There is a big difference between the two: a temple is a place for burning incense and worshiping Buddha, while a monastery is a place for monks to study and practice. 4. Walking forward from the entrance of the monastery is a small road, the white houses on both sides are the monks' residences, equipped with various modern facilities, and the living conditions should be considered affluent. At the end of the road is a long flight of stairs, climbing up leads to the main hall of the monastery. It's important to note that the altitude here is probably around 3400 meters, so don't exert yourself too much, and be sure to protect yourself from the sun. When we climbed, it was nearly noon and there was almost no shade on this stretch of stairs. 5. After reaching the platform in front of the main hall, we entered each of the large halls in turn, from left to right, in a clockwise direction. One of them (there are three in total, this should be the left/west one) has a platform on a higher level where you can take photos and see the Shika Snow Mountain. We went into each hall, which took some time, but if you're short on time, you can just visit the main hall in the middle. 6. After coming down from the main hall, take the bus back to the visitor center and parking lot. On the way, you will pass by a stop at the side of Lamuyangtso Lake (on the map 'Pilgrimage to Sumtseling Monastery Panorama'), where you can take a panoramic photo of Sumtseling Monastery. We were not sure if we could get back on the bus after getting off (it should be possible, you can confirm with the driver), so we didn't get off. If you have enough time and the weather is good, you can go down for a photo. 7. After returning to the parking lot, navigate to Dukezong Ancient Town for lunch and a rest.

May we all find our own Songzanlin Monastery (with guide)

Songzanlin Monastery is the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan and the center of the Gelug (Yellow) Sect in the Sichuan-Yunnan area. The monastery is built against the mountain, resplendent like a castle, and is also known as the 'Little Potala Palace'. Under the blue sky, white clouds, and snowy mountains, Songzanlin Monastery is solemn and sacred, yet exceptionally beautiful. However, many people complain that Songzanlin Monastery is quickly turning into a tourist area: inside the monastery, there are young men and women with delicate makeup and colorful Tibetan costumes, including myself. It cannot be denied that the unrestricted travel photography has brought too much secularism to the monastery. But the monks who shuttle through it still live their own lives every day, chanting and praying, quietly and peacefully watching the tourists, which is both tolerant and compassionate. 🪷 Travel and photography tips You can drive directly to the entrance of the scenic area, where there is ample parking, 3 yuan/hour. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance of the scenic area, either manually or self-service. 55 yuan + 10 yuan for a one-way/20 yuan for a round-trip scenic area shuttle bus. Online, there is only a 90 yuan package that includes a guide. The No. 3 bus is the most convenient for the return trip, with the bus station and the scenic area shuttle bus located outside the monastery gate, 2 yuan to the North/East Gate of the ancient city. The outbound trip stops outside the scenic area. From the entrance to the monastery gate is a 2-3 kilometer one-way trip, with not much to see. At the monastery gate is the Lamuyangcuo Lake, which is beautiful for reflections, but it is currently under major repair and fenced off. There are gaps that have been pried open where you can go down, but the staff do not recommend it, please consider for yourself. Near the outer internal parking lot of the monastery, there is an opening, which offers a beautiful view of the entire monastery. Songzanlin Monastery is at an altitude of 3300 meters, and you need to climb a lot of high steps, so please walk slowly. For those afraid of altitude sickness, there are locals who drive up to the entrance. The courtyards on both sides of the steps are called Kangshen, meaning monk community. On the high platform are the main square and three main halls. Please ascend and descend from the left side and visit in a clockwise direction. Photography is not allowed inside the main halls, and you cannot wear hats or sunglasses. Respect the faith, please do not speak loudly. It is recommended to rent Tibetan costumes in advance, most are 68 yuan per day including makeup. There are many rental places inside and outside the ancient city, so you can rent nearby. I rented mine at the entrance of the hotel alley, called Meiji, the owner is a Tibetan girl with quick actions and good aesthetics. She has two shops of her own, and you can find the clothes and makeup you want online, she basically has everything. The main square is a 'disaster area' for travel photography, with fewer people before 10 am. The left side faces the snow mountain but is backlit, so in the morning, people prefer to take photos on the right side. The red, yellow, and white walls all look great. The bell on the high door on the right side and the prayer wheels at the exit are very crowded, so go early.

Songzanlin Monastery (Part I) || You're really having a blast!

Address: No. 3, Niwang Road, Jiantang Town, Shangri-La City, Yunnan Province Ganden Songzanlin Monastery is the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan Province and is also one of the famous large monasteries in the Kham area. It is also the center of the Gelug (Yellow) sect of Tibetan Buddhism in the Sichuan-Yunnan region and holds a pivotal position throughout the Tibetan area, earning it the nickname 'Little Potala Palace'. The monastery is built against a mountain and resembles an ancient castle, embodying the pinnacle of Tibetan artistic architecture and is also known as the 'Tibetan Art Museum'. The monastery is also known as Guihua Monastery and is located 5 kilometers from the town of Zhongdian. It is a group of ancient castle-like buildings on the scale of an old town. Construction began in the year 1679 (the 11th year of the Tibetan calendar, the year of the Earth Sheep) and was completed in 1681 (the year of the Iron Rooster). The Fifth Dalai Lama personally bestowed the name 'Ganden Songzanlin'.

Yunnan's most sacred place is the Songzanlin Monastery

After arriving, I couldn't stop marveling in my heart at how spectacular it is! How should I put it? It's like 'fake', simply incredible. It is said that those who see the 'Little Potala Palace' will have good fortune Yunnan's Little Potala Palace Songzanlin Monastery It's so stunning, I must share the complete guide with everyone! 🚌Transportation Shangri-La County Town - Changzheng Road No. 3 bus goes directly 🚗Self-driving 7 kilometers from Dukezong Ancient Town, 15 minutes 13 kilometers from the guesthouses near Napahai, 22 minutes How to play at Songzanlin Monastery? 1⃣️Lake Loop Plank Road Line About 1 hour, passing 9 scenic spots, actually the best spot for a panoramic view is the last one, so if you don't want to walk around the lake! You can get off the bus on the way back, and it's a 5-minute walk to the photo spot 2⃣️Temple Route Songzanlin Monastery Gate Tower - Tsongkhapa Hall - Tshogs-chen Hall - Main Kang Shakyamuni Buddha Hall (free tour guide available) 👗【Clothing】 Rent casually next to Songzanlin Monastery ⚠️Visiting Precautions 1⃣️Enter and tour in a clockwise direction, which was also told to me by a young lady on the road, very good 2⃣️Remove hats and sunglasses when entering the temple hall, and do not dress in revealing clothes 3⃣️Avoid pointing at Buddha statues with the index finger, instead keep all five fingers together, palm facing up ❤️Essential Items 1⃣️The plateau is dry, bring hydrating masks/eye drops! 2⃣️Sunscreen, the ultraviolet rays on the plateau are too strong 3⃣️If you have altitude sickness, you can bring your own oxygen, which is much cheaper than buying it locally 4⃣️The distances between Shangri-La attractions are quite far, it's too dangerous to take calls while driving, wear a smartwatch, you can answer calls and reply to messages with voice very conveniently

Praise for the Ganden Sumtseling Monastery @ Shangri-La

Ganden Sumtseling Monastery is the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan Province and one of the famous large monasteries in the Kang region. It is also the center of the Gelug (Yellow) sect of Tibetan Buddhism in the Sichuan-Yunnan area, holding a pivotal position throughout the Tibetan area and is known as the 'Little Potala Palace'. The monastery is built against the mountain and resembles an ancient castle, embodying the pinnacle of Tibetan architectural art, and is also known as the 'Tibetan Art Museum'. The monastery is also called Guihua Monastery, located 5 kilometers from the town of Zhongdian. Official name Ganden Sumtseling Monastery Alias Guihua Monastery Region Yunnan Province Religious category Buddhism Completion year 1681 Country China City Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province Recommended visiting duration 3-5 hours Ticket price 115.00 yuan Opening hours 07:30~18:30 Best seasons to visit March-May and September-November, when the spring and autumn scenery is most beautiful Monastery features The monastery is surrounded by an elliptical wall, with the main hall being majestic and splendid. The murals inside the hall are brightly colored and delicately executed, mainly depicting historical anecdotes and promoting Buddhist teachings. The monastery faces south with its back to the north and is a five-story Tibetan-style carved building. The main building, Tzangkhang, means 'monastic school' in Tibetan, where monks study scriptures and research doctrines.

Day 6 of Yunnan Trip

At 8:00 in the morning, we took a taxi to the Ganden Sumtseling Monastery. If you stay in the old town, you can take the No. 3 bus directly to the entrance of the monastery. We took a taxi, which only goes as far as the ticket office. There, you have to buy not only the entrance ticket but also a bus ticket from the ticket office to the monastery entrance. On the way back, we took the No. 3 bus directly to the east gate of Dukezong Ancient Town. Sumtseling Monastery is definitely worth a visit. Whether you believe or not, praying for your family and expressing good wishes is always nice. You might also consider donating some money for incense to the monks, as such a large monastery supports many people. Tibetan Buddhism does not require fulfilling vows, so you can share any thoughts or wishes with the Buddhas. Sumtseling Monastery has its unique practices; you should walk along the left side and follow a clockwise direction when entering and exiting, and when worshipping, you should visit the left hall, the central hall, and then the right hall. The same etiquette applies here: remove your hat, sunglasses, and do not step on the thresholds. From the old town to Sumtseling Monastery, you'll see groups of young men and women dressed in Tibetan attire and wearing plateau-red makeup, which is quite beautiful. However, the weather in March is a bit cold, and it can be a bit troublesome to put on and take off clothes when taking photos. The prices for travel photography are quite transparent, and it's still something enjoyable to do. Plus, Yunnan's blue skies and white clouds are especially photogenic; with a bit of skill, you're guaranteed beautiful photos. Overall, the atmosphere in Shangri-La is nice, and although it's quite commercial, it feels much better than my visit to Lijiang a few years ago. In the afternoon, we took a train for over four hours to Kunming! Accommodation: We chose the convenient Peony Hotel again for its easy access to food and shopping.

On the fifth day of the lunar new year, we welcome the God of Wealth here, and the Songzanlin Monastery will shock you all year round

This year's Valentine's Day and the fifth day of the lunar new year to welcome the God of Wealth are on the same day - The first trip of Valentine's Day is recommended to go to Shangri-La Lovers in love check in the paradise on earth Record the beautiful moments together 📷 The first incense to welcome the God of Wealth is recommended to go to Songzanlin Monastery It is the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan Worshiping the four major Dharma protectors of wealth - 🗒️Travel Tips： 1⃣️Enter and exit the Buddha Hall clockwise, no photos, no hats, no sunglasses. 2⃣️Entrance stairs, go up on the left and down on the right; the oxygen is thin in the plateau area, go slower, rest if you feel uncomfortable. - The intuitive feeling of Songzanlin Monastery is The beauty is shocking 💯 ✅Can be photographed: The majestic architectural complex The golden roofs In the sun ☀️, in the blue sky The beauty is speechless～ ❌Cannot be photographed: Everything in the Buddha Hall is shocking Every mural, every Buddha statue is amazing Walk around clockwise 🧭 It seems to be able to sense the cycle of fate - The Dharma Hall on the fourth floor of the main hall That is, the God of Wealth Hall Go here to welcome the God of Wealth on the fifth day of the first lunar month After all, contemporary young people Mainly one ➡️Kneeling in front of the God of Wealth Hall for a long time - There are many couples in Songzanlin Monastery wearing Tibetan clothes to check in Baozi who likes to take pictures 📷 can also try Clothing ➕ makeup together are not expensive ➡️two digits The temple is very photogenic and looks good no matter how you take it The side hall 🈶️ has the corresponding zodiac Buddha You can go and pray for good luck 🍀Sincerity can move God -

I can't forget the blue sky of Shangri-La

I've been home for a few days, but the continuous rain in the city makes me miss the clear blue sky of Shangri-La even more. That kind of blue, pure without a trace of impurity, seems to exist only in dreams. Whenever I close my eyes, I can feel the depth and breadth of that blue sky. Once in front of the Songzanlin Temple, I stopped and lingered. The Tibetan-style architecture there is exquisite, and every brick and tile reveals the traces of time and the wisdom of the nation. Especially the steep staircase leading to the main hall, as if testing the devout heart of every pilgrim. Every step must be cautious, because the high-altitude environment can easily cause altitude sickness, and you need to rest for a while after every step. In front of the temple, I saw many solemn lamas and devout worshippers. They have firm beliefs in their hearts, and their faces are full of awe and gratitude for life. And those crows circling on the roof, they seem to be guardians, silently guarding this sacred land. Standing there, I felt a kind of tranquility and peace that I had never had before. Everything here is full of sanctity and love, the love of Buddha is everywhere, and it is universal. On this land, I found my inner home, and found awe and gratitude for nature. Now, I have left Shangri-La, but that blue sky still often appears in my dreams. Whenever I think of the beautiful scenery and human feelings there, a warm current will surge in my heart. I know that these are beautiful memories that I will never forget, and they are the eternal Shangri-La in my heart.

Shangri-La Songzanlin Monastery

Gadan Songzanlin Monastery 🚉Travel Guide: If you want to get up early to shoot the morning fog, you can reach the destination at eight o'clock in the current season and time, and there are not many people shooting, so there are positions! Keep warm, because this time before sunrise is the coldest time in Shangri-La! Just tell the taxi driver to go shoot or watch the morning fog! 🗓Itinerary: If you have mild altitude sickness, you can walk slowly in the Songzanlin Monastery, because there is a bit steep slope!

Songzanlin Monastery

Shangri-La Gadan Gadan Songzanlin Monastery (Guihua Temple), a sacred place of Tibetan Buddhism Gelug Sect. It was built in 1679 by the 5th Dalai Lama with the permission of Emperor Kangxi, and later named Guihua Temple by Emperor Yongzheng. The entire scenic area is built in the style of the Potala Palace in Tibet, with a grand momentum, and is known as the Little Potala Palace. There are pilgrims who come to worship every day. There are also many young people who come here to take pictures and check in! Tickets are required to enter the temple.

Ganden Sumtseling Monastery: A sacred place of Tibetan Buddhism

For two consecutive days, I embarked on the pilgrimage to Ganden Sumtseling Monastery. This temple, known as the 'Little Potala Palace', is located in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture and is a knot in my heart. In Shangri-La, I chose to buy a ticket and enter again to feel the tranquility and solemnity. After buying a ticket, you can choose to take a car to the temple. If you are physically strong and do not have altitude sickness, you can choose to walk, which allows you to enjoy the scenery along the way and exercise. Remember, sit on the left side when you go, and sit on the right side when you return, so you can take a panoramic view of Sumtseling Monastery. Ganden Sumtseling Monastery was built during the Kangxi period of the Qing Dynasty (1681) and is one of the three major monasteries of the Gelug sect of Tibetan Buddhism. There are three main halls, each enshrining the Buddha Shakyamuni, the Zha Zang Hall, and the statue of Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelug sect. Here, you can deeply feel the solemnity and sacredness of the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. If you are interested, you can climb the stairs of the main hall, go to the fourth floor, where you can overlook the beautiful scenery of the entire Shangri-La city. Standing there, you can feel the tranquility and harmony of the entire city, as if all worries are gone at this moment. This is Ganden Sumtseling Monastery, a place worth your time and heartfelt experience. I hope my guide can help you and let you gain more beautiful memories in your travels.✨