[2024 Shangri-La Attraction] Travel Guide for Gaden Sumtseling Monastery (Updated Nov)

In the coming months, the autumn scenery of Shangri-La is picturesque and beautiful like a fairyland

The British writer James Hilton depicted the mysterious and beautiful utopia of Shangri-La in his book "Lost Horizon." Walking into Shangri-La in autumn is like stepping into a colorful fairy tale world. Transportation Arrangements: ✈️ If you want to quickly reach this magical land, you can choose to fly to Shangri-La Airport, where buses and taxis are available to conveniently take you to the city center. 🚄 Travelers departing from Kunming, Dali, and Lijiang can take the high-speed train to Shangri-La Station. 🚗 Transportation within the city is quite convenient; whether you take a bus or a taxi, you can easily reach various attractions. Accommodation Arrangements: It is highly recommended to stay near Dukezong Ancient Town, which is rich in Tibetan culture, has convenient transportation, and is surrounded by a variety of delicious foods. There are many unique inns in the ancient town to choose from, allowing you to enjoy comfort and leisure during your trip. Itinerary: Day 1: Arrive in Shangri-La ➡️ Check-in at Dukezong Ancient Town Day 2: Pudacuo National Park ➡️ Songzanlin Monastery Attraction Introduction: 1️⃣ Dukezong Ancient Town: The ancient stone roads bear the traces of time, and the traditional Tibetan buildings exude historical charm. The ancient town is brightly lit and bustling at night, as if traveling back to ancient times. 2️⃣ Pudacuo National Park: The autumn Pudacuo is like a colorful painting. The golden meadows spread like a golden carpet, the colorful forests resemble nature's palette, and the blue sky and clear lakes reflect each other. Walking among them, you can fully feel the tranquility and beauty of nature, as if stepping into a dreamlike realm. 3️⃣ Songzanlin Monastery: Known as the "Little Potala Palace," the monastery in autumn looks more solemn and sacred against the backdrop of blue sky, white clouds, and golden leaves. Here, you can deeply appreciate the unique charm of Tibetan Buddhism and feel the tranquility and solemnity from the depths of your soul. 【Some Travel Tips】 👗 In terms of clothing, it is recommended to prioritize warmth and comfort, while also incorporating some ethnic-style clothing to make your photos more picturesque, making you a beautiful sight in the scenery. 💊 Shangri-La has a high altitude, so be sure to prevent altitude sickness. You can prepare some anti-altitude sickness medicine in advance to ensure a comfortable and safe trip. 📖 Bring a copy of "Lost Horizon" with you to draw strength from the words during your journey, to better understand this mysterious and beautiful place, and to make your trip full of poetry and insight.

Stay in a Tibetan-style manor in Shangri-La and be a happy Zhuoma for a day

In August, the rainy season arrives as expected on the Yunnan Plateau. Sunshine and rain alternate, bringing vitality to nature. Driving with friends, Xiao Mazi took me to Shangri-La Napa Lake, where we stayed in a Tibetan-style manor nestled by the mountains and water. This place is tranquil and ancient, boasting the beautiful scenery of grasslands and lakes, quietly appreciating the uncompetitive beauty of Napa Lake... On the third floor of the courtyard, there is a 600-square-meter 'Tibetan Private Museum'... Here, you can admire the carving art of Tibetan craftsmen and the Tibetan-style fire pit and stove. You can also change into Tibetan clothes on-site and take photos in the solemn Tibetan-style architecture with a 100% photo success rate. Shangri-La is at an altitude of 3400m, belonging to the plateau area. The rooms are thoughtfully equipped with diffused oxygen supply, Rhodiola, and glucose, which are very suitable for people like me who suffer from altitude sickness. Even on cloudy days, the ultraviolet rays are strong, so remember to take sun protection measures. The weather is changeable, and it is windy and slightly cool even in summer, so remember to wear a jacket. Nearby attractions: Day 1: Dali/Lijiang/Shangri-La—Hotel Day 2: Ganden Sumtseling Monastery—Napa Lake Yila Grassland—Dukezong Ancient City Day 3: Pudacuo National Park/Tiger Leaping Gorge/Baishuitai/Feilai Temple and Meili Snow Mountain 🏘️ Shujia Omaco Tibetan-style Resort Manor 📍 No. 54, Gongbi Group, Jiefang Village, Jiantang Town, Shangri-La

Shangri-La, a must-visit place in a lifetime, 4-day 3-night free travel guide||Some people say, Shangri-La, which must be visited once in a lifetime, what kind of magic does it have

||Some people say, Shangri-La, which must be visited once in a lifetime, what kind of magic does it have. Shangri-La, a must-visit place in a lifetime, 4-day 3-night free travel guide||Some people say, Shangri-La, which must be visited once in a lifetime, what kind of magic does it have⁉️ The place closest to heaven, the sun shines on the mountains, temples, mountains and lakes, this 4-day 3-night winter tour guide to Shangri-La is for you who are about to set off👇👇 . 1️⃣Day one It is recommended to fly directly or transfer in Lijiang. The scenic spots in Shangri-La are far apart. There are no direct buses and subways. It is recommended to charter a car or rent a car🚗 🔘The first stop is the Songzanlin Temple, which is known as the Little Potala Palace. It is a place where you can chase your soul. The ticket is 75 yuan. You can rent a set of Tibetan clothes around the scenic spot. The average price is 100 yuan, which includes taking pictures, super out of the picture📷 🔘Then go to Dukezong Ancient City, no need for tickets, there is the world's largest prayer wheel, go and turn the prayer wheel to pray for the family🙏 . 2️⃣ Day two 🔘Depart for Pudacuo National Forest Park, 40 minutes away, the ticket is 138 yuan, walk slowly along Shudu Lake, as if entering a fairy tale world🌳 . 3️⃣ Day three The last stop in Shangri-La, the popular water road Napahai, with an altitude of 3462 meters, has snowfields, grasslands, lakes, and wetlands. No need for tickets, the scenery is beautiful🏞 . 4️⃣Day four: Return according to your own itinerary. . Such a beautiful Shangri-La must bring your favorite people to check in💯 . . ✅Recommended accommodation 🏨Shangri-La Lishui Hotel . ✔️The hotel is located in Dukezong Ancient City, Shangri-La, overlooking the City of Moonlight. ✔️Provide free airport transfer service for Shangri-La Airport. ✔️Free shuttle service for electric vehicles at Dukezong Ancient City (designated entrance and exit of the ancient city). ✔️Each room in Shangri-La Lishui is equipped with diffused oxygen. ✔️Free all-day drink Lishui coffee☕️

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.

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

Songzanlin Monastery, known as the Little Potala Palace

The Songzanlin Monastery in Shangri-La, known as the Little Potala Palace, is the most beautiful ancient highland castle in Shangri-La, Yunnan. It's a great place to learn about Tibetan Buddhism and a popular spot for taking photos. It's recommended to wear Tibetan clothing for photos, as it looks stunning. To capture the entire Songzanlin Monastery, you can climb the mountain opposite the monastery, but be careful as the path is quite steep.

Shangri-La, Little Potala

Shangri-La | Originated from the Lost Horizon.

The word "Shangri-La" originated from the novel "Lost Horizon" by British writer James Hilton. It is a place of eternal peace and tranquility located in the mountains of the East. Between the two World Wars, he said: "The world is in danger of being lost, and his thoughts are stationed in Shangri-La." When we dream of going to Northern Europe and Southern France, Westerners are obsessed with Shangri-La. "Mountains as a barrier, rivers as a link" is a unique natural landscape of Shangri-La. When flying over Shangri-La, you will find from a bird's-eye view that the Nu River, Lancang River and Jinsha River form a graceful "chuan" (川), and Gaoligong Mountain, Biluo Snow Mountain and Yunling form a bold and rough "chuan" (川). Nature uses subtle and shocking power to interpret the beauty of mountains and rivers to the extreme. In this mysterious canyon surrounded by snow-capped mountains, there are pyramid-shaped snow peaks, sapphire-like lakes, and vast boundless grasslands. People live in harmony with nature, multiple religions coexist, and multiple ethnic groups live together. One day you will come to Shangri-La, to find the "sun and moon in your heart". 📍Meili Snow Mountain: The most beautiful snow mountain in the world, the main peak Kawagarbo is the highest peak in Yunnan 📍Tiger Leaping Gorge: The world's largest canyon with a drop, known as "one of the world's top ten classic hiking trails" 📍Songzanlin Temple: The largest Tibetan Buddhist temple in Yunnan Province, known as the "Little Potala Palace" 📍Dukezong Ancient Town: An ancient town with a history of over 1300 years, the best-preserved and largest Tibetan residential community in China, a hub of the Tea Horse Road 📍Napahai: A plateau lake surrounded by a beautiful grassland, a good place for cycling around the lake 📍Baishuitai: A naturally formed travertine landform, known as the "Fairy's Abandoned Field" 📍Ni'ru Village: The world's first ecological village, hidden in the primeval forest, like a secluded and quiet paradise 📍Bottomless Lake: A niche secret place, filming location for "Wife's Romantic Travel" 📍Pudacuo National Park: China's first national park, with Bitahai, Shudu Lake and Mirithang Alpine Pasture 📍Bitahai: The highest lake in Yunnan Province, a pearl of the plateau

Biggest Temple of Shangri-La!

The view is beautiful today, and the weather is in our favor.

Shangri-la - Songzanlin Monastery

I have heard of Shangri-la from a mandarin song my mum used to play on radio since young and have always wanted to visit this place described as heaven on earth. Songzanlin Monastery is a must go in Shangri-la, a prequel for my visit to Tibet which is yet to come. Lots of stairs to climb and due to the high altitude it’s extra difficult to climb. Remember to buy oxygen tanks available at convenient stores and pharmacies. Cheapest I got was 10rmb each and it can go up to 50rmb at the various places of interest. Blessed to be finally at Shangri-La’s iconic landmark !

Shangri-La 2-Day In-Depth Tour Don't Miss These

Shangri-La Tour, the essence of two days is all here! Beautiful scenery and Tibetan culture all in one, take this practical guide and easily explore Shangri-La! . Places to visit: 🌟 Tiger Leaping Gorge (Shangri-La section): The gorge here is deep and narrow, with huge rocks in the river and rapid water flow. The scenery is extremely magnificent, making it a paradise for photography and adventure enthusiasts. 🌳 Pudacuo National Park: The crystal-clear Shudu Lake is surrounded by dense virgin forests, and the meadows blooming with wildflowers are incredibly beautiful, as if you are in a fairyland. 🏯 Lijiang Ancient Town: An ancient town by the mountains and rivers, with small bridges and flowing water between ancient stone streets and alleys. You can look up to see the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, feeling the perfect blend of ancient and nature. 🙏 Songzanlin Scenic Area: The solemn and majestic Songzanlin Monastery, as a holy place of Tibetan Buddhism, inspires awe and is a great place to experience Tibetan culture. . **Notes**: - In September, the climate in Shangri-La is pleasant, warm and comfortable during the day, and slightly cool at night. Remember to bring a light jacket.🧥 - When buying specialties, compare prices from several stores to avoid impulsive purchases, so you can choose high-quality and cost-effective items.🛍️ - When tasting local food, Tibetan hot pot and butter tea are highly recommended for their unique flavors!🍲🍵 - The ultraviolet rays are strong in the plateau area, so take sun protection measures when going out. Hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential.🧢🕶️ - Respect local customs and habits. Keep quiet when visiting temples and do not take photos casually.📸 - Shangri-La has a high altitude. If you experience altitude sickness, rest and consult a doctor promptly.🏥 . Shangri-La, a place closest to heaven, don't hesitate, take this guide and start your dream journey now!

Here satisfies all your fantasies

Shangri-La 🌄 Overview of Shangri-La's Features 🦋Shangri-La, meaning 'Sun and Moon in the Heart' in Tibetan, is a stunning place that combines mountains, lakes, snow-capped peaks, and unique Tibetan culture. The scenery is picturesque all year round, with each season having its unique charm. 🦋Summer is cool and pleasant, making it an excellent choice for escaping the heat; while autumn is a sea of golden hues, with colorful forests that are mesmerizing. --- Attractions and Introductions 1. Pudacuo National Park🌳 - Introduction: Pudacuo is known as 'the place closest to heaven,' featuring virgin forests, highland lakes, and rare wildlife. It is suitable for visiting in all seasons, each offering different beautiful sceneries. 2. Dukezong Ancient Town🏰 - Introduction: The best-preserved and largest Tibetan residential cluster in China, and an important hub on the Ancient Tea Horse Road. The ancient town is rich in Tibetan cultural atmosphere, and the night view of the town is particularly charming. 3. Songzanlin Monastery 🕌 - Introduction: Known as the 'Little Potala Palace,' it is an important symbol of Tibetan Buddhist culture. The monastery's architecture is magnificent, housing numerous Buddha statues and scriptures📚. 4. Meili Snow Mountain🏔️ - Introduction: The foremost of the eight sacred mountains in Tibetan areas, witnessing the 'Golden Mountain' phenomenon is incredibly fortunate🌄. The snow mountain is majestic and awe-inspiring, a paradise for photography enthusiasts. --- 🏨 Accommodation Suggestions - 🌟Near Dukezong Ancient Town: Convenient transportation, a great way to experience Tibetan customs, and you can enjoy the night view of the ancient town. --- 🍽️ Cuisine 1. Butter Tea🥤: A traditional Tibetan beverage with a rich taste, perfect for adapting to the highland environment. 2. Yak Meat Hotpot🥘: Tender yak meat with a fragrant aroma, an excellent choice for warming up in winter. 3. Highland Barley Cake🍪: A snack made from highland barley, with a chewy texture and a subtle barley fragrance. 4. Tibetan Pastries🍰: Various sweets and pastries, a great way to taste Tibetan flavors.

Ganden Sumtseling Monastery

A one-day tour of Ganden Sumtseling Monastery on May 30, 2024. I have never been to the Potala Palace in Tibet, so I cannot comment on the nickname "Little Potala Palace." When we went, it happened to be under construction and maintenance, so we did not go up the main steps but followed the signs to take the side steps. On the way up, there is a living area, so at the entrance (picture three), someone will ask if you want to take a car up and then walk down. We chose to walk up. Before climbing the steps, we found a chair to sit down and had a full meal of our homemade beef jerky, which effectively relieved the fatigue brought by the high altitude. During the climb, we took it very slowly, adjusted our breathing, and hydrated in time. If we felt tired, we rested. This way, we reached the top step by step without using oxygen (my parents are 72 years old). At the top, there is a rest hall (picture five, to the left of the steps) with souvenirs, instant noodles, corn, water, and ice cream. Not only do tourists buy these, but monks also do. I saw a young monk buy a lot of ice cream. He took out a 100 yuan cash note, but I did not see if he got change because most tourists pay by scanning a QR code. We toured clockwise, and you need to take off your hat and sunglasses when entering the hall. Photography is not allowed inside the hall, so all the photos and photo guidance are done outside. Altitude sickness varies from person to person. We chose to walk less, and if we had to walk (like climbing steps), we did it very slowly. We chose a one-day tour with a chartered car to Songzanlin Monastery. The driver picked us up at the hotel and took us to the entrance next to the parking lot (picture two). After entering the gate, turn right and walk forward. The toilets are on the right-hand side. Walk a bit further, and the ticket office is on the left-hand side. The driver helped us queue to buy tickets (including entrance tickets and shuttle bus tickets within the scenic area). After the ticket office, there is the ticket inspection gate, and after that, you wait for the shuttle bus. If you want to take photos with both water and the monastery, you might not want to take the shuttle bus because it goes directly to the place in picture three, which is also the gathering point for guided tours. Guides take tourists up according to the schedule, but we could not keep up with the pace and could not hear what the guide was saying, so we decided to tour on our own. Picture four is the side entrance. Due to language barriers and the fear of offending others, we could only observe the monks' daily lives from a distance or in passing. We did not know much about their daily routines. In fact, we were intruding into their lives. If everyone asked why, it would not be very polite. Therefore, having a good knowledge reserve is essential to make the journey more enjoyable.

Diqing Tour (8) - Songzanlin Monastery

Songzanlin Monastery is located 3 kilometers north of Shangri-La City. The area surrounding Songzanlin Monastery is designated as the Songzanlin Scenic Area. Songzanlin Monastery is not a single temple but a complex of various temples of different sizes. The palaces of varying scales are built along the mountain, creating a picturesque scene, earning it the nickname 'Little Potala Palace.' The common feature of the halls in Songzanlin Monastery is their yellow walls, with the upper parts painted in dark red, golden roofs, and black or yellow curtains hanging on the doors and windows. Under the sunlight, the golden roofs of the palaces shine brightly, with crows soaring in the sky, tourists wandering between the palaces, bringing an atmosphere of auspiciousness and joy. Many young beauties or couples dress in Tibetan costumes to take pictures, their faces beaming with smiles. Songzanlin Monastery exudes a sacred and solemn atmosphere, contrasting with the secular attire and behavior of the tourists. This unprecedented combination of the sacred and the secular is being played out everywhere, 'like willow catkins floating in the wind, let's see where they return with the spring.'

If you can't go to Tibet, you must visit Shangri-La!

- Altitude Sickness: - Notes: Shangri-La has an average altitude of 3500 meters. It is recommended not to take a bath or wash your hair on the first day to avoid altitude sickness. - Remedies: A cup of hot brown sugar water can solve mild altitude sickness. - Accommodation: - Location Choice: Try to choose a place near Dukezong Ancient Town. - Price: Generally, you can stay comfortably for one or two hundred yuan, and it is convenient for travel and sightseeing. - Attractions: - Songzanlin Monastery: It is recommended to go to the manual ticket office, the ticket price is 55 yuan, online it is 90 yuan. You can take bus No. 3, the fare is 2 yuan. - Napa Lake: Do not navigate directly, navigation defaults to the horse farm and charges 200 yuan. You can navigate to the Ring Lake Road, which has beautiful scenery and is free. - Others: - Renting Tibetan costumes for photos: Make sure to ask about the package contents to avoid hidden charges. - Food Experience: Be sure to try yak meat hotpot and butter tea, and end your pleasant trip with a Guozhuang dance.

Songzanlin Monastery | Pilgrimage to the Little Potala Palace of Shangri-La

If you ever visit Shangri-La, you must see Songzanlin Monastery, the largest Tibetan Buddhist temple in Yunnan Province 🛕, and experience the glittering Buddha light on the plateau, the place closest to heaven. 🔄Tour Route: Follow the signs into the monastery, then visit each hall in sequence; after that, you can walk around the Lamuyangcuo Lake on the surrounding trail, where you can get a panoramic view of Songzanlin Monastery. When the weather is clear, the entire monastery is reflected in the Lamuyangcuo Lake, and any photo taken with a phone will look great; ⏰Tour Duration: At least 3 hours; 🎫Tickets: Scenic area ticket 55r + one-way bus fare 10r + return bus fare 10r + explanation fee 15r. It is not recommended to book online! Also, do not buy from the self-service ticket machine at the scenic spot; you can go directly to the manual window and tell the staff that you only need the entrance ticket + one-way ticket (55 yuan + 10 yuan = 65 yuan) (the uphill sightseeing bus is necessary, it is recommended to buy, the 15 yuan explanation fee is personally considered unnecessary) 🚴Transportation (starting from Dukezong Ancient Town): 🚗Self-driving: Directly navigate to Songzanlin Monastery parking lot (free); 🚕Taxi: The cost is about 12 yuan, 15 minutes to the scenic spot entrance; 🚌Bus: Exit from the north gate of the ancient town, take bus No. 3 at Jiantang Police Station directly to the Songzanlin Monastery Scenic Area Visitor Center (ticket price 2 yuan, 20-minute drive) ⚠️Tour Tips: 1️⃣The bus does not go directly to the monastery, you need to climb a section of stairs to enter the monastery. If you have average physical fitness, you can prepare an oxygen bottle in advance to avoid altitude sickness. Rest if you are tired, do not push yourself; 2️⃣When visiting the monastery, you can visit in sequence: Tsongkhapa Hall, Zhacang Hall, and Shakyamuni Hall. Please worship in a clockwise direction (also rotate the prayer wheels clockwise), as it is said to bring good luck; 3️⃣When visiting the halls, remember to follow local culture and requirements: do not wear sunglasses and hats, do not speak loudly, do not step on the threshold when entering the hall, and do not take photos inside the hall.

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

Summer Retreat to Shangri-La

Recommended for summer retreat: Shangri-La is not hot in summer, with temperatures around 20 degrees Celsius, and a coat is needed in the morning and evening. The landscape of water and grass in Shangri-La during summer is the most beautiful season of the year. Attraction Recommendations Dukezong Ancient Town A thousand-year-old plateau ancient town with Tibetan-style architecture, there are attractions within the ancient town, such as Turtle Mountain Park, prayer wheels, and Moonlight Square. Admission is free. Napa Lake, half grassland and half blue sea in summer. The best scenery is in the Yila Grassland section, which is free, accessible by bus from the ancient town, or you can hire a car starting from 300 yuan. Songzanlin Monastery Known as the Little Potala Palace, it is a masterpiece of Yunnan Tibetan-style temples. Admission starts from 90 yuan. Accommodation: It is recommended to stay in Dukezong Ancient Town for convenient transportation and affordable prices. Standard rooms in the center of the ancient town start from 100 yuan. Cuisine: Recommended to try Tibetan meals, you can go to Tibetan restaurants or visit Tibetan homes, with costs starting from 50 yuan. Yak hotpot, highland barley cakes, and highland barley wine. Transportation: Self-driving is recommended, as the attractions in Shangri-La are far apart, it is recommended to self-drive or join a day tour.

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.