Founded in the 17th century during the reign of the 5th Dalai Lama, Songzanlin Monastery, also known as Ganden Sumtseling Monastery or Guihua Monastery, is the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan Province and one of the most renowned monasteries in the Kham region. Built against Foping Mountain, this monastery of Shangri-La is a Tibetan architectural art masterpiece, often called the “Museum of Tibetan Art.”
Besides, Songzanlin Monastery or Ganden Sumtseling Monastery serves as a central hub for the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism in the Sichuan-Yunnan area and holds a significant position throughout the region, earning it the nickname “Little Potala Palace.”
Fast Facts of Songzanlin Monastery
- Chinese name: 松赞林寺 (pinyin: sōng zàn lín sì)
- Location: 3 Niwang Road, Jiantang Town, Shangri-LaCounty, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province; 5 km from Shangri-La County
- The altitude of Songzanlin Monastery:3,380 meters above sea level
- Start year:1679
- Completion year:1681
- Opening hours:8:00 – 18:00
- Time needed: about 3 hours
- Best time to visit: Spring and autumn
- Suited to: Anyone interested in Tibetan Buddhist culture
- Ticket: CNY 115 per person
What to See and Do in Songzanlin Monastery
1. Marvel at the Architecture
The main buildings of Ganden Sumtseling Monastery cover an area of 33 hectares and are impressively large, with well-developed facilities across eight major complexes. Built in the style of traditional Tibetan fortresses that feature an earthen, stone, and wood structure, Gadan Songzanlin Monastery is a typical example of the fusion of Tibetan and Han architectural art, with gilded copper tiles and flying eaves.
2.Visit Zhacang (Buddhist College)
The main temple of Songzanlin Monastery, Zhacang, is built at the highest point, occupying the center of the entire monastery. It is a monastic school where monks study scriptures and practice religious teachings. Walking into the building, you’ll find the walls with exquisitely detailed murals and carvings on them.
3. Discover the Cultural Relics
Go ahead to explore the cultural relics in Songzanlin Monastery during your Yunnan tour to Shangri-La. It houses numerous treasures from various dynasties, including eight gilded statues of Shakyamuni Buddha from the time of the Fifth and Seventh Dalai Lamas, palm-leaf manuscripts, intricately painted thangkas with five-colored gold ink, and golden lamps.
4. Spin the Prayer Wheels
There are several prayer wheels in Songzanlin Monastery in Yunnan, varying in size and arranged in a harmonious layout. The prayer wheel inside the monastery should be spun clockwise. Each spin is equivalent to reciting a scripture once, making it an excellent way to repent past deeds, ward off disasters, and accumulate merit. Don’t miss the colorful prayer flags during your Yunnan Shangri-La tours.
5. Appreciate the Scenery of Lamuyangcuo Lake
Opposite Songzanlin Monastery is Lamuyangcuo Lake. Though not large, the lake is well-known throughout the region for its exceptionally breathtaking scenery. Various waterbirds, including black-necked cranes and yellow ducks, inhabit the lake year-round. Standing at a high point in Ganden Sumtseling Monastery and looking out, you’ll be amazed by the beautiful lake views.
6. Take Beautiful Photos
Don’t hesitate to take photos of Songzanlin Monastery in Shangri-La. Walking about the monastery, the architectural beauty of it comes into view. The red flying eaves, pink-white walls, and golden temple roofs shine brightly under the intense plateau sunlight, making it a good place for photography.
* Photography Tips
From the entrance of Ganden Sumtseling Monastery or the boardwalk around Lake Lamuyangcuo, you can capture a full panorama of the monastery, which is truly spectacular. Sunset is the perfect time to photograph the reflections, as the sun sets late on the plateau, usually after 8 p.m., so plan your timing carefully. Besides, at the bottom of the stairs at the monastery, you can capture some unique angles and details, especially with crows circling in the sky.
Best Time to Visit Songzanlin Monastery
Spring and autumn tend to be the best time to visit Songzanlin Monastery in China. During these two seasons, the weather in Shangri-la is mild and the surroundings are beautiful. Summer is the rainy season of Shangri-La and winter there is too cold to travel. Besides, this monastery is suitable for photography all year round, and you can also visit there during major festivals like the Gedong Festival to experience the local customs.
How to Get to Songzanlin Monastery in Shangri-La
Go on a trip to Shangri-La in Yunnan by air or train, and then follow the ways below to get to Ganden Sumtseling Monastery.
By Bus: Take the No. 3 bus, which runs every few minutes. It’s quite convenient and costs only 1 yuan.
By Taxi: A taxi ride from Shangri-La to Songzanlin Monastery costs 10 yuan. On the way back, if you find an empty taxi, the fare is only 5 yuan.
Chartered Car: This is the most convenient option, especially if you’re also planning to visit Meili Snow Mountain along the way.
Attractions Nearby Songzanlin Monastery
- Pudacuo National Park: Located 28 kilometers from Songzanlin Monastery, this national park is a natural wonderland that greets visitors with snow mountains, grasslands and pastures, and clear lakes.
- Dukezong Ancient Town: Also known as Shangri-La Old Town, this is one of the best-preserved and largest Tibetan old towns in China, with beautiful residential complexes.
