Dabao Temple
大宝寺
An ancient Tibetan Buddhist monastery on a hillside southeast of Shangri-La city, known as 'the first temple of Shangri-La'. It offers views over the rural fields below.
Dabao Temple sits on a hillside about 5 km southeast of Shangri-La city centre. It is said to have been founded in the Ming dynasty and is one of the oldest Tibetan Buddhist temples in the area, often called 'the first temple of Shangri-La'. The temple is modest in size. Buddha statues are enshrined in its halls, and prayer flags flutter around it. From the platform in front of the temple you can overlook wide fields of highland barley and Tibetan houses, and the setting is peaceful, with far fewer visitors than Songzanlin Monastery. Entry is usually free or by donation, and visitors must climb the steps. Follow temple rules when entering the halls, walk clockwise around the shrines, and do not take photos inside the halls.
Opening hours
Open daytime
Nearby sights
- Dukezong Ancient Town
- Baiji Temple
- Shambhala Kalachakra Mandala
- Ganden Sumtseling (Songzanlin) Monastery
- Napa Lake & Yila Grassland
- Shika Snow Mountain & Blue Moon Valley
- Shangri-La Alpine Botanical Garden
- Pudacuo (Potatso) National Park