Ganden Sumtseling (Songzanlin) Monastery
松赞林寺
Yunnan’s largest Gelug monastery of Tibetan Buddhism, built into the mountainside like a “Little Potala Palace.” The gilded roofs of its two main halls gleam, and Lamayangzuo Lake in front reflects the whole monastery.
Ganden Sumtseling (Songzanlin) Monastery lies about 5 km north of Shangri-La city center, at the foot of Foping Mountain, at an elevation of 3,380 m. Selected by the Fifth Dalai Lama in 1679 and built with imperial sanction from the Kangxi Emperor, it is Yunnan’s largest Gelug monastery of Tibetan Buddhism and is known as the “Little Potala Palace.” At its peak, it housed more than 2,000 monks. The monastery climbs the mountain in tiers and is enclosed by an oval wall. At its highest point stand two main halls. The Dzachang (Great Assembly Hall) can seat 1,600 people for chanting and contains gilded bronze Buddhas and murals. The Jikang, which enshrines Shakyamuni Buddha, holds Qing-dynasty scriptures on its upper floor. Flanking them are the eight Khamtsen (monks’ residential courtyards), and the gilded roofs shine brilliantly in the sunlight. In front of the monastery, Lamayangzuo Lake (Holy Mother Lake) is the best spot to photograph the full reflection, which is clearest on calm mornings. Suggested route: buy tickets at the visitor center, take the scenic shuttle bus to the front of the monastery, climb 146 steps to the main halls, circle clockwise through the Dzachang, Jikang, and Khamtsen, then return along the lakeside path. The full visit takes about 2 hours. Lamas give guided explanations inside. Admission is CNY 90 (including the scenic shuttle bus), half price for visitors over 60. Opening hours are 8:00–18:00. Getting there: take Bus 3 from the city center (about 20 minutes), or a taxi for about CNY 15. Notes: photography is prohibited inside the halls. Do not wear hats, and keep quiet. Prayer wheels and circumambulation are always clockwise. There are many steps and the altitude is high, so walk slowly. Visitors are fewer before 9 a.m. and after 4 p.m.
Opening hours
08:00–18:00
Nearby sights
- Shambhala Kalachakra Mandala
- Baiji Temple
- Dukezong Ancient Town
- Napa Lake & Yila Grassland
- Shangri-La Alpine Botanical Garden
- Dabao Temple
- Shika Snow Mountain & Blue Moon Valley
- Pudacuo (Potatso) National Park