A day in Shangri-La

Wrapped in Tibetan robes, I stepped into another world. Spending the day at Songzanlin Monastery—the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan—felt like walking through a living painting. The golden rooftops gleamed under the highland sun, prayer flags fluttered in the wind, and ancient chants echoed through the halls. I blended in (almost!) in my Tibetan dress, soaked in the stories, symbols, and stunning architecture that speak of centuries of devotion. If you’re ever searching for peace, color, and culture in one place—this might be your sign.