[2025 Shangri-La ] Travel Guide for Songzanlin Scenic Spot - Tourist Bus (Updated Mar)

Transport: Fly to Kunming then take train to Shang ri la, then bus from center to the monastery Highlight: perfect Tibetan vibes with glamourous scene in the other side of the lake. Especially fit for ones who interest in Buddhism. Hotel, restaurant and shopping: not so much here, should spend half to full day with prepared meals or eat simple around. For those who like sightseeing and spiritual tourism, Tung Tan Lam Monastery (Songzanlin) is a very attractive destination. People who have been to Shangri-la share that this is one of the most visited monasteries in the world. Tung Tan Lam Monastery is a place of worship for Tibetan Tantric Buddhism. The pagoda was built at an altitude of over 3,300m and over 30 hectares wide by the 5th Dalai Lama according to a miniature prototype of the Potala Palace - a palace located in Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region, China in 1679. Through the ups and downs of history and the devastation of time, Tung Tan Lam monastery has been destroyed and then restored many times. Even so, this place is still a proud symbol of the Tibetan people living in Yunnan.

Great time climbing the steps of the Songzanlin Temple (I’ve seen this temple has many names, I can’t tell which one is correct😂). This temple is the biggest in Yunnan and is located in Shangri-la, Diqing prefecture. It is very close to the Shangri-la old town. At the temple their are many halls and many monks doing their duties. Photos are not allowed in the halls of the temple out of respect like most temples in China but outside is fine. You can choose to take a bus or walk to the temple which is about 1 km distance. Lots of people also dress up in Tibetan clothes before going to the temple to get the full Tibetan experience. Be warned there many steps to reach the temple and with high altitude some people may need aerosol air canisters. Overall great experience and best temple I’ve seen thus far in China. It’s like a slice of Tibet outside of Tibet. #yearofrabbit #newyearadventure #tripblazers

Visit the famous jaw dropping Songzanlin Monastery during your tour through Shangri-La, Yunnan. The eye-catching temple is also known as the Guihua Monastery and is the largest and most important Tibetan Monastery in Yunnan Province. Why visit the Songzanlin Monastery? 1. It was built after the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet, and is known as the “Little Potala Palace” worth visiting if you cannot visit Tibet. 2. Songzanlin Monastery houses many religious items and previous Buddhist culture relics, such as palm leaf scriptures and golden relics. 3. At it’s peaked the Monastery housed over 2000 monks, but currently only houses around 700. You can book a tour to explore their lifer styles and if you’re lucky even view their practices and traditions! 4. Lastly, you will feel a strong religious and festival atmosphere, as you stand in awe of the impressive Tibetan architecture and exquisite murals.

Visit Songzanlin Temple (松赞林寺, Songzanlin Temple), the largest Lama temple in Yunnan Province, also known as the Little Potala Palace. This temple is very beautiful, featuring distinctive Tibetan art. Inside the temple, there is a unique golden Buddha statue worth worshiping. The temple is located about 6 kilometers from the old town of Shangri-La, situated at an altitude of ~ 3,380 meters above sea level. Travel (from the old town of Shangri-La): You can take a taxi or bus no.3. 🕰️Operating hours: Every day from 07:40 to 18:00 (last entry at 16:00). Cost: There is an entrance fee. Tips: - Move slowly to prevent altitude sickness (AMS).

Songzanlin Monastery in Shangri-La is located at an altitude of over 3000 meters above sea level. There are several ways to visit Songzanlin Monastery, such as taking a Didi taxi or even using public bus services. Upon arrival at Songzanlin Monastery, you will need to purchase an entrance ticket and a shuttle bus ticket between the ticket area and the monastery itself. Seniors can get a discount here. Once you have purchased your tickets, board the bus that will take you to the front of the monastery. To explore the monastery grounds, you will need to climb the stairs. If you are concerned about altitude sickness, it is recommended to bring an oxygen canister and to ascend slowly without rushing. Note that photography is not allowed in some rooms within the monastery.

Golden splendour, endless mazes of paths and temples, and traditional Tibetan Buddhist culture. This is everything you get when you visit Songzanlin Monastery in Shangri-La. The monastery is huge, with countless paths and corners to explore. You’ll spot monks working inside the temples or walking around the grounds, helping the monastery feel authentic and used instead of just a tourist attraction. There’s also a huge, central staircase leading to the highest temples, where the climb is exhausting but the views are absolutely worth it! Outside of the monastery, there’s a beautiful lake surrounded by trees, mountains, and animals. A perfect fit for the area’s peaceful and relaxed atmosphere. And you can even see it from the monastery’s highest point! I paid for my ticket at the scenic area entrance, which was 75 yuan. And that included an easy bus ride between the entrance and the front of the monastery! #asiatrip

Traveling from the accommodation (staying in the ancient city of Shangri-La), there will be taxis waiting in front of the city gate. Use your bargaining skills. Call for half the price, everyone. 555+ - When you reach the entrance of the temple, you will have to take a bus to go up the mountain again. The temple is very beautiful. Very Tibetan. Very strong wind, cool air, many people, most of them wearing local costumes. It's so great. Everyone who comes must get a picture. Take a lot of pictures. It's so much fun. - We have to climb the stairs to find the temple on top. It's tiring (high and really tiring). But when we get to the temple, OMG, it's so beautiful. Walk and take pictures for 1.30 hours. - Then come down to walk along the lake below. The atmosphere is very good. There are yaks walking and eating grass (didn't take a picture because I was going to upload it to IG 555+) In a moment, 1 hour passed. Then take a bus down in front of the temple and call a taxi back to the old city. 🤭 #TravelChina #Yunnan #Shangri-La #SongzanlinMonastery #TravelChina2024 #GetDiscountsWithoutLuck

#travelanywhere Songzanlin temple also known as Hansen Sumtselijg Monastery is a prominent Tibetan Buddhist monastery located in Shangri-la County in Yunnan province. It is not only a religious site but also a cultural and architectural marvel, offering a glimpse into the rich and vibrant world of Tibetan Buddhism in southwest China. Everything looks shiny and golden!

#chinatrip Perched in the mystical heights of Shangri-La, Yunnan, the Songzanlin Monastery is not just the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in the region but also one of the most impressive spiritual centers in the eastern Himalayas. Often referred to as the "Little Potala Palace," its striking architecture and spiritual ambiance draw pilgrims and travelers alike, offering a profound glimpse into Tibetan culture and religion. As you wander through the courtyards, you'll be captivated by the sound of monks chanting and the scent of juniper incense. The halls are filled with vivid statues of Buddha and various bodhisattvas, each a masterpiece of religious artistry, contributing to the monastery’s atmosphere of reverence and peace. The monastery’s location on a hill overlooking Shangri-La offers panoramic views of the surrounding plains and distant mountains, making it a photographer's paradise. The best times for photography are early morning or late afternoon when the light accentuates the golden roofs against the dramatic backdrop of the Himalayas. - Remember to dress modestly and ask for permission before photographing monks or religious ceremonies. - The monastery is located approximately 5 kilometers from the center of Shangri-La, easily accessible by taxi or bus. Be prepared for a bit of climbing, as the complex is situated on a hill. A visit to Songzanlin Monastery is more than just a tour; it's an immersive experience into the spiritual heart of Tibetan Buddhism in Yunnan. Whether you're seeking spiritual insight, cultural enrichment, or simply the tranquility that comes from being in such a revered place, Songzanlin is a profound destination that resonates with every visitor. #SongzanlinMonastery #ShangriLa #TibetanBuddhism #YunnanTravel #SpiritualJourney

Songzanlin Lamasery, also known as the Little Potala Palace, is a must-see when visiting Shangri-La. Make sure to explore all the alleys and smaller temples in the complex. You may get a sneak peek into the lives of the monks during your visit. Located nearby the city, it is easily accessible. The easiest way to get to it is by taking a taxi or Didi from your location to the Songzanlin ticket office. When purchasing your tickets, you have the option of taking a bus. This is recommended as the walk to the temple could take up to an hour.

Visited the Songzanlin Tourist Area. The temple/monastery is located behind a tourist center. A bus will take you up to the temple and runs regularly. It was very beautiful and worth a visit. You can do this and something else in one day. Lot’s of people travel to take photos so you might need to skirt around the photo shoots happening.