[2025 Shangri-La Attraction] Travel Guide for Songzanlin Scenic Area - Viewing Platform (Updated May)

#Winter travel destinations ✨Songzanlin Temple✨ A beautiful Tibetan temple, Polata Temple, is considered a very important temple for the people of Shangri-La. In addition to the Buddha statue for us to worship, we will see young men and women dressed in traditional costumes taking beautiful pictures around the temple. We hired a photographer, but we could only set up the camera to take pictures. ✨Temple entrance fee 55 yuan 🚌Bus fare within the temple 20 yuan You can take a taxi or a bus to this temple. 📍Songzanlin Temple, Shangri-La #China #Ancient City of Shangri-La #Shangri-La #Songzanlin Temple #Songzanlin Lama Temple

Songzanlin Monastery, also known as the Little Potala Palace, is the center of Tibetan Buddhism in Shangri-La and the largest Lamaist monastery in Yunnan Province. It was built in the style of the Potala Palace in Lhasa and is located on a high mountain with golden yellow roofs that can be seen from afar. Getting there: From the parking lot, you need to purchase a ticket for the park's shuttle bus to reach the monastery. There are several buses available, and the wait time is short. Upon arrival, visitors must climb stairs to enter the monastery. Photography is prohibited inside, but you can take pictures outside as usual. On the day of my visit, it was raining, which made exploring less convenient, but tourists continued to arrive steadily.

Napa Hai Viewpoint is another must-visit destination when traveling to Shangri-La. From this viewpoint, you can catch a distant glimpse of Songzanlin Monastery, also known as the Little Potala Palace, through the mountain pass, creating a truly majestic scene. In addition to the viewpoint, there’s a coffee shop that operates out of a vehicle, offering a unique experience. The shop owner often organizes activities like singing, adding a lively and cheerful atmosphere to the scenic spot. This location is also a popular check-in spot for photography enthusiasts. Many visitors love taking pictures with the iconic 214 sign. Coffee prices range from 20 to 30 yuan, depending on the type and variety of coffee.

#松赞林寺 #SongzanlinMonastery #ShangriLaTravel #TibetanCulture #YunnanAdventure #ExploreYunnan #ChinaTemples #SacredSites #CulturalJourney #ScenicChina Visiting Songzanlin Monastery (松赞林寺) was like stepping into a spiritual world suspended between the earth and sky. Often called the “Little Potala Palace,” this is the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan and a vital cultural landmark near Shangri-La. The monastery’s golden roofs glistened under the sun as I approached, while rows of prayer flags fluttered in the wind. Walking through its vast courtyards, ornate halls, and prayer rooms filled with the scent of butter lamps was a humbling and peaceful experience. Monks in their crimson robes went about their daily rituals, and the chanting echoed softly through the complex. Climbing to the upper levels offered sweeping views over the surrounding meadows and the small villages dotted below. It wasn’t just a visit to a temple — it felt like touching a living piece of Tibetan heritage. Travel Tips: • Dress respectfully: Wear modest clothing (cover shoulders and knees) when visiting the monastery. • Climb slowly: The altitude (over 3,000 meters) can make you breathless, so take your time walking up the steps. • Bring an oxygen bottle: Due to the high elevation, it’s a good idea to prepare and bring a small portable oxygen bottle, especially if you are sensitive to altitude. • Best photography spot: Before entering the monastery, there’s a small hill slope next to the bus station — this is the best place for panoramic photos capturing the entire monastery framed against the mountains. • Photography tips: Photos are allowed outside, but be respectful — many areas inside temples prohibit photography. • Best visiting hours: Morning visits are best to avoid crowds and to catch the soft morning light on the golden roofs. • Learn the background: Reading a little about Tibetan Buddhism beforehand enhances your appreciation of the monastery. • Take your time: Allow at least 1.5–2 hours to fully explore and absorb the atmosphere. How to Get There: • Fly into Diqing Shangri-La Airport (迪庆香格里拉机场): The nearest airport to the monastery. • Travel from Shangri-La Old Town: • By Didi: It’s about a 20-minute ride from the old town center. • By bus: Local public buses also go toward the monastery and are very affordable.

#One-day trip plan Shangri-La is located in the northwest of Yunnan Province, China. Interesting tourist attractions that I have been to and were impressed with are: 📍Zhongshanlin Lama Temple is over 300 years old. There are lamas living in the temple. It is a temple on a mountain that requires climbing over 200 steps. Photography is prohibited inside the temple, but you can take pictures outside. 📍Tiger Leaping Gorge is a deep and high mountain pass. There are escalators. There are currently 4 tiger statues. There are many places to take pictures. 📍Zhongdian Ancient Town is in Shangri-La. The town is built in Tibetan style. There are restaurants, shops, souvenirs on both sides of the road. I recommend trying grilled yak meat. When you reach the central square at night, there will be a local dance performance for tourists to join. The atmosphere is very fun and lively. 📍Guishan Temple or Dafo Temple as Thais call it has a golden statue of Sakyamuni Buddha inside. Photography is prohibited. The highlight is The golden magic wheel, 23 meters high, is very beautiful. #TravelChina #Songzanlin Lama Temple #TigerLeapingGorge #Shangri-LaAncientCity #GiantWheel #DafoTemple #TravelShangri-La

#discoverchina Discover the Songzanlin Monastery, Yunnan’s largest Tibetan Buddhist temple, nestled in Shangri-La. Known as the "Little Potala Palace", its golden roofs, intricate murals, and sacred relics reflect centuries of spiritual heritage. Surrounded by Lamuyangcuo Lake and traditional villages, the area blends serenity and grandeur. Wander its halls, admire the alpine scenery, and immerse in Tibetan culture. A perfect escape for history, nature, and soulful tranquility.

Day 1: Go and explore Shangri-La old Town. There are many souvenir shops, and the Giant Prayer wheel is a must-see! Day 2: Go to the Songzanlin monastery, the biggest in Yunnan, where more than 700 monks are living. You can go to Napa Lake in the afternoon Day 3: Go to Pudacuo National Park to enjoy beautiful landscapes and peaceful nature. Day 4: Go trekking in the Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the deepest in the entire world. [Must-Visit Attractions] 1. Dancing square, every night between 7 to 9pm 2. 100 chicken temple, go see the sunset [Must-Try Food] Restaurant: Silent Holy Stones Food: Yak burger, fried yogurt, yak cheese, highland barley cake [Accommodation ] Recommended Area for Accommodation Tavern hostel well located in the old town, near the dancing square. [Photo Spots] 1. Giant prayer wheel 2. Songzanlin monastery 3. Napa Lake 4. Pudacuo National Park 5. Tiger Leaping Gorge

#Tourist attraction bundle 🛕🪷 Two large temples in Shangri-La 🪷🛕 that are like the center of faith for locals. Both temples have their own unique characteristics, but their beauty and grandeur are no less than each other. 1) 🛕🛕 Songzanlin Temple 🛕🛕 (松赞林寺, Songzanlin Temple) - 🏛️The largest lama temple in Yunnan Province and is called the Little Potala Palace. - 🪷This temple stands out for its Tibetan art. Inside the temple, there is also a unique golden Buddha statue that is worth worshipping. - 🗺️Located at an altitude of ~ 3,380 meters above sea level - 🚗 Transportation: From the old town of Shangri-La, you can take a taxi or bus no. 3 🚍🚕 - 📌 Address: Zhongdian, Shangri-La County, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture 2) 🛕🛕Dafo Temple (大佛寺) 🛕🛕 - 🪷 Another important temple in Shangri-La is located in the old town of Shangri-La (独克宗古城). - 🏛️ The highlight of this temple is the golden prayer wheel, which is 23 meters high. When spinning the wheel to make a wish, 👭👬👫🧑🤝🧑It will require the cooperation of many people to help spin it. - 🛕Inside the building is the place where the large Buddha statue is enshrined. - 🍃This is also a high-angle viewpoint of the old city. At night, it is beautifully decorated with lights. - 🚗 Travel: You can walk from the old city of Shangri-La. - 📌 Address: Guishan Park in Shangri-La County, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture #Traveling to China by yourself #Traveling to China #shangrila

#solotrip 🌅 Songzanlin Monastery, also known as the Sunlight City, catches the first rays of dawn on its golden roof, making it a breathtaking sight. 🏯 The monastery's vibrant red and yellow hues, combined with its shimmering golden roof against the clear blue sky, create a stunning visual treat. The entire monastery is nestled by the mountains and water and is divided into three main parts: 🔹Three Main Halls: The top section includes three halls from right to left representing Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. 🔹Eight Sub-Halls: Each hall represents different regions and is known in Tibetan as Kangcan. 🔹Hundred Monk Quarters: The small white houses where monks reside, totaling over a hundred. 📍Recommended Tour Route: Purchase tickets at the visitor center - Take a shuttle to the main gate of Songzanlin Monastery - Tour the monastery in a clockwise direction from left to right - Visit the scenic spot on the hillside beside the monastery - Circle Lamuyangcuo Lake - Hire a cab for the return trip ⚠️Important Tips: 🔹According to Tibetan Buddhist traditions, use the stairs in a clockwise direction: left up, right down. 🔃 🔹No photos or hats allowed inside any of the halls. Enjoy your journey to this magnificent piece of history and spirituality! 🌄🏞️📸 #travel #songzanlinmonastery #china #shangri-la

a must-visit place in Shangri La only one hour away from Lijiang, but the scenery and culture totally change highly recommend!!

#GetDiscountsWithoutLuck A relaxing day in Shangri-La. After visiting the Napahai grasslands, we stopped by to have a cup of coffee and enjoy the view of the Napahai grasslands, with Songzanlin Temple in the back. Even though the weather was cold, Thais like us still ordered an iced Americano. Iced Americano with the main view of the shop, cool and comfortable air, and a little breeze, wow, it was so awesome. There were few people in this area, not as crowded as famous cafes. If you like a chill and relaxed atmosphere, I recommend this place. Paying with Alipay and WeChat Pay is probably the most convenient, but in any case, cash can be used everywhere, in every shop. However, there are some shops where if you need to give change, it might be a bit difficult to find change, but it's not a problem at all.