Open tomorrow at 07:40-18:30(Admission ends at 16:00)Closed Today
Recommended sightseeing time:
1-2 hours
Phone:
0887-8229411
If you can't go to Xinjiang, then head to Shangri-La's Napahai!
Navigation🧭 Napahai (Yila Grassland) Depart from Shangri-La to Napahai, passing through Songzanlin Monastery on the way, where there is an observation deck to take in the full view of the monastery.
There is a lakeside road around Napahai, following which you can enjoy the stunning scenery where half is the sea and half is the grassland.
Clothing Rental👔
It is suggested to rent the clothes in the Dukezong Ancient Town of Shangri-La before heading to Napahai, as the variety of clothes will be more complete and the makeup will be more exquisite than at Napahai. The price is also in the range of 80-110, including makeup and props for travel photography.
There are many grasslands in Napahai, and there are many places to ride horses🐎, with different prices. During our lake tour, we stopped at a white pagoda to inquire and were quoted 180 per person for 30 minutes, which we decided to skip. Later, we continued on and stopped at a temporary tourist parking spot, where after bargaining, the price was 80 per person, and the scenery along the way felt like the best. It is recommended that friends look around more and be sure to bargain. The approximate playtime should be around 3 to 5 hours. It is suggested to return to Dukezong Ancient Town for accommodation at night.
Precautions⚠️
There is no food available in the scenic area, so it is advised to bring your own dry food and water. The ultraviolet rays are very strong, remember to apply sunscreen. The sun🌞 is really very intense!
The altitude is a bit high, so it is possible to carry an oxygen bottle as a backup.
There are many vehicles on the lakeside road and parked by the roadside, be careful! Drive safely.
Since you can't go to Xinjiang, why not take a series of grassland photos at Napahai.
Photo Strategy📷
There are many horses🐎 and cows🐮 on the grassland, which are recommended as backgrounds.
Make appropriate use of ethnic props.
Ethnic clothing rental is essential to set the right atmosphere.
Of course, good photos also need a good photographer.
_Brian_22
Just got back from Shangri-La! Here comes the 3-day 2-night nanny-level guide!
Yunnan is synonymous with romance and sanctity🏔️ The most beautiful Shangri-La
In Tibetan, it means 'the sun and moon in the heart'
It writes the purity of the sky and the sanctity of nature❄️ The majesty and grandeur of Meili Snow Mountain tells the story of mystery and freedom!
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It's worth mentioning that after November 26, it only takes 5h high-speed train from Kunming to Shangri-La, this 3-day 2-night tour guide must be collected for future use❗️❗️
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🏔️About the route
𝐃𝓪𝔂𝟏: Arrive in Shangri-La in the afternoon➠ Have a meal in Dukezong Ancient City
𝐃𝓪𝔂𝟐: Dukezong Ancient City ➠Songzanlin Temple➠Pana Sea
𝐃𝓪𝔂𝟑: Meili Snow Mountain ➠White Horse Snow Mountain ➠Dali
🏔️About the attractions
➊Songzanlin Temple🎫Ticket window 55
As the largest Tibetan Buddhist temple in Yunnan Province, it is known as 'Little Potala'. The architectural style follows the essence of Tibetan religion, and it is a true Tibetan art museum!
➋ Dukezong Ancient City🎫Free
This is the best preserved and largest Tibetan residential group in China, and it is also very worth visiting from a cultural perspective. The 'Turtle Mountain Park' in the ancient city has the world's largest and heaviest gilded pure copper prayer wheel, and three circles can be turned to pray for disaster relief!
➌ Pana Sea🎫Free
It is only 6 kilometers away from Shangri-La City, it is translated as 'the lake behind the forest', and it is a national AAA scenic spot. It is recommended to charter a car, rent a car🚗 to the scenic spot and stop and shoot at any time! There are also lambs for photo shooting! It costs 20 yuan! We shared 10 yuan with others😆
➍Meili Snow Mountain🎫Free
The picture of the sunset golden mountain is really beautiful and tearful! Must go❗️People who see it will be lucky for a whole year!
It is 20 kilometers away from Feilai Temple, and it is an excellent position to appreciate the thirteen peaks of Meili Snow Mountain. It is recommended to charter or rent a car!
➎White Horse Snow Mountain🎫Free
When the layers of mountains and forests are all dyed into the eyes, you know that the beauty of fairy tales and the majesty of nature do not conflict, and the treasure check-in place with a view at every step is not to be missed by every traveler who loves snow and mountains!
➏Pudacuo (package ticket 168, including 68 tickets +70 scenic area transportation +30 round-trip bus tickets)
We didn't check in because of time, but the driver said that it was all pure natural scenery, and it was very out of the picture!
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🏔️About Tibetan clothes
There are a lot of Tibetan clothing halls in the ancient city. After comparison, we chose Yifan! Located opposite the White Pagoda in the ancient city! Wearing Tibetan clothes and makeup really reduces the age by 10 years❗️Super good-looking❗️Her photographer A Xin is very patient and nice! But remember to make an appointment in advance!
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🏔️About eating
Be sure to go to the local small restaurants! The price is affordable and delicious! Completely used to eating! The common people's home-cooked dishes and Xin Qiao snacks we have eaten are good!
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🏔️About accommodation
We stayed at Huazhu (No. 1 Shika Road, Shangri-La) Three people stayed in a double bed large room, the hot spring in the room is really cool! It's so comfortable to come back and take a bath after a hard day!
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🏔️Travel tips
🔸Meili Snow Mountain is really cold! Be sure to wear more clothes!
🔸The average altitude of Shangri-La is above 3400 meters, remember not to do vigorous exercise, running, jumping and other actions! Be sure to drink more water!
🔸Pana Sea is free again! No tickets!
🔸If you want to have a good Tibetan costume photo for a rare visit, you must make an appointment in advance! Go directly to the queue! And can't choose the clothes you like!
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Welcome to ask questions! I will reply when I see it!
CONNOR COLLINS
Shiny Shangri-la on a rainy day- Yunnan China
🌥️Clouds above the monastery make the moment magical, even a bit mystical ! ⭐️
We went to a special Tibetan hot pot were you will be mixed with other Chinese tourist, dance and show are on the menu. (300 rmb/pers)
The next day we went to monastery , visiting Napa lake and the old town.
Try to find a local breakfast in a Tibetan family , you gonna enjoy yak tea milk, cakes and more .. worth every penny for the experience to go in a traditional house !
#香格里拉 #shangri #tibet #trip #temple
Quentin-M
Temple of (Finally) Returning to Norms
#china #yunnan #shangrila
Whilst the fictional Shangri-la describes a mysterious and harmonious valley, it pales in comparison to the real sights of Yunnan’s Shangrila.
Today we visited Sungtseling Monastery, otherwise known as Guihuasi (Temple of Returning to Norms). This was fitting to us as China is now open again to travel, this being our first big trip in a year.
After staying on the Shangrila plain the day before, it was magical to see the golden rooftops of the monastery glitter in to view.
We hired some Tibetan style clothes for photos, but were most impressed by what we couldn’t capture - the vast and intricate paintings inside each of the temples.
HereComesTheSun
Sungtseling Monastery, Shangri La
_We***82
It is the largest Tibetan Buddhist temple in Yunnan Province, and one of the famous monasteries in Kang District. It is also the Huangjiao Center in the Sichuan-Yunnan region. It has a pivotal position in the entire Tibetan area. It is the Kuantan Songzanlin Temple. Songzanlin Temple was built on the mountain. Yuanwang is quite similar to the Potala Palace in Lhasa. Because of its large scale, it has the reputation of Little Potala Palace.
is like an old castle. It is a collection of Tibetan art and is also known as the Tibetan Art Museum. It must be said that the Songzanlin Temple is to see its architecture, and the temple architecture brings together the essence of Tibetan religious culture.
If you don't want to just look at the building, if you want to know more about the friends of Songzanlin Temple, you can consult the lecturer's explanation time at the entrance of Songzanlin Temple. There are regular free interpreters every day.
Standing on the heights of Songzanlin Temple overlooking the city of Shangri-La, standing on the clouds, the heart is refreshing. The tourists who came to the temple slowed down and whispered softly. In such an environment, they could not help but respect.
Little_Watermelon_C.
The Dandan Songzanlin Temple is the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan Province. It is also one of the famous great monasteries in the Kang District. It is also the Huangjiao Center in the Sichuan-Yunnan region. It has a pivotal position in the entire Tibetan area and is known as small. Potala Palace." The temple is built on the mountain and looks like an old castle. It is a collection of Tibetan art and is also known as the Tibetan Art Museum.
It is recommended to stay at the nearby Songzan Linka Hotel, you can see the day and night dusk, you can also shoot the stars.
lilith991.
The Songzanlin Temple is the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan Province. It is also one of the famous monasteries in the Kang District. It is the Huangjiao Center in the Sichuan-Yunnan region. It has a pivotal position in the entire Tibetan area and is known as Potala Palace. The temple is built on the mountain and looks like an old castle. It is a collection of Tibetan art and is also known as the Tibetan Art Museum. Songzanlin Temple, also known as Guihua Monastery, is 5 kilometers away from Zhongdian County. It is an ancient castle complex with an ancient town. It was built in 1679 AD and completed in 1681. The fifth Dalai Lama decided the location though divination and gave the name—Gedansongzanlin.
BabyMimo.
Songzanlin Monastery, a sacred landmark on the snowy plateau.
📍Address: Songzanlin Scenic Area, No. 3 Niwang Road, Jiantang Town, Shangri-La City, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. It is about 5 km from the ancient city of Shangri-La and is a group of ancient castle buildings the size of an ancient town.
🚗Transportation:
[One]Public transportation: Take Bus No. 3 on Changzheng Road in Shangri-La, which takes about 30 minutes. You can also take a minibus directly to the scenic area, but the fare is slightly more expensive.
[Two]Taxi: A taxi from downtown Shangri-La to the scenic area costs about CNY 25.
[Three]Self-driving: There is a large parking lot. Just navigate to Songzanlin Scenic Area.
👍️Must-see attractions:
[One]Main Hall: The two main temples of the monastery, Zhacang and Jikang, are the core buildings, located in the center of the monastery and at the highest point. Entering the main hall, you can see exquisite architectural structures, gilded copper tiles, roof ridge beasts, and flying eaves. Inside the monastery, there are many Buddha statues, pagodas, and Tibetan scripture cabinets, creating a strong religious atmosphere.
[Two]Lamuyangcuo Lake: Located next to Songzanlin Monastery, you need to walk a short distance to get there. Walk along the lakeside trail and enjoy the beautiful lake and mountain scenery. On a clear day, you can take photos of the reflection of the monastery in the water.
🎟️Tickets: CNY 90 per person, including admission and a sightseeing bus ticket.
💗Other tips: Legend has it that when the Dalai Lama was divining for the site of Songzanlin Monastery, he received a divine sign: "A clear spring appears in the deep forest, and a golden goose descends from the sky to play in it." Climbing to the top of Songzanlin Monastery can be tiring, especially with altitude sickness. Take your time and don't rush.
BallMoonFishShoe
Songzalin Monastery is an incredibly mystical monastery
Songzalin Monastery is an incredibly mystical monastery, situated in the high, quiet, and serene mountains of Shangri-La, Yunnan. The monastery buildings are clustered together, with each one having the same architectural style. Notable features include thick, sturdy walls, large doors draped with black curtain adorned with unique tantric religious patterns. The interior is decorated in vibrant colors, and visitors are required to move in a clockwise direction. This is a sacred place, so visitors must maintain silence and may also pray or purchase prayer beads blessed by the Dalai Lama for peace.
Those who are prone to altitude sickness should prepare an oxygen tank, as this area is at a high altitude and involves extensive walking on many stairs, so it’s essential to be prepared. Additionally, visitors can rent traditional Tibetan clothing to capture memorable photos. The scenery is truly beautiful and ancient, evoking a sense of being in Tibet.
📍Address: Shangrila, Yunnan
💰Average Price per Person: 75yuan-90 yuan
🗓️Itinerary Scheduling: 1 or a half day
Thaohuynh
Songzanlin Monastery—Family Trip to Yunnan, 2 Days in Shangri-La
🕐️DAY 1: 2017.2.19
Morning: Chartered car from Lijiang to Shangri-La, Tiger Leaping Gorge in the morning
Afternoon: After lunch, visit Dukezong Ancient Town and Songzanlin Monastery
Evening: Stay at Mozhugangka Inn
🕐️DAY 2: 2017.2.20
Morning: Pudacuo National Park
Afternoon: Return to Lijiang
Evening:
💗Other tips: From Kunming to Dali, Lijiang, Lugu Lake, and then to Shangri-La, the altitude gradually increases, making it easier for the body to adapt to altitude sickness. On this trip to Shangri-La, my parents and elder sister felt slightly uncomfortable, but my second sister and I had no reaction. The oxygen tank prepared by the chartered car driver was not used.
sophiadesert
Shangri-La 2-Day In-Depth Tour Don't Miss These
Shangri-La Tour, the essence of two days is all here! Beautiful scenery and Tibetan culture all in one, take this practical guide and easily explore Shangri-La!
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Places to visit:
🌟 Tiger Leaping Gorge (Shangri-La section): The gorge here is deep and narrow, with huge rocks in the river and rapid water flow. The scenery is extremely magnificent, making it a paradise for photography and adventure enthusiasts.
🌳 Pudacuo National Park: The crystal-clear Shudu Lake is surrounded by dense virgin forests, and the meadows blooming with wildflowers are incredibly beautiful, as if you are in a fairyland.
🏯 Lijiang Ancient Town: An ancient town by the mountains and rivers, with small bridges and flowing water between ancient stone streets and alleys. You can look up to see the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, feeling the perfect blend of ancient and nature.
🙏 Songzanlin Scenic Area: The solemn and majestic Songzanlin Monastery, as a holy place of Tibetan Buddhism, inspires awe and is a great place to experience Tibetan culture.
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**Notes**:
- In September, the climate in Shangri-La is pleasant, warm and comfortable during the day, and slightly cool at night. Remember to bring a light jacket.🧥
- When buying specialties, compare prices from several stores to avoid impulsive purchases, so you can choose high-quality and cost-effective items.🛍️
- When tasting local food, Tibetan hot pot and butter tea are highly recommended for their unique flavors!🍲🍵
- The ultraviolet rays are strong in the plateau area, so take sun protection measures when going out. Hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential.🧢🕶️
- Respect local customs and habits. Keep quiet when visiting temples and do not take photos casually.📸
- Shangri-La has a high altitude. If you experience altitude sickness, rest and consult a doctor promptly.🏥
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Shangri-La, a place closest to heaven, don't hesitate, take this guide and start your dream journey now!
AndreasMortensen
Explore the ancient temple of a thousand years and appreciate the unique cultural heritage of Songzan
Ganden Songzanlin Scenic Area is located in the northern part of Shangri-La City, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, at the core of the Shangri-La City tourist area.
The Songzanlin Scenic Area consists of multiple attractions, including the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan Province, one of the thirteen famous monasteries in the Tibetan areas, known as the 'Little Potala Palace' - Ganden Songzanlin; the mother river of Shangri-La: the source of holy water for the Tibetan people, Naizi River; the famous sacred lakes in the Tibetan areas: the soul lake of the Dharma protector Vajra Baiteng Lamu, Lamu Yangcuo Lake; the important town on the Ancient Tea Horse Road, the center of Shangri-La mythology, Niwangzong Ancient Town Sky Burial Platform, and Niwangzong Wetland.
Ganden Songzanlin Monastery, the largest Gelugpa (Yellow Hat sect) Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan, is located 5 kilometers from Shangri-La. It is known as the 'Little Potala Palace'. Built between 1679 and 1681, the Fifth Dalai Lama chose the site and personally named it 'Ganden Songzanlin'. The monastery is also known as 'Guihua Monastery'.
The monastery is built on a mountain, facing south at an altitude of 3300 meters. The architecture of the monastery embodies the essence of Tibetan religious culture, with splendid golden roofs, diverse shapes, gilded copper tiles, and exquisite eaves with beast heads.
The main hall of the Zhacang is spacious and magnificent, housing numerous Buddha statues, with a bronze statue of the Fifth Dalai Lama enshrined at the front. The murals and carvings on the walls of the west wing are exquisitely crafted.
In the early morning, when the first rays of sunlight shine on the golden roof of Songzanlin Monastery, the entire temple seems to be bathed in a sacred glow.
With a sense of reverence, I stepped onto this sacred land. The architecture of the monastery is grand yet elegant. The red and white walls, golden roofs, and exquisite carvings and paintings all showcase the wisdom and creativity of the Tibetan people.
The formation of Niwangzong Ancient Town is rooted in the Tibetan Buddhist manor system. In 1679, when Songzanlin was first built, Emperor Kangxi approved the ordination of 330 monks and allocated 300 households of slaves to serve the monastery manor. Later, during the Qianlong period, an additional 70 households were granted, bringing the total to 370 households.
Niwangzong Ancient Town is divided into two villages, Dongweiconggulong and Xixiaojiezi.
Niwangzong Ancient Town flourished in the later period of the Ancient Tea Horse Road, driven by the monastery economy. It once became an important trading post on the Ancient Tea Horse Road, known for trading salt, iron, tea, and mules and horses between the north and south routes.
In midsummer, Songzanlin is far from the hustle and bustle of the city. Walking through this quiet ancient town built around the monastery, rows of ethnic-style stone houses stand in close succession, with eaves gently curving upwards and uniformly covered with blue tiles. These old ethnic-style stone houses carry the rich cultural connotations of the ancient town.
Songzanlin Scenic Area
Fork in the Road
Spiritual trip
To truly enjoy this place, we decided to come early to avoid the crowds. Opted out for the bus option, and we're glad we did as there was some roadworks and it was hard to spot the plank walk at first.
Once we arrived, we were amazed by the magnificence and beauty of the the temples. The size of the buildings make you feel small. It's really colourful, and the smell of burning incense guides you through your spiritual journey.
Go through all the temples to pray, get a blessing from a monk, enjoy the spiritual atmosphere, and marvel at the beauty of the temples.
Discover a part of Tibetan culture in Yunnan.
💰Average Price per Person: 55rmb/person without the bus, 75rmb/person with the bus.
🗓️Itinerary Scheduling: half a day, enjoyed walking back instead of taking the bus as it offered beautiful views over the monastery
💞Reasons to Recommend: magnificent, spirituality, architecture
#songzanlinmonastery #tibetanbuddhism #shangrila #yunnan #spiritualjourney
bebou around the world
Shangri-La: A Journey of Peace and Natural Beauty
#myhiddengems For an unforgettable adventure that immerses you in both cultural and natural beauty, Shangri-La is a must-visit destination. Start your journey by marveling at the vibrant prayer flags fluttering in the breeze, a symbol of peace and spirituality in this high-altitude paradise. The expansive grasslands under the vast, open skies offer a serene escape, perfect for nature walks and soaking in the tranquility. Don't miss exploring the stunning local temples, where vivid colors and intricate designs blend seamlessly with the breathtaking landscape.
Whether you're seeking spiritual solace or simply looking to reconnect with nature, Shangri-La promises an experience like no other. #ExploreNature #ShangriLa #CulturalJourney #NatureEscape
阿咪咪
Diqing Tour (8) - Songzanlin Monastery
Songzanlin Monastery is located 3 kilometers north of Shangri-La City. The area surrounding Songzanlin Monastery is designated as the Songzanlin Scenic Area. Songzanlin Monastery is not a single temple but a complex of various temples of different sizes. The palaces of varying scales are built along the mountain, creating a picturesque scene, earning it the nickname 'Little Potala Palace.' The common feature of the halls in Songzanlin Monastery is their yellow walls, with the upper parts painted in dark red, golden roofs, and black or yellow curtains hanging on the doors and windows.
Under the sunlight, the golden roofs of the palaces shine brightly, with crows soaring in the sky, tourists wandering between the palaces, bringing an atmosphere of auspiciousness and joy. Many young beauties or couples dress in Tibetan costumes to take pictures, their faces beaming with smiles. Songzanlin Monastery exudes a sacred and solemn atmosphere, contrasting with the secular attire and behavior of the tourists. This unprecedented combination of the sacred and the secular is being played out everywhere, 'like willow catkins floating in the wind, let's see where they return with the spring.'
cinnabar_5972
Shangri-La Songzanlin Monastery
Ganden Songzanlin Monastery is the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan Province and one of the most famous monasteries in the Kham region. It is also the center of the Gelug school in the Sichuan-Yunnan area and holds a significant position in the entire Tibetan region, earning the title of 'Little Potala Palace.' The monastery is built on a mountain, resembling an ancient fortress, and is a masterpiece of Tibetan architectural art, also known as the 'Tibetan Art Museum.'
The monastery is also known as Guihua Monastery and is located 5 kilometers from the county town of Zhongdian. It is a complex of ancient fortress buildings on the scale of an ancient town. Construction began in 1679 AD (the 11th Rabjung Year of the Earth Sheep according to the Tibetan calendar) and was completed in 1681 AD (the Year of the Iron Rooster). The Fifth Dalai Lama personally bestowed the name 'Ganden Songzanlin.'
The weather was particularly good. After several rains, the sky cleared, giving Songzanlin Monastery a sense of sacred radiance.
AadaPeltonen
Shangri-La/Songzanlin Scenic Area
Songzanlin Monastery, also known as Ganden Sumtseling Monastery and Guihua Monastery, is a large Tibetan Buddhist temple in Yunnan Province and the center of the Gelug (Yellow) sect in the Sichuan-Yunnan area. The temple was founded in 1679 and is built against the mountain. From a distance, it bears some resemblance to the Potala Palace in Lhasa, and due to its grand scale, it is reputed as the 'Little Potala Palace'.
Songzanlin Monastery faces south with its back to the north and is surrounded by an elliptical wall. The two main halls, Tzhacang and Jikang, are located at the central high point of the monastery. The grand hall is a five-story Tibetan-style building with intricately carved beams and painted rafters, and its top is adorned with a gilded copper dome that shines brilliantly. The Tzhacang Grand Hall is where monks study scriptures and religious doctrines, with bronze statues of Tsongkhapa and Maitreya Buddha enshrined in the rear hall. In the Jikang Hall, the statue of Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelug sect, is enshrined in the center, and the walls are painted with exquisite murals of the Eight Medicine Buddhas. Around the two main halls, there are eight Kangsar and monks' quarters, which are built at varying elevations, making the surrounding main halls appear even more majestic and imposing.
SARA WILLIAMS
Shangri-La is a paradise on earth, no less stunning than Daocheng Yading
📍Ganden Sumtseling Monastery
Ganden Sumtseling Monastery is the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan Province and one of the most famous large monasteries in the Kham area. It holds a pivotal position throughout the Tibetan region and is known as the 'Little Potala Palace'. The monastery is built against a mountain and resembles an ancient castle, embodying the pinnacle of Tibetan architectural art, and is also referred to as the 'Tibetan Art Museum'. (‼The biggest 'pitfall' of Sumtseling Monastery is actually the ticket. Both online tickets and self-service ticket machines sell only one type of combo ticket for 90 yuan per person, which includes the temple admission of 55 yuan, round-trip sightseeing car for 20 yuan, and a guide fee of 15 yuan, but in fact, at the manual counter, you can buy them separately. Personal suggestion‼️)
📍Meili Snow Mountain: In the movie 'Paths of the Soul', Xiaochuan says: Meili Snow Mountain is made of 175 milliliters of milk mixed with 250 milliliters of fresh cream, and finally, two spoons of white sugar are added to make a huge ice cream. Meili Snow Mountain, a romantic, mysterious, and magnificent place. ‼️A strong recommendation, you must see the 'Golden Sunrise' over Meili Snow Mountain at least once. The feeling at that moment is unimaginable from pictures and videos. It is said that out of 365 days a year, only 40 days can witness the 'Golden Sunrise', and seeing it can bring you luck for the whole year!
📍Bottomless Lake: Shangri-La translates to 'the sun and moon in one's heart', a place with few people, niche beauty, and stunning scenery. As soon as you get off the car, you are healed by the clear and bright mountain forests and lakes, and the scent of the forest hits you. Nearby is a meadow full of yellow flowers🌼 and leisurely cattle and sheep🐑 (In the distance, there are layers of rich forests 🌲 and mountain peaks that appear and disappear among the clouds and fog ⛰️
3l.z@b3th N3ls0n
The place closest to heaven—Shangri-La
Shangri-La, the place closest to heaven, boasts beautiful scenery at an altitude of 3600-4200 meters. "Shangri-La" means "the sun and moon in one's heart" in Tibetan.
🔥 Transportation Guide🚙
✈️Plane: Direct flights to Diqing Shangri-La Airport, then transfer to a bus/public transport; or transfer via Kunming/Lijiang to reach by high-speed train/bus.
🚄High-speed train: Shangri-La station, then transfer to public transport/taxi to hotels and attractions (Kunming→Shangri-La, 4.5h).
🚘Self-driving (chartered car): Take the expressway, National Highway 214, or the Eastern Ring Road, with the Eastern Ring Road being the most scenic.
🔥 Attraction Recommendations
📍Potatso National Park
China's first national park, the place of Serteng revival, "Potatso" in Tibetan means to ferry all living beings to the other shore of suffering.
📍Baishuitai
China's version of "Cotton Castle," where the azure spring water💧 flows over naturally formed limestone terraces, Baishuitai is a natural wonder formed by the dissolution of calcium carbonate in the spring water. The spring water, containing calcium bicarbonate, flows slowly, and carbonates gradually precipitate, forming terraces over the years, resembling layered terraces.
📍Songzanlin Monastery
The largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in the world, known as the "Little Potala Palace." It houses a large number of Buddhist relics and classic architecture.
📍Tiger Leaping Gorge
One of China's deepest gorges, hidden at the junction of Shangri-La and Lijiang, with Jade Dragon Snow Mountain on one side and Haba Snow Mountain on the other. During the rainy season from May to September, the river water rises rapidly, which is quite spectacular.
📍Dukezong Ancient Town
Known as the "Moonlight City Castle built on stone," it still retains the world's largest and highest prayer wheel, where you can walk clockwise around the prayer wheel three times.
📍Napa Lake
Napa Lake is not a sea but a seasonal highland lake, with Shangri-La's largest grassland, tranquil lakes, and majestic mountains, horses and lambs, and Tibetan dress photography is very photogenic📸.
📍Meili Snow Mountain Gang
Meili Snow Mountain is very close to Shangri-La, with the 'golden pagoda'-shaped main peak of Meili - Kawagebo Peak, the thirteen peaks of Meili, located at the confluence of the Jinsha River, Lancang River, and Nu River. It is said that those who see the sun shining on the golden mountain at Meili Snow Mountain will be lucky for the whole year, and the best season is autumn and winter. The Wunongding viewing platform is the best position to capture the panoramic view of Meili Snow Mountain.
📍Liangbeng
A place yearned for by many hiking enthusiasts, known as "hiking paradise." The last village in China to be electrified, Liangbeng is located at the foot of Meili Snow Mountain, and the sun shining on the golden mountain seen from Liangbeng village has a unique angle.
⚠️When entering Songzanlin Monastery, a Buddhist holy site, be sure to pay attention to your attire when visiting inside; do not wear short skirts, shorts, or sleeveless backless clothes. Photography is not allowed inside the hall, and remember to take off hats and sunglasses to respect local customs and culture.
🔥 Shangri-La Specialty Cuisine
🌟 Zongka Tibetan Meal
The yak meat hot pot ingredients are really good and delicious, very tender! The yak pizza amazed me, with a crispy crust and a very fragrant filling.
🌟 Mariga Tibetan Meal
It's like Tibetan dumplings filled with yak meat, really delicious when dipped in sauce.
🌟 Old Boy Barbecue
🍢 Their barbecue is quite flavorful, with delicious grilled meat skewers and grilled garlic.
🌟 Ama's Butter Tea
🧀 Butter milk cheese: With barley grains and cheese chunks on top, and yogurt below, stir it up, and the barley with yogurt is very fragrant.
🍮 Barley milk tea: With barley on top of the milk tea, the milk tea is not sweet, and it's very warming in the cold weather there.
🌟 Shunshun Snacks
🍜 Yak meat rice noodles: The beef is very fragrant, and the soup base is rich, not the clear soup type, with the addition of pickled cabbage and chili, you can't stop eating.
🍚 Yak meat fried rice: The fried rice is distinct, and when you take a big bite, it's super fragrant, and there's a lot of yak meat.
🥩 Yak meat buns: Their buns are super delicious!!! With large chunks of yak meat paired with green pepper filling, the presence of green pepper perfectly cuts through the richness, making it easy and burden-free to eat, really super fragrant.
SKYE STEVENSON
A small Potala Palace where you can glimpse the splendid Tibetan Buddhism, Songzanlin Monastery.
📍Address: 5km from Shangri-La Road, at the foot of the Bulbingsan Mountain
📍Key Points
It's a world of splendid gold that you can't see in our country's temples. The villagers and monks actually live and practice here. Climbing the stairs is really tough, but it's a style you can't see anywhere else, so I found it really fascinating. It feels very different from Buddhism in our country. Highly recommended.
📍Average price per person: About 14,000 KRW
📍Rating: 4/5
mealandsoon
Yunnan Travel Guide for January to February!!!
1-2 months in Yunnan, a travel guide without paying 'intelligence tax' ||| Yunnan, which means 'South of the Colorful Clouds', is also named for its location 'South of the Yunling Mountains'.
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✔️Average weather in January 3-17 degrees
✔️Average weather in February 5-20 degrees
💎January-February attire: Due to the large temperature difference between morning and evening in Yunnan, it is advisable to bring warm clothes and a thick coat, so you can add clothing in the morning and evening according to the weather to avoid catching a cold. In addition, you can also bring a sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and an umbrella
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✅Yunnan Attraction Ticket Collection
1. Kunming: Dian Lake, Stone Forest Scenic Area (130 yuan), Xishan (75 yuan including cable car)
2. Dali: Erhai Lake, Nanzhao Style Island (45 yuan), Shuanglang, Xizhou Ancient Town, Dali Ancient City, Cangshan (cable car full journey from 260 yuan)
3. Lijiang: Shuhe Ancient Town, Lijiang Ancient City, Yushui Village (50 yuan), Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (140 yuan for cable car), Blue Moon Valley (including snow mountain ticket), Lugu Lake Scenic Area (70 yuan)
4. Shangri-La: Tiger Leaping Gorge (65 yuan), Haba Snow Mountain, Baishuitai, Songzanlin Scenic Area (90 yuan), Pudacuo National Park (138 yuan including eco-car)
5. Xishuangbanna: CAS Botanical Garden (75 yuan), Wild Elephant Valley (60 yuan), Primitive Forest Park (45 yuan), Dai Nationality Garden (45 yuan)
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✈️How to Buy Discounted Tickets
1. Best time to buy discounted air tickets
(1) Tuesday afternoon, Wednesday early morning, and Sunday are generally good times to buy discounted tickets
(2) Avoid Fridays, as many business people tend to buy tickets on Fridays.
(3) Airline membership days for deals
China Southern Airlines: China Southern membership day on the 28th of each month
West Air: Pocket money days on the 14th and 28th of each month
Air China membership day: Every even-numbered day of the month (January 1st, February 2nd, etc.)
China Eastern Airlines membership day: 18th of each month
Spring Airlines, Sichuan Airlines, which are less used, can pay attention to their official accounts for promotions, which will be pushed in advance
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✔️Yunnan 6 Days 5 Nights Itinerary
Day 1: Fly directly to Kunming from across the country, check into a hotel, and have free time
Day 2: Kunming—Jiuxiang—Take a car to—Chuxiong
Day 3: Private yacht—Internet celebrity jeep photo tour—Bai nationality garden—Dinner with song and dance
Day 4: Dali Ancient City—Foreigner Street—Lashi Sea—Tea Horse Ancient Road—Lijiang Ancient City
Day 5: Shuhe Ancient Town—Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Day 6: Kunming—Warm home
Tips:
If you are a sister visiting Yunnan for the first time and don't want to plan the trip, you can consider joining a local tour group, like the itinerary above, 6 days and 5 nights for about 1300 yuan per person, excluding airfare, with transportation, accommodation, and attraction tickets all taken care of, which is quite convenient and saves trouble
ESTELLE BENNETT
Yangtang Kangtsen at Songzanlin Monastery || You really know how to have fun!
Address, Songzanlin Monastery, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province
The subordinate monastic organization of Zhacang is called 'Kangtsen', which means monastic community in Tibetan, that is, the monks of the large monastery are divided into several groups according to their place of origin or birthplace, forming regional organizations of ecclesiastical districts.
Kangtsen is presided over by an elder monk, with administrative staff such as Nianwa and Gegan, managing the administrative, religious, and economic affairs of the ecclesiastical district relatively independently. The eight major Kangtsen of Songzanlin Monastery are: Duke Kangtsen, Zhaya Kangtsen, Dongwang Kangtsen, Rongba Kangtsen, Yangdo Kangtsen, Jiedi Kangtsen, Zhuo Kangtsen, and Xiangcheng Kangtsen.
Upon entering the Songzanlin Monastery scenic area, the first thing you see is the Yangtang Kangtsen. The calligraphy inside is extremely exquisite.
Penelope Carmichael
Day 6 of Yunnan Trip
At 8:00 in the morning, we took a taxi to the Ganden Sumtseling Monastery. If you stay in the old town, you can take the No. 3 bus directly to the entrance of the monastery. We took a taxi, which only goes as far as the ticket office. There, you have to buy not only the entrance ticket but also a bus ticket from the ticket office to the monastery entrance. On the way back, we took the No. 3 bus directly to the east gate of Dukezong Ancient Town.
Sumtseling Monastery is definitely worth a visit. Whether you believe or not, praying for your family and expressing good wishes is always nice. You might also consider donating some money for incense to the monks, as such a large monastery supports many people. Tibetan Buddhism does not require fulfilling vows, so you can share any thoughts or wishes with the Buddhas.
Sumtseling Monastery has its unique practices; you should walk along the left side and follow a clockwise direction when entering and exiting, and when worshipping, you should visit the left hall, the central hall, and then the right hall. The same etiquette applies here: remove your hat, sunglasses, and do not step on the thresholds.
From the old town to Sumtseling Monastery, you'll see groups of young men and women dressed in Tibetan attire and wearing plateau-red makeup, which is quite beautiful. However, the weather in March is a bit cold, and it can be a bit troublesome to put on and take off clothes when taking photos. The prices for travel photography are quite transparent, and it's still something enjoyable to do. Plus, Yunnan's blue skies and white clouds are especially photogenic; with a bit of skill, you're guaranteed beautiful photos. Overall, the atmosphere in Shangri-La is nice, and although it's quite commercial, it feels much better than my visit to Lijiang a few years ago.
In the afternoon, we took a train for over four hours to Kunming!
Accommodation: We chose the convenient Peony Hotel again for its easy access to food and shopping.
DOUGLAS ALEXANDER
Shangri-La in winter
I personally love hiking and photography, and I have a camera and a drone. Interested friends can join next time. This time the preparation was not sufficient, and the snow was heavy, so I didn't get to go where I wanted.
This time I went to:
Songzanlin
Dukezong
Meili's sunrise over the Golden Mountain
Next time I plan to:
Pudacuo
Tiger Leaping Gorge
Yubeng
Nanji Luo
Abuji Lake
RICKY FRENCH
Ganden Sumtseling Monastery: A sacred place of Tibetan Buddhism
For two consecutive days, I embarked on the pilgrimage to Ganden Sumtseling Monastery. This temple, known as the 'Little Potala Palace', is located in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture and is a knot in my heart. In Shangri-La, I chose to buy a ticket and enter again to feel the tranquility and solemnity.
After buying a ticket, you can choose to take a car to the temple. If you are physically strong and do not have altitude sickness, you can choose to walk, which allows you to enjoy the scenery along the way and exercise. Remember, sit on the left side when you go, and sit on the right side when you return, so you can take a panoramic view of Sumtseling Monastery.
Ganden Sumtseling Monastery was built during the Kangxi period of the Qing Dynasty (1681) and is one of the three major monasteries of the Gelug sect of Tibetan Buddhism. There are three main halls, each enshrining the Buddha Shakyamuni, the Zha Zang Hall, and the statue of Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelug sect. Here, you can deeply feel the solemnity and sacredness of the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha.
If you are interested, you can climb the stairs of the main hall, go to the fourth floor, where you can overlook the beautiful scenery of the entire Shangri-La city. Standing there, you can feel the tranquility and harmony of the entire city, as if all worries are gone at this moment.
This is Ganden Sumtseling Monastery, a place worth your time and heartfelt experience. I hope my guide can help you and let you gain more beautiful memories in your travels.✨
LANEY CROSS
Deqin
Deqin Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, an ethnic autonomous prefecture in Yunnan Province, with its capital in Shangri-La City, is located in the northwest of Yunnan Province, at the junction of Yunnan, Tibet, and Sichuan provinces.
Shangri-La in Tibetan means 'the sun and the moon in the heart', originally named 'Zhongdian', and Tibetan name 'Jiantang'.
In the 1930s, the novel 'Lost Horizon' by British writer James Hilton was yearned for by the world, and it was soon made into a film of the same name and won several Oscars, making it well known to the world.
The history of the Shangri-La Tibetan area is long, the natural scenery is brilliant, and it has attractions such as Pudacuo National Park, Dukezong Ancient City, Ganden Sumtseling Monastery, and Tiger Leaping Gorge.
🌍Address: Deqin Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture
🚗Transportation: High-speed rail
⛱️Surroundings: Dukezong Ancient City
💬Language: Mainly Tibetan
⚠️Note: The temperature in the plateau area varies greatly, and the temperature difference between day and night is large
WilliamMcGregor15
Winter in Shangri-La
📍The last stop, each one is a memory~
1. Just got off the high-speed rail station and bounced excitedly. The newly opened high-speed rail, from Lijiang to Shangri-La is less than 50r💰. While waiting for the homestay pick-up, I communicated with Teacher He about photography composition, and the visual impact of Tibetans blending into the blue sky and red land.
2. On the way to Songzanlin Temple, I rented a set of Tibetan clothes (my set is 120r including makeup and costume, ordinary clothes can be 80r💰), and I felt like a woman like an eagle after putting it on. (Red is recommended as the most classic for shooting, I chose blue because it is special) I was praised by passers-by and asked for the store name in the ancient city hehe.
3. It's only thirteen yuan to take a taxi from Songzanlin Temple to the ancient city, and students can enjoy half price. If you have time, you can go to Napahai and take pictures with little sheep🐑 (I didn't go because I think the grassland is not good-looking in winter).
4. Speaking of food. I personally think the Tibetan food here is quite delicious, the prices are low and the folk customs are simple. An average of 50 per person can eat super full.
5. Walking in the Dukezong Ancient City at night, I found everyone dancing around. Most of them are young people, although they don't know each other, they will join the team whether they can dance or not (like me), the atmosphere is free and casual. I know I'm lucky, I always meet noble people on the journey. Everyone sits around the fire and chats in winter, and there are self-cooked butter tea and cheese snacks, which are warm and comfortable! 😘
auspicious_brianna
Shangri-La, the healing journey that cleanses the soul
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Deqen Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture
Shangri-La Healing Journey
In the northwest of Yunnan, at the junction of Yunnan, Sichuan and Tibet, there is a paradise lost in the world, that is Shangri-La. There are sacred snow mountains, quiet villages, deep canyons, dense primitive forests, and lush alpine meadows. Shangri-La in Tibetan means 'the sun and the moon in the heart', the beauty here cannot be expressed in words.
Songzanlin Temple
Songzanlin Temple is a place in Shangri-La that you must not miss. This Tibetan Buddhist temple is very beautiful for taking pictures in Tibetan costumes. When visiting the temple, you need to walk clockwise and respect religious beliefs.
Visit Dukezong Ancient City in the morning
You can visit the ancient city in the morning to Songzanlin Temple, try Tibetan meals. The super prayer wheel on Turtle Mountain is also very suitable for taking pictures. At night, people will gather in the square to dance together, which is very ethnic.
Napa Lake
You can visit Napa Lake in the afternoon, which is a vast wetland grassland. It looks particularly good during the flood season. Just quietly appreciate the scenery in the car.
WanderingWanderings
From the sea of flowers to the plateau of Shangri-La: explore natural wonders and experience exotic customs
Hi, travel experts🌟! Today, let's embark on a journey to the flower sea of Yunnan and Shangri-La, explore the plateau customs, and enjoy the beauty of nature. Shangri-La, ancient and mysterious, is the blue sky, white clouds, snow mountains, grasslands, lakes, rivers, villages, temples, horse gangs... all the natural scenery and exotic customs you yearn for are waiting for you here.
🏔️ Plateau scenery:
Shangri-La is located on the plateau, with beautiful natural scenery. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Pudacuo National Park, Napahai, Songzanlin Temple and other places are not to be missed. Here, you can enjoy the plateau lakes, snow mountain meadows, and feel the magic of nature.
🏞️ Exotic customs:
Shangri-La is part of Tibet, where there is a strong Tibetan style. You can experience the traditional culture of Tibet, visit Songzanlin Temple, taste Tibetan butter tea, watch Tibetan dance performances, and feel the unique charm of exotic customs.
🚗 Self-driving tour suggestions:
If you like self-driving tours, Shangri-La is also an excellent choice. The scenery along the way will definitely make you linger, but also pay attention to plateau reaction, make full preparation for plateau reaction, maintain a good mentality and physical strength.
💰 Budget:
The cost of Shangri-La is relatively high, mainly including transportation, accommodation, catering and tickets. Generally speaking, the budget for free travel is about 500-800 yuan per person per day. If you choose high-end hotels or characteristic inns, the cost will increase accordingly.
I hope this introduction can help you, come to Yunnan Shangri-La, feel the unique charm of this pure land! Remember to bring your good friends and leave beautiful memories together!✨