Songzanlin Temple (Small Potala Palace)

Songzanlin Temple (Small Potala Palace)

Whenever you visit #Shangri-La, you must see #Songzanlin Temple. Ganden Songzanlin Monastery is the largest Gelugpa (Yellow Sect) monastery of Tibetan Buddhism in Yunnan and is known as the "Little Potala Palace".

Songzanlin Temple is built on the mountainside. Visitors can see the monks' quarters of varying heights, the eight great Kangcans and the two main halls from the main gate in the south, which are majestic and imposing. The 146 stone steps leading to the main hall are often a favorite photo spot for tourists. Many people also rushed to the Ramyangcuo Lake in the south to enjoy the panoramic reflection of the Songzanlin Monastery.

If you want to have a unique experience, it is best to change your perspective and look for a different Songzanlin Temple. If you have time, you may want to go to the north side of the temple, where you will see the two main halls of Songzanlin Temple, Zhacang and Jikang, standing on the top of the mountain, unobstructed by other buildings. There are fields, Tibetan villages, yaks and barley racks nearby, and snow-capped mountains in the distance, which is breathtaking! This was the place I found where I could enjoy the #SongzanlinTempleandthesnow-cappedmountains. It was a peaceful and tranquil scene that I still remember to this day.

If possible, stay a night at Songtsam Linka Shangri-La, where you can enjoy this view from your window porch. Especially when dining in the restaurant, the sunrise and sunset of Songzanlin Temple are right before your eyes, which is truly an unforgettable moment.

Post by kenzo932 | Dec 19, 2023