Songzanlin Monastery: The Spiritual Heart of Shangri-La

When I arrived in Shangri-La, Songzanlin Monastery was an unmissable destination, and I was deeply moved by its spiritual beauty and grand architecture.

To reach the monastery, you need to take a short bus ride, which costs 20 RMB for a round trip. While walking is an option, I wouldn’t recommend it as the road is quite long—taking the bus is the most convenient choice.

When the bus stops, a breathtaking view unfolds before you: hundreds of steep steps lead up to the hilltop, where the majestic halls await. At this point, car services are available to drive you up to the monastery via a road that circles around the back of the hill. Given Shangri-La’s high altitude, climbing the stairs can be exhausting, so I opted for the car service at 50 RMB. Although I felt I overpaid for the short ride, it was worth it—I avoided the struggle of catching my breath while climbing the stairs!

The interior of the monastery contrasts its grand exterior with a profound sense of peace. Inside, you’ll find red-robed lamas chanting serenely and giant Buddha statues, creating a spiritual atmosphere that’s hard to put into words. I spent a long time sitting in silence, absorbing the tranquility and the powerful spiritual energy of the place. Songzanlin Monastery is not only an architectural marvel but also a deeply spiritual experience, offering a sense of peace and stillness that is truly extraordinary.

Post by Diesel47 | Sep 8, 2025