Religious Site
Songzanlin Monastery
Shangri-la, China
2-3 hours
About
Founded in 1679, Ganden Sumtseling Monastery sits 5km outside Shangri-La Dukezong Old Town at 3,380m altitude, the core spiritual landmark of local Tibetans. Layered white-walled halls with gilded golden roofs spread across the mountain slope, with vast meadows and Napahai Lake stretching in the distance. It houses precious Buddhist scriptures, Buddha statues and Thangka artworks. The unified 90 CNY package includes entry ticket, round-trip shuttle bus and free official guided tour.
Travel Tips
- Tourists aged 70 and above get free entry ticket, only pay the mandatory shuttle bus fee of 30 CNY by presenting official identity documents.
- Altitude reaches 3,380m with many stone steps. Walk slowly to avoid altitude sickness; carry portable oxygen if you feel dizzy or breathless. Bring thick outerwear as temperatures drop sharply on the hillside.
- Intense plateau UV rays all day long, prepare high-power sunscreen, sunglasses and wide-brim sun hats.
- Stone steps and wooden walkways turn slippery after rain; wear non-slip walking shoes, no high heels or slippers allowed.
- Do not touch Buddha statues, prayer wheels or sacred religious artifacts; keep voices low inside all temples to respect monks and pilgrims.
- Bottled water and snacks sold at mountain stalls are overpriced; bring drinking water and light snacks before boarding the shuttle bus.
Facilities
Photography Allowed
Admission
¥55/ adult
Child¥27
Senior¥27
Opening Hours
Mon07:00 - 20:00
Tue07:00 - 20:00
Wed07:00 - 20:00
Thu07:00 - 20:00
Fri07:00 - 20:00
Sat07:00 - 20:00
Sun07:00 - 20:00
Best Time to Visit
Spring-autumn mornings for golden roof sunrise mist; late afternoon for warm sunset light over the whole temple complex.