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Songzanlin Monastery is a must-visit destination in Shangrila, Yunnan, China. This Tibetan Buddhist structure is considered the largest and most important in Yunnan. The monastery harbors an incredibly mystical and magnificent religious beauty, attracting countless visitors. Join Mytour to explore Songzanlin Monastery through the following article.
About Songzanlin Monastery
Songzanlin Monastery, also known as Sumtseling Monastery, is located on a hillside about 5 km from Shangrila and sits at an altitude of 3,300 meters. The monastery covers an area of 30 hectares, containing many ancient religious and historical values. The stunning natural scenery has made the atmosphere here more sacred and reverent.
This structure is a replica of the Potala Palace in Lhasa, China, built in 1679 and has a history of over 340 years. As a result, this place is imbued with the unique and mystical culture of the Tibetans. Over time, the monastery was completely destroyed but later restored to its original state.
The monastery is surrounded by lush green plains (Image source: Collection)
Besides being a religious center, Songzanlin Monastery is also a famous tourist destination. Here, there are many Buddha statues and beautiful murals. The temple has more than 700 lamaseries, making it the place with the most lamaseries compared to other temples in Tibet. The structure was built by the 5th Dalai Lama. During its heyday, the number of monks in the temple reached 3,000.
Many people say that this destination will bring peace and happiness. The monastery seems completely isolated from the outside world. If you want to learn about Tibetan Buddhism, there is no better place than here. Rest assured, you will gain a lot of knowledge and have a fascinating experience.
Ideal Time to Visit Songzanlin Monastery
Shangrila is located at an altitude of 3,300 meters, so the climate is quite cool. Surrounded by lush forests, hills, and pristine lakes, it is likened to a note in the world's geographical painting because of its beauty.
The best time to travel to China and visit Songzanlin Monastery is during the dry season. This is also the time when this sacred land hosts many unique festivals. From March to September is the ideal time for you to visit. Through this, you will gain a better understanding of the customs and culture of the Tibetan people.
Songzanlin Monastery exudes both dazzling and mystical beauty (Image source: Collection)
In May, the Saga Dawa festival will take place. This festival honors the birth of the Buddha and marks the end of three other festivals in Tibet. July is the time for the Tibetan Knife Dance festival. The festival includes dancing, singing, and interesting folk games.
The Mystical Stories of Songzanlin Monastery
There are many mystical stories surrounding Songzanlin Monastery. No one knows when these stories began, but over time, they have become popular. These stories have helped the monastery become more well-known, with an aura of sacred spirituality and mystery. Here are some typical stories about this monastery.
There are quite a few mystical stories related to the monastery (Image source: Collection)
- Songzanlin Monastery was successfully built with the help of the One-Legged God. Legend has it that he helped the craftsmen transport heavy stones by gripping them with his foot, making the transportation process faster and easier.
- Another story is that this monastery was built on very sacred land, where a fearsome mountain god, Heavenly King Mountain, resides. Followers believe that building the monastery here has conquered the deity, who has helped them avoid disasters and protect the people.
- Many also believe that Songzanlin Monastery was once a refuge for a Tibetan king. While fleeing from his enemies, the king sought shelter here.
- Or another story is that the monastery was built on this hillside based on divine guidance. This is why many young practitioners have always wanted to come here.
The Unique and Characteristic Architecture of Songzanlin Monastery
From a distance, the monastery impresses visitors with its curved, golden roof. Songzanlin Monastery resembles a Tibetan watchtower with 5 stories corresponding to 5 gates. To reach the main prayer hall, visitors must climb 146 steps.
Around it are other auxiliary churches and hundreds of rooms. It is where monks rest and chant. All blend together to create a space filled with sanctity. Additionally, the monastery has many other areas, such as temples, dining halls, towers, ponds, and more.
The carvings in the monastery are very meticulous and neat (Image source: Collection)
The monastery is built of limestone, reflecting the style of the 18th century. There are 8 buildings here, each with its own architecture and name. The common feature is that each building has intricately carved architecture. Among them, the tallest is the Luy Quang Tower, and the largest is the Buddha Hall.
Visitors to this place will have the opportunity to admire unique artifacts. Alongside are paintings of Buddhas, deities, wonders, and historical events of Tibet. Among them, the Vairocana Buddha statue in the main hall impresses visitors the most. The statue is made of 340 kg of gold and is carved on a precious stone. Moreover, Songzanlin Monastery also houses ancient scriptures of the world.
Unmissable Stops at Songzanlin Monastery
Songzanlin Monastery has many interesting things for you to discover. If you have the opportunity to visit this sacred place, don't miss any corner! Let's see what makes the monastery so special!
1. Bell and Drum Towers
This is one of the most famous areas in Songzanlin Monastery. These two towers were built in the 18th century on a large courtyard. Both towers are quite large, about 30 meters high. The towers are made of wood, with planks nailed and bolted together.
The golden structures stand out against the blue sky (Image source: Collection)
The Bell and Drum Towers are used for religious rituals. Important Tibetan Buddhist festivals are often held here. It would be a pity to overlook such a meaningful and important stop.
2. Main Assembly Hall
The main assembly hall at Songzanlin Monastery is where monks gather and hold discussions. Daily prayers are also held here. The hall is large, capable of accommodating up to 1,600 Lamas. It is beautifully decorated and solemn. It also features unique architecture.
Songzanlin Monastery is very large, and it will take quite some time to explore it thoroughly (Image source: Collection)
The hall is supported by 108 columns. Surrounding it are exquisite paintings and artworks. Palm leaves are used to write ancient scriptures. The images and motifs on the walls are also very vivid. They depict the realms of Heaven, Earth, demons, ghosts, animals, and humans.
3. Mat-Tang Shrine
A typical area you cannot miss when exploring Songzanlin Monastery is the Mat-Tang Shrine. The shrine is not only a place of worship for Buddha but also houses documents related to Buddhism. The architecture and decoration here also leave a lasting impression on visitors.
The monastery stands out with its curved, golden roofs (Image source: Collection)
The ceiling and walls are adorned with rich floral patterns, contributing to a solemn and sacred space. The sculptures of deities and Buddhas are intricately and realistically carved. This gives you the feeling of being welcomed by divine beings.
4. Library Area
If you want to learn about Tibetan Buddhism in particular and Chinese Buddhism in general, this is the place to go. The library of Songzanlin Monastery contains many valuable documents, including rare scriptures. Some items here are even carved in silver and gold.
You will feel a sense of tranquility and peace when you set foot here (Image source: Collection)
The library also contains texts from ancient missionaries. This will give you an objective view of the development of Buddhism in China. If you are a knowledgeable and curious person, you will get lost in here.
5. Dratsang Hall
Dratsang Hall is the earliest structure built at Songzanlin Monastery. The hall is 140 meters high and has a floor area of 1,500 square meters. This area houses many large statues of Buddhism. These statues have immense spiritual significance.
A religious structure at Songzanlin Monastery (Image source: Collection)
The statues are made from various materials, including bronze, silver, and even gold. This creates a space with sparkling reliefs. Moreover, this hall is also where monks meditate.
6. Golden Tile Temple
The Golden Tile Temple at Songzanlin Monastery, also known as Zong Keba (Tsongkhapa Hall), was built in 1679. The structure is 36 meters high, covering an area of 789 square meters. The golden roof has attracted many visitors. Inside is a giant 18-meter-high statue of the Buddha Zong KeBa, the first Buddha of Tibet.
Some tips to keep in mind when visiting Songzanlin Monastery
If you are visiting Songzanlin Monastery for the first time, you will surely be quite bewildered. New journeys always hide many surprises. Especially in the mysterious religious space like Shangri-La, there are many things to pay attention to. Here, Mytour will suggest some tips for you to keep in mind!
1. Visiting Hours
Songzanlin Monastery opens its doors to visitors from 8 am to 5 pm. You need to pay attention to this to arrange a suitable time and schedule. The monastery is quite large, so you will need quite a bit of time to explore it all.
2. Weather in Shangri-La
Due to its high altitude, the weather in Shangri-La is quite cold and dry. Although it is sometimes sunny, the temperature is quite low. Therefore, remember to bring warm clothes. Also, bring sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun. If you visit Songzanlin Monastery in winter, you need to prepare more. Thermal clothing, warm scarves, hats, and gloves are essential.
Remember to check the weather forecast before going to Shangri-La! (Source: Collection)
3. Entrance Fee
To visit Songzanlin Monastery, you need to buy a ticket. The entrance fee is about 100 Chinese Yuan, equivalent to 35 US dollars. You can buy tickets at the counter or online. If you buy online, you need to research carefully and buy from the official website.
To save time, you can hire a guide to get a thorough introduction. Note that the guides here speak either Chinese or English. This is very useful for those who want to learn about Tibetan culture and Buddhism.
4. Religious Ceremonies
Songzanlin Monastery is a famous and important religious site. Therefore, you must respect the religious ceremonies here. Proper and modest attire is the first requirement you must follow. When entering the altar area, do not bring food, drinks, or cigarettes. Some areas prohibit photography, so you need to comply.
Remember to follow the rules and requirements when visiting here! (Source: Collection)
Additionally, when visiting Songzanlin Monastery, it's important to have good health. You'll need to walk a lot and climb many stairs. Therefore, before the trip, make sure you have an adequate supply of medication and necessary health items. This will greatly benefit your journey.
Shangrila, China, is renowned for its spiritual nature. And Songzanlin Monastery is a prominent destination in that spiritual journey. You'll feel like you're entering a spiritual and mystical world. If you're interested in booking a tour to China, contact Mytour via hotline Mytour!
