The Songzanlin Monastery is the largest Tibetan Buddhism monastery in Yunnan Province. Since the layout of the Songzanlin Monastery is same as Potala Palace, it is also named "Small Potala Palace".
The Gedan Songzanlin Monastery is located in Deqing, Yunnan Province. It is the center of Gelug Sect in Sichuan and Yunnan. It plays a very important role in the whole Tibetan-inhabited areas. The Songzanlin Monastery was built upon the mountain. The appearance of it looks like an ancient castle which collected Tibetan plastic art. It also has the reputation of "Tibetan Art Museum". So, how could you miss it when you have Tibet tour from Shangri-La?
In the county town of Shangri-La, there are buses of Line 3 to the Songzanlin Monastery. The ticket price is 1 CNY.
If you want to take taxi from the county town of Shangri-La to Songzanlin Monastery, the cost is about 15 CNY.
Furthermore, the bicycle is also a good choice to Songzanlin Monastery. It will take about 20 minutes to ride bike to the Songzanlin Monastery from the county town.
The Gedong Festival, also named Religious Dancing Festival, is one of traditional Tibetan Buddhism festivals in Songzanlin Monastery. The main activity on the Gedong Festival which held on December 29th is dance with mask. The masks include bull head, crow, red deer, etc. The religious Dancing will last a day.
Entrance Ticket: 85 CNY; 55 CNY (student ticket)
Available Time: 7:30 – 18:30
Visiting Hours: four to five hours
Tel: 0887-8222455
Note: In the scenic spot of Songzanlin Monastery, it will be charged to take photos with Tibetans. In general, it is about 5 CNY for each person. Hence, please figure out in advance if some one forwardly to take photos with you.