Songzanlin Lamasery


Located at the foot of Mt. Foping, four kilometers north of Zhongdian County, Songzanlin Lamasery was
first built here in 1679 and has been rebuilt many times. The architectural style of the building is a faithful
imitation of the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet.

Since the 5th Dalai Lama chose the site through divination in 1679, the monastery has grown into the
most important community of its kind in Yunnan. Naturally, throughout its history spanning 325 years
there have been ups and downs, but the strong faith of the people in Shangri-La has always prevailed,
and today Songzanlin once again houses more than 700 monks and lamas.

Songzanlin Lamasery is built on a hillside and looks like an ancient fort. It is often called the little Potala
Palace because of its traditional Tibetan architectural style. The two main halls of the monastery are
magnificent and feature colorful frescos depicting Buddhist stories on the interior walls. The roofs of the Lamasery are gilded copper and can be
seen for miles away shining in the sun. The exterior walls are painted in a variety of colors including white, red, and tan making the entire complex
appear even more magnificent. The Lamasery is home to the largest prayer wheel in the world.

The main scripture hall in the center of the compound is the highlight of the visit, especially during prayer time in the morning or during auspicious
festivals when devotees come to take part in the festivities. The hall itself can accommodate some 1,600 lamas sitting in meditation or chanting
Buddhist scriptures and features 108 imposing pillars.

Although smaller than Lhasa's Potala Palace, the Songzanlin Lamasery is magnificent, and its picturesque location and beautiful buildings make
this an important stop for any visit to Yunnan Province. The monastery is the largest Tibetan Buddhist Temple in Yunnan Province, and also one of
the famous monasteries in the Tibetan area.

The Lamasery also enshrines Buddhist scriptures written on palm leaves used by the late Dalai Lamas
and Panchen Lamas. On November 29 of the lunar calendar each year, the monastery becomes even
more mysterious and holy with the annual Tibetan Gedong Festival when a mask dancing performance
is held.