Songzanlin Monastery

Songzanlin Monastery — nicknamed the "Little Potala" for its whitewashed walls and golden rooftops arranged in concentric tiers on a hillside — is the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan province and one of the most important in southwest China. Founded in 1679 by the Fifth Dalai Lama on the instruction of an oracle, the monastery once housed 2,000 monks; today around 700 reside here. The complex sits on a ridge above Napa Lake 5 kilometres north of Shangri-La Old Town, its reflection shimmering in the shallow grassland lake below. Two main assembly halls — Zangkejia and Zhacang — contain centuries-old thangka paintings, gilded statues, and precious manuscripts. The walk up 146 steps to the main gate passes prayer wheel corridors and affords sweeping views over the Shangri-La valley. Monks in maroon robes move between the buildings in their daily routines, and in the mornings the sound of horns and chanting carries across the valley. Respectful dress is required; remove shoes before entering temples.