Songzanlin Monastery
Songzanlin Monastery is the jewel of Shangri-La and the most significant Tibetan Buddhist structure in Yunnan. Gazing upon the town of Shangri-La from the terraces at the monastery is certainly reminiscent of James Hilton’s classic 1933 novel Lost Horizon. Its construction was completed in just two years in 1681, but still undergoes restoration today as a result of upheaval in the mid 20th century. Named after the Tibetan King Songzan, a visit by the fifth Dalai Lama marked its consecration. More than 400 monks still live within the spacious and exquisitely decorated halls. Approaching the grounds on foot best enables the visitor to channel the bliss surely felt by Buddhist pilgrims upon first witnessing the monastery in centuries past.
