Ganden Sumtseling Monastery
Sumtseling Monastery or known as “Little Potala” according to its appearance, is the largest and most significant Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan located 5 kilometers away from the Shangri-La Old Town.
Construction of the monastery began in 1679 and was completed two years later. Today, it is the home for more or less 700 Lamas for their monastic lives. The monastery seems like a group of ancient castles and is composed of two lamaseries, Zhacang and Jikang.
The gilded copper roof endows the monastery with strong Tibetan features and the 108 (an auspicious number in Buddhism) columns downstairs also feature it with characteristics of Han nationality. The main halls in the monastery are magnificent, and on both the left and right sides are wonderful frescos, depicting Buddhist tales and legends. The inside-halls are exquisite with cloisters running through. The cloisters are all decorated with beautiful sculptures and consummate frescos.
Annually, on November 29th of the Lunar calendar, the Gedong Festival is celebrated here, and the Lamas and devout believers pray to the gods in their ways.
Other Shangri-La’s Attractions
Trips and Tours Ideas in Shangri-La
Wonders of Yunnan
16 days | Best seller
A travel plan for travelers who want to explore the most attractive landscapes of Yunnan in one trip.
Deep Exploration of Yunnan
17 days | Meili Snow Mountain
A journey from Kunming to Shangri-La via Lijiang with small detours in intimate Yunnan. Magical natural sites and meeting of minorities on the borders of Tibet.
Baima Nature Reserve and holy mountain Khawa Karpo
4 days | Shangri-La, Deqin, and Benzilan
Mount Kawa Karpo rises to 6740 m. Three wide rivers flow through Mount Kawa Karpo, the Yangtze, the Mekong, and the Salween.
