Songzanlin Monastery Travel Guide

Brief Introduction
Located at the foot of Mt.Foping, faces a vast grassland that used to be smothered by a lake, the Songzanlin Monastery is the largest and the most important Lamasery of Tibetan Buddhism in Yunnan province, as well as one of the 13 large lamaseries in the joint area of Tibet, Sichuan and Yunnan.

During its time of greatest prosperity, there were more than 3,000 monks in the temple. The architectural style of the building is a faithful imitation of the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet.

The main hall in the center of the complex features imposing pillars and murals, which vividly depict the traditions and beliefs of Tibetan Buddhism, such as the "wheel of life" that illustrates the six realms of existence heaven, demigods, humankind, hell, hungry ghosts and animals.

The incense drifting in wisps, the fragrant oil lamps and the number of old monks instructing younger ones, can give one the impression that time has stood still in this little paradise since the creation of the temple.

Features
Songzanlin Monastery, or "Little Potala" as it is affectionately known, is a spiritual hub for people to discover the mystery and traditions of Tibetan Buddhism.