Best time of day
to visit the
Songzanlin Monastery

Go early in the morning or in the late afternoon to experience its tranquil character. It can be teeming with tour groups between those periods, especially in the late morning.

Photographing
Songzanlin Monastery

 

Indoor shots

Photographing inside the various temples is not allowed. External shots are okay (see photo).

Viewpoint

There is a hill in front of the lamasery complex that offers a superb panoramic view (admission fee charged).

Best seasons to
visit Shangri-La

 

Mid-April to mid-June

Rainfall is light and the colorful countryside wildflowers are blooming.

Mid-September to November

Blue skies and crisp, refreshing air.

Least desirable season

From January to mid-March, temperatures plummet and snowfall can be heavy.

Shangri-La
vs Lijiang climate

When it's warm in Lijiang in the summer, it can sometimes be rather cold in Zhongdian. Play it safe. Pack layers.

Learn my other
Lijiang/Shangri La
tips and insights

Lijiang
Top 5- Nearby attraction - Ranked
Tips - When to go and not go
Tips - Avoiding altitude sickness
Tips - Mountain cable car ride
Tips - More
Tips - Some more
Lijiang insights
Photo gallery

Shangri-La
Top 5  attractions - Ranked
Tips - When to go
Tips - Getting to Shangri-La
Tips - Zhongdian name confusion
Shangri-La insights
Photo gallery

More topics
Pronouncing Yunnan names
Yunnan highlights map
Lost Horizon - The book
Lost Horizon - The film
Lost Horizon - Location debate

Also read
Wonders of China - Top 10 rankings
China Wonders map
Chinese cuisine

 

CNTO

 

World's Top 100 Wonders
World's Top 1000 Wonders

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