Ganden Sumtseling Monastery
The largest Gelug (Yellow Hat) Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan Province, known as the 'Little Potala Palace': the Zhacang assembly hall rising against the hillside and its reflection in Lhamo Yangtso Lake are classic photo spots
Visitor info
- Opening hours
- 08:00-17:00
- Ticket
- approx. CNY 115 (includes sightseeing shuttle; subject to official announcements)
Price is indicative — final quote on inquiry.
The largest Gelug (Yellow Hat) Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan Province, known as the 'Little Potala Palace': the Zhacang assembly hall rising against the hillside and its reflection in Lhamo Yangtso Lake are classic photo spots. Construction was approved by Emperor Kangxi at the Fifth Dalai Lama's request in the 18th year of the Kangxi reign (1679) and completed in 1681, with the Fifth Dalai Lama bestowing the name 'Ganden Sumtseling'. The monastery imitates the Potala Palace's layout, houses large collections of Buddha statues, thangkas and Kangyur scriptures, and serves as a religious center for the Tibetan areas at the Yunnan–Sichuan–Tibet junction; best photographed in clear, front-lit early morning.
Getting there: Bus No. 3 from downtown, or by taxi approx. 20 minutes
Photos


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