Compared with the famous Samye Monastery and Tradruk Monastery in the Shannan region, Chimpu Meditation Caves are the real hidden gems of the Shannan region. There are more than 300 hermits, monks, and nuns meditating in the caves scattered on the mountain slope. If you are looking for a place to experience the real life of the pilgrims, Chimpu Meditation Caves are the best place to go.
Damo Patriarch Cave (Dharma Cave) is where Damo stayed for 10 years, every day he studied and meditated facing the wall. Finally, he understood the doctrines and became Buddha in this cave.
Feilai Temple is not a popular tourist attraction as a Tibetan monastery. Yet, it is known as the best observation platform to have a panoramic view of the Meili Snow Mountain (Kawagebo).
Located in Benzilan, Dongzhulin Temple is the second-largest temple in the Shangri-La area. Compared with the largest Ganden Sumtsenling Monastery, it is less famous and touristic but much more tranquil. Normally we recommend our clients visit this temple during sunset, the most beautiful time.
Qudeng Pavilion is the first stop for the believers to make a pilgrimage to Kawagebo Peak of Meili Snow Mountain. After moving around the pavilion clockwise for three circles, the pilgrimage towards Kawagebo begins.
Napa Lake is a seasonal plateau lake in Shangri-La City; in winter and spring, the lake’s surface shrinks and turns into a large swamp meadow; in summer, when the glacier meltwater comes down from the mountains nearby, the lake comes back. The lake is huge, the best way for the visitors to stroll around the beautiful lake is to rent a bicycle or a horse.
Meili Snow Mountain (Kawagebo) is the most spectacular snow-capped mountain group in Yunnan, with hundreds of miles of long snow ridges and snow peaks, occupying 34.5% of the area of Deqin County. Together with Mt. Kailash in Tibet, Mt. Minya Gongkar in Sichuan Province and Mt. Amney Machen in Qinghai Province, are known as the four sacred mountains of Tibetan Buddhism.
Wenfeng Temple is located on the Wenbi Mountain (8 km from the ancient city), which is considered one of the best places to have a panoramic view of Lijiang. Compared with other famous lamaseries, it is a small yet much more peaceful and tranquil, a perfect place for meditation.
Ganden Sumtsenling Monastery, famous for its nickname “Little Potala Palace,” is one of the most important Tibetan monasteries outside Tibet. Do not miss the observation platform next to the lake, in front of the monastery, where you can take a panoramic picture of the monastery with beautiful reflection.
Dukezong Old Town is also known as the Shangri-La Old Town; it is the best place in Shangri-La to taste the local cuisines, buy souvenirs, or a night stroll. Every day when the night falls, there is a bonfire party where the locals singing and dancing.
