Songzanlin Monastery (songzanlin si) is a typical Lama monastery. Located at the foot of Mt. Foping, four kilometers north of Zhongdian County, a monastery was first built here in 1679 and has been rebuilt many times. The architectural style of the building is a faithful imitation of the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet.

The two main halls here are surrounded by hundreds of rooms for monks. In the main halls, three bronze statues and beautiful color murals decorate the walls relating to historical Buddhist events. The monastery also enshrines Buddhist scriptures written on palm leaves used by the late Dalai Lamas and Panchen Lamas. On November 29 of the lunar calendar each year, the monastery becomes even more mysterious and holy with the annual Tibetan Gedong Festival when a mask dancing performance is held.

How to get to Songzanlin Monastery: The Monastery is about 8km north of Zhongdian county town. Bus No.3 runs directly to the gate of the monastery and costs RMB1. The trip takes 20 minutes and a taxi should cost RMB15 from the county town.
Cost: RMB10