Shangri-La / Zhongdian

... a beautiful place about 150km (or 4 hours by bus) northwest of Lijiang. Its literally on the border to Tibet - thats why Tibetan culture is present everywhyere.



First I explored the Old Town (very quiet here compared to Lijiang), then visited the local temple, featuring a giant bell-like object that was being revolved by people pulling some strings.



Finally visiting the famous Songzanlin Monastery - this place could have well been somewhere in Tibet.



There were lots of monks about making the picture more complete. I was lucky enough to get a picture of and with them. They are usually very shy when it comes to this.