Dejilin Monastery in Shangri La, Diqing

Dejilin Monastery in Shangri La, Diqing
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Chinese Name: 香格里拉市德吉林寺
English Name: Dejilin Monastery
Alternate Name: Ge Dan Dejilin Temple
Location: Located in Xiajie Village (霞给村), Jiantang Town (建塘镇), Shangri-La City, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China
Admission Fee: Free
Opening Hours: Open all day

Overview

Dejilin Monastery, also known as Ge Dan Dejilin Temple, is a significant Tibetan Buddhist temple located in Shangri-La’s Xiajie Village. This monastery is notable for being the only temple in the Diqing area that enshrines a 12-year-old statue of Shakyamuni (the historical Buddha) and the ancestral Buddha statues of the eight Tibetan Buddhist sects. It is a place of deep spiritual significance for local Tibetan Buddhists.

Features of Dejilin Monastery

  • Buddhist Scriptures: The monastery houses a vast collection of precious scriptures and religious texts, including 108 volumes of the Kangyur, 203 volumes of the Tengyur, as well as other significant texts like the Mizongji and the Diamond Sutra. Additionally, it holds literature related to the founders of the eight major Tibetan Buddhist sects, making it a rare and valuable repository of religious knowledge in the entire Tibetan region.
  • Unique Statues: Inside the temple, visitors can see the unique 12-year-old life-size statue of Shakyamuni, along with statues representing the founders of various Tibetan Buddhist sects.

Xiajie Village and Surrounding Area

  • Xiajie Village: Known as the “First Village of Shangri-La,” Xiajie Village is renowned for its picturesque setting, surrounded by mountains and rivers. The village is a cultural hub with rich Tibetan traditions, and it forms part of the scenic route that includes Shudu Lake, Bitahai Lake, and Baishuitai. The village features beautiful highland pastures, dense primitive forests, and traditional Tibetan houses. Cultural elements like prayer flags, mani stones, and unique spinning prayer wheels are commonly seen throughout the village.
  • Tourism and Crafts: Xiajie Village is also famous for its local handicraft workshops where Tibetan artisans create traditional hand-carved crafts, showcasing their artistic skills and cultural heritage. These workshops offer a chance for visitors to purchase unique souvenirs that reflect Tibetan culture.

Scenic Rating

  • National AAA-Level Scenic Area: Dejilin Monastery and Xiajie Village have been designated as a 3A-level scenic area by the Chinese government, indicating their cultural and historical importance and attractiveness as a tourist destination.

Best Time to Visit

  • Optimal Seasons: The best time to visit Dejilin Monastery and Xiajie Village is from late spring to early summer (May to July) and during autumn (September to October) when the weather is pleasant, and the natural scenery is at its most vibrant.

Shopping Recommendations

  • Local Specialties: Visitors can purchase a variety of local Tibetan products such as cordyceps, snow lotus, matsutake mushrooms, angelica, gastrodia, Tibetan medicine, fritillaria, red (white) snow tea, Tibetan silver, saffron, wooden bowls, and yak meat.

Location and How to Get There

  • Address: Dejilin Monastery is located within Xiajie Village, which lies about 13 kilometers northeast of Shangri-La City, along the route to Pudacuo National Park.
  • Transportation: Visitors can reach Xiajie Village by traveling 13 kilometers east from Shangri-La City towards Pudacuo National Park. Upon arrival, you can take an environmentally friendly shuttle bus provided by the park to reach the village.

Travel Tips

  1. Weather Considerations: Apart from the recommended travel months, roads in Diqing can be challenging to navigate due to rain or snow. Winter temperatures can be extremely low, and the roads may become icy. Ensure you have appropriate clothing, including jackets, down coats, gloves, and non-slip boots.
  2. Festival Season: Avoid visiting during the Tibetan New Year (usually in February), as outdoor temperatures range from -3°C to 8°C, with even colder nights. Local activities might be limited, and icy roads can pose risks.
  3. Altitude Awareness: Diqing is a high-altitude region, so take precautions against altitude sickness. Avoid strenuous activities and alcohol consumption. It’s advisable to eat more vegetables and fruits.
  4. Protective Gear: Due to the high UV radiation and dry climate, bring sunscreen, a sun hat, and sunglasses, especially if visiting after October when temperatures drop significantly.
  5. Rainy Season: The rainy season from June to September brings unpredictable weather. Carry plastic bags or rain covers for cameras and other equipment to protect them from moisture and dust.
  6. Local Souvenirs: Popular souvenirs include yak jerky, Tibetan knives, and Tibetan medicine. To ensure authenticity, purchase from local supermarkets or official stores, and use postal services for shipping Tibetan knives due to customs regulations.

Conclusion

Dejilin Monastery offers a profound spiritual and cultural experience, nestled within the scenic beauty of Shangri-La’s Xiajie Village. It provides visitors with insight into Tibetan Buddhist traditions and the opportunity to appreciate the natural and cultural richness of the Tibetan plateau.