Baiji Monastery in Shangrila, Diqing

Baiji Monastery (百鸡寺) is located on the hilltop behind Dukezong Ancient Town (独克宗古城) in Shangri-La City (香格里拉市), Yunnan Province. It belongs to the Gelug school (格鲁派) of Tibetan Buddhism and was originally built during the Ming Dynasty. The monastery is named after the local religious custom of releasing chickens, which is a practice in the area. You will often see flocks of chickens roaming freely inside and outside the temple. As the highest point of Dukezong Ancient Town, the monastery offers a stunning panoramic view of the town, as well as a distant view of Ganden Songzanlin Monastery (噶丹松赞林寺). The current structure was rebuilt in 1990.

History and Culture

Baiji Monastery has a rich history, dating back to the Yuan Dynasty. It was initially built as a place of worship, and over the centuries, it has become a significant site for local Tibetan Buddhists. The monastery is popular among the local Buddhist community, particularly during the first and fifteenth days of the lunar calendar, when many believers visit to seek blessings.

The name "Baiji" (百鸡, "One Hundred Chickens") originates from a local religious custom. Villagers would release chickens on the hill as a form of offering, and the practice continues today. The sight of dozens of chickens wandering around the monastery became the inspiration for its name.

Architecture and Scenic Views

The main buildings of the monastery include a prayer hall, a prayer wheel corridor, and a butter lamp altar (煨桑炉). Surrounding the monastery are seven thousand-year-old fragrant trees that add to the spiritual atmosphere of the place.

Key Attractions:

1. Viewpoint at 3300 meters above sea level: This platform offers a 360-degree view of Dukezong Ancient Town and the surrounding snow-capped mountains.

2. Steep Mountain Trail: A 500-meter-long rugged path that is lined with Tibetan prayer flags.

3. Giant Butter Lamp Display: Outdoors, there is a collection of large butter lamps, some of which can burn continuously for months.

4. Stone Pathways and Prayer Flags: The climb to the monastery is marked by stone stairs and a path decorated with colorful prayer flags.

Religious Activities

As a regional religious center, Baiji Monastery holds daily Tibetan Buddhist ceremonies, including:

• Saka Dawa Rituals: Offering barley and pine branches in smoke prayers (煨桑祭祀).

• Prayer Wheel Spinning: Devotees walk clockwise around the monastery, spinning prayer wheels, with a full circuit (108 turns) considered a complete prayer ritual.

• Butter Lamp Offerings: During Tibetan New Year and other festivals, the temple sees many devotees lighting butter lamps in large numbers.

How to Get There

The monastery is easily accessible from Dukezong Ancient Town. A walk up the hill takes about 20-30 minutes. The walk is scenic, with many Tibetan prayer flags along the way. It's recommended to wear non-slip hiking shoes for the climb.

Best Viewing Times

The best times for visiting the monastery and enjoying the views are two hours after sunrise and before sunset. In the winter, be prepared for cold temperatures, so warm clothing is essential.

Nearby Attractions

• Guishan Park (龟山公园): A park built during the reign of Emperor Kangxi, offering beautiful views of Dukezong Ancient Town from its three-story Chaoyang Tower (朝阳楼).

• Giant Prayer Wheel: The largest prayer wheel in the world, standing at 21 meters and weighing 60 tons, located in Shangri-La.

• Moon Square (月亮广场): Features the Diqing Red Army Long March Museum and Diqing Museum, both of which are worth a visit.

• Square Street: The heart of the old town, lined with cobblestone lanes, white stupas, shops, cafes, and bars, where you can experience the vibrant local culture.

Practical Information

• Opening Hours: The monastery is open all day.

• Entrance Fee: Free of charge.

• Location: At the hilltop behind Dukezong Ancient Town.

• Best Visiting Time: Early morning to noon.