In the after, we visited Ganden Sumtseling (Gedan Songzhanglin) Monastery, situated 5km north of Zongdian on a hill amongst residential houses. It was founded in the 17th century by the fifth Dalai Lama. It was designed as a smaller version of the Potala and is sometimes known as the "Little Potala". It is the largest Tibetan monastery in Yunnan and very well maintained, as evident from the shining roofs, probably benefitting from the influx of tourist to the region. 
Front View of the monastery. The main temple is situated at the top of a 146 stone steps and is a typical Tibetan four storey block-house structure with a gold-plated roof.
The three most important building in the monastery, from left, Tsongkhapa hall, Main Prayer (Zhacang) Hall and Mile (Future) Buddha Hall.
Gilded copper roof of the main prayer hall. The building is strongly influenced by Han culture where the edge of the roof is decorated by dragons.
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