There's something magical about the Songstam Monastery at sunrise, and this is the perfect spot.

About the viewpoint

The Songstam Monastery is no doubt the star of Shangri-La/ Diqing and this spot is one of the iconic sunrise places in town.

As the sun rises, the smoke and clouds from the temple swirl around the temple - giving off a crazy effect that you should not miss if you’re in town.

There’s quite a few spots to see the sunrise but I’ve noted this one as it’s the most ‘legal’ and easily accessible.

Getting there

The pin I've added is to the main 'viewing platform' - which is essentially a lay by/ resting area on the side of the road up to Deqen.

The spot works but most photographers will sometimes want a higher vantage point so here's the step-by-step.

Park at the rest area and then walk back on the road in the direction of the corner (back into Shangri-la) for about 50 meters. Cross over the road onto the side with the dirt track and there'll be a small pathway that climbs up onto the embankment. Once you get onto the tarmac-kind of surface then you can turn to the right and go as far as you can go for a good spot.

If you're coming for sunrise, you'll probably be joined by many others so set up a Timelapse and enjoy it!

Note: this is a major road and they do not expect people to be crossing it so please be careful if you do go across and watch both ways.

Also! This spot is kind of a wide open secret that is tolerated rather than allowed. There are signs that say no photography from there because it's dangerous so please make sure that you take all your rubbish with you.