Zhiyun Monastery 指云寺

About Zhiyun Monastery

Stone steps lead into the Tibetan Buddhist temple, where mature trees create a strong seasonal setting. The ginkgos turn yellow towards the end of the year, while the elevated approach provides views beyond the monastery grounds. Combine a respectful visit to the temple’s public areas with a separate stop on the managed lakeside paths; the monastery and wetland are related landscapes with different access arrangements.

Zhiyun Monastery, known in Tibetan as Karma Namgyeling (噶玛南杰林), was founded in 1727, during the Yongzheng era (雍正), by a monk named Luoseng (罗僧). It is regarded as foremost among the five great monasteries of the Karma Kagyu (噶玛噶举) sect in Lijiang. The monastery was destroyed amid unrest during the Xianfeng and Tongzhi eras and was rebuilt, with reconstruction completed in 1879, during the Guangxu era (光绪). Its name, Zhiyun, means 'pointing to the clouds.' The monastery originally comprised thirteen courtyards, of which only one large courtyard and five smaller courtyards survive today.

What to look for

• Stone steps provide the main approach into the temple.
• Mature ginkgo trees bring yellow foliage to the monastery grounds in season.

Location & getting there

Getting to Zhiyun Monastery

The monastery is in Hainan village, Lashi. Published local bus routes connect Zhongyi Market with Zhiyun Temple on Route 31; confirm the current service before travel, or arrange a direct road transfer to the temple.