i've been neglecting my descriptions big time recently...

 

this was a pretty cool place. it's the main monastery in the city china decided to rename shangri-la. there's a pretty decent sized high street complete with shopping malls down the road so it's nothing as romantic as the town's fictitious namesake. however this monastery still felt damn cool and atmospheric. perched at the northern end of town and was there in the 'so hand numbing i think i'm gonna cry' winter. every now and then would see a few monks hurrying from one derelict looking building to another but otherwise had the place to myself and the couple of friends i was with.

 

really peaceful.