Three Pagodas, Dali - Well-preserved Landmark of Dali

Three Pagodas (三塔)

The Three Pagodas are made of one big pagoda and two small pagodas, forming a symmetric triangle. The Three Pagodas are made of brick and covered with white mud. The purpose of Three Pagodas, as so often in China, is to magically guard against natural disasters, particularly earthquakes and floods, as per the four-character inscription on the tall pagoda: "Forever Control Mountains and Rivers."

The main pagoda is known as Qianxun Pagoda which was first built during 823-840 AD by King Quan Fengyou of Nanzhao Kingdom. Qianxun Pagoda is square shaped and stands 69.4 meters high. The appearance of Qianxun Pagoda is much similar with the Small Wild Goose Pagoda in Xian, Songyue Temple Pagoda is Dengfeng and While Horse Temple Pagoda in Luoyang. Qianxun Pagoda has sixteen stories and each story has multiple tiers of upturned eaves and a carved shrine containing a while marble sitting Buhhda statue.

The other two sibling pagodas, at 42.19 meters high, stand to the northwest and southwest of Qianxun Pagoda and they are octagonal with ten multi-eave pent roofs. From their structure and shape, the two small pagodas should be built in the Dali Kingdom of the Song Dynasty style.

To well-protect the pagodas, tourists are now forbidden to step inside them. However, standing in front these sublime pagodas is enough to get you moved and surprised. If possible, please go with an experienced local guide, and then you will get more insider stories of pagodas.

Chongsheng Temple (崇圣寺)

Chongsheng Temple complex is located behind the Three Pagodas which was the royal temple of Dali and one of t 6he largest Buddhist centers in Southeast Asia. There are many sites to explore in front of Chongsheng Monastery and in the monastery.

Walk behind Three Pagodas you'll reach Dapeng Golden Wing Bird Square and see the Golden Wing Bird and explore the biggest bell in Yunnan - Nanzhao Jianji Bell which was built in 871 AD. Entering into the temple, you'll pass many Buddhist prayer halls, like Daxiongbao Hall, Medicine Hall, Caishen Hall, Maitreya Hall, Arhat Hall, Prayer Wheel, Thousan Buddha Hall, the Hall of Patriarch and finally reach Wanghai Tower where all the temple complex, the Three Pagodas, Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake can be seen.

Reflection Pond (倒影池)

Behind the Three Pagodas, there is a Reflection Pond which got its name from the graceful clear reflections on the water of the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple. The authentic Three Pagodas and the reflections create a fantastic pictures - six pagodas in one scene. Travelers, especially photographers, should cover the Reflection Pond into your visit for some awesome pictures.

Three Pagodas Nearby Attractions

Dali Old Town

Dali Old Town is a historic town with rich culture located between Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake with profound Bai culture. Wander in the old town to have leisure exploration about city gates, old towers, old streets, temples, churches, museums, shops and bars...

Cangshan Mountain

Cangshan Mountain (Mt. Cangshan), located west of Dali Old Town and Erhai Lake, is with nineteen peaks and eighteen streams. Travelers can take cableways to reach the top of Cangshan Mountain or explore the breathtaking scenery along Jade Cloud Road.

Erhai Lake

Erhai Lake (Ear-shaped Sea), reputed as "Pearl of Plateau", is the second largest highland lake of Yunnan. Taking a boat and cycling around the lake are fantastic ways to explore "Silver Cangshan Mountain and Jade Erhai Lake" scenery.

Best Dali Highlights Tours:

>> 3 Days Dali Classic Tour

>> 3 Days Dali City Tour with Cangshan Mountain Hiking

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