The Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple (崇圣寺三塔) is the most iconic landmark in Dali, Yunnan — and the only 5A-rated scenic area in the Dali Prefecture. It sits about 1.5 km north of Dali Old Town, backed by Cangshan Mountain and facing Erhai Lake.
🏛️ The Three Pagodas
| Pagoda | Name | Height | Style | Era |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Main | Qianxun Pagoda (千寻塔) | 69.13 m | 16-story square, hollow brick | Nanzhao Kingdom (~824–859 AD) |
| South | — | 42.19 m | 10-story octagonal, hollow brick | Dali Kingdom (~1108–1172 AD) |
| North | — | 42.19 m | 10-story octagonal, hollow brick | Dali Kingdom (~1108–1172 AD) |
The main pagoda follows Tang Dynasty architecture. On its front screen wall are the four characters “Yong Zhen Shan Chuan” (永镇山川 — “Forever Guarding Mountains and Rivers”), inscribed by a Ming dynasty nobleman. The two smaller pagodas reflect Song Dynasty style, with upturned eaves and a pale stone-lime finish that makes them look like jade pillars.
Remarkably, all three have survived multiple major earthquakes over 1,000+ years. A 1514 earthquake reportedly cracked the main pagoda by two feet, yet it “healed” itself within ten days — a local legend that underscores its structural resilience.
🗺️ What to See in the Complex
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Three Pagodas Reflection Park — The best photo spot. Go in the morning when the water is calmest for mirror-like reflections.
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Mahavira Hall (大雄宝殿) — The largest hall, housing a bronze Shakyamuni Buddha and narrative murals from the Dali Kingdom period.
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Rain Copper Guanyin Hall — Features a tall bronze Guanyin statue in Nanzhao style.
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Dapeng Golden Wing Bird Plaza — The mythical Garuda bird, a guardian symbol of Dali.
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Nanzhao Jianji Great Bell Tower — Home to Yunnan’s largest cast bronze bell.
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Wanghai Tower (望海楼) — The highest point in the complex. Most visitors miss it, but it offers panoramic views over the pagodas, Dali Old Town, and Erhai Lake.
🎫 Tickets & Hours
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Entrance fee | CNY 75–121 (varies by channel/season) |
| Shuttle cart | ~CNY 25–35 round-trip |
| Audio guide | ~CNY 20–30 (Chinese/English/Japanese/Korean) |
| Opening hours | 07:10–19:00 (May 1 – Oct 7); 07:30–18:30 (off-season) |
2026 Special: A year pass costs only CNY 120 (valid until June 30, 2027), allowing unlimited entries with ID + facial recognition and VIP lane access.
🚶 Visiting Tips
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Duration: 2–3 hours to walk the full temple grounds.
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Best time: Morning for front-facing pagoda photos (good light); afternoon for reflection-park portraits.
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You cannot enter or climb the pagodas — they are exterior viewing only.
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Wear comfortable shoes — there are uphill paths. Sun protection is essential.
🚌 How to Get There
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From Dali Old Town: Walk/ride ~20–30 min north; or take Bus 1, 19, or the Three Pagodas special line (~15 min); taxi ~CNY 15.
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From Dali Railway Station: Bus 4 or C7 (~30–40 min); taxi ~CNY 40–50 (20 min).
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From Dali Airport: Airport bus to Old Town, then transfer.
📸 Photography Tips
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Front view: Morning light, blue sky background.
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Reflection pool: Go early before wind disturbs the water.
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Wanghai Tower: The hidden gem for panoramic shots — don’t skip it.
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Winter (Oct–Mar): Snow-capped Cangshan peaks add drama to your background.
🗓️ Nearby Combo Itinerary
The Three Pagodas pairs easily with:
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Dali Old Town (1.5 km south)
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Cangshan Mountain cableways (west)
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Erhai Lake ecological corridor (east)
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Xizhou Town & Zhoucheng Village (~20 km north)