Three Pagodas

​The Chongsheng Temple and Three Pagodas (崇圣寺与三塔) is a National 5A-rated tourist attraction. Situated with the Erhai Lake to the east and the Yingle Peak of the Cangshan Mountains to the west, the area boasts stunning scenery and stands as a symbol of Dali and Yunnan's ancient history and culture, known for its long history, profound cultural heritage, and unique architectural art. A visit to the 崇圣寺 is absolutely essential for anyone in Dali, China. It is a truly eye-opening experience.

Site very unique in Dali, the 3 Pagodas are really a testimony of the Buddhist past of the City. They are the only ancient monuments of the site, dating back to the 9th century and surviving the earthquakes of the region. The other buildings/temples have been rebuilt/ realized by the government.

We took many photos at this location because just as you thought you reach the end of the temple, there is another one ahead. Manage to catch a glimpse of fox at the mountain.

大理国的皇家寺, but perhaps more famously known as the temple named in 天龙八部. Free 1.5 hrs live guide with the return shuttle bus ticket. Also named 大理佛都 because it holds 释迦牟尼's 舍利子 which 大理利贞皇帝 brought back personally from ancient India (current Nepal). Learnt so much, not just about this temple but Buddhism in general, including how to pray, which door to enter at the different halls. The tour continues on to the 3 towers which you'll see are all leaning. The 2 at the side towards the middle while the middle tower is leaning backwards, created naturally due to an earthquake hundreds of years ago. But interestingly, the inclination never increased over the years even though these towers were found to be built above ground without any securing foundation underground. Here, one asks for blessings thru bells, where every ring is a prayer said and because it's windy here, one can only hope wishes made here gets to the Gods faster with more rings, at ¥99 per bell.

Do visit the upper temple area first before going towards the areas of the three pagodas. You can't enter them but they are really visually quite aesthetically pleasing. Budget about 2-3 hours.

The Three Pagoda is located at north west of Dali Ancient Town. After visiting ancient town, can take 3 wheels scooter from ancient town to Three Pagoda, fare is about RMB15 and journey is less than 20mins. The Three Pagoda compound is very big and spacious. Walking up from main entrance to last building in a row will took about 2 to 3 hrs. Recommend to visit Three Pagoda whenever comes to Dali.

Beneath the wide Yunnan sky, where mountains watch and waters breathe, the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple rise with timeless grace. Stand before them, and you don’t just see ancient towers—you feel a quiet pulse beneath your feet, the whisper of old kings and monks folded into the wind. The air is still, yet heavy with presence. Here, feng shui is not theory but lived reality. Cangshan Mountain cradles your back; Erhai Lake opens before you like a mirror of the soul. It is no accident the Dali kings built here—this is a place chosen by earth and spirit alike. If you close your eyes and play soft Buddhist music, the kind that floats gently through Beijing temples, the centuries seem to fall away. You’re no longer a tourist. For a moment, you are royalty, seeker, and pilgrim all at once. The central pagoda—graceful, golden, eternal—has stood for over a thousand years, through earthquake, war, and change. Around it, newer towers bow slightly, and the restored temple complex behind them offers quiet cloisters and incense-filled halls. Everything speaks in silence: the still lotus ponds, the wind in the pine, the prayer wheels turned by unseen hands. And then, a kind gesture: foreign visitors are welcomed freely—no fee, only a passport. It's a small door into a great world, one that honors respect more than revenue. Come not just to see, but to listen. Come not just to photograph, but to feel. The Three Pagodas are not just stone—they are memory made visible.

Wry peaceful place to see all 3 Pagodas (40m and 70m). Very nice garden area. Large Pagoda from Tang Dinasty 9th century and the small pagodas from early 14th century.