Three Pagodas

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 main pagoda is over a thousand years old, and it’s amazing how well it's been preserved. I also really enjoyed wandering through the temple complex behind—it was quieter and had some beautiful viewpoints. We took the guide option and they gave a earpiece to each of us. Whole explanation was in Chinese and the guide gave us detailed history explanation of the place. It lasted about an hour. We ventured all the way deep inside to the deepest and highest part. All the architecture looks similar to me, However the views were amazing. However, cons - there was a lot of stairs and walking all over the complex, even with the mini tram. Be prepared to walk in the heat under the scorching sun!

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.

This templex complex is a testament to Chinese architecture and their dedication to Buddhism. The temple at the top of the hill was really something special, the level of detail and craftsmenship was like nothing I have ever seen. I felt emotional being in that final temple after the adventure getting up there.

A stunning succession of multiple gorgeous temples that only starts with the three pagodas, just keep on going up the hill. Can easily spend a whole day exploring. There’s a Buddhist vegan (蔡) restaurant on the premises to keep you fed whilst doing that. Free entrance for foreigners.

The entrance fee of 75 RMB is a bit steep to see the 3 pagodas. There are also a number of Chinese temples to visit. It can be quite sunny so remember to wear a hat and covered clothing.

There was no wait time. Remember to visit the back temples too. As i think they don't tell me about it (i think so) And let me tell you, it is INCREDIBLE at the back temples. The view is just 'wow'