Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple

The Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple are a set of three independent pagodas arranged at the vertices of an equilateral triangle near Dali Ancient City, forming a symmetrical triangle. This is unique in China. The Three Pagodas date back to the times of the Nanzhao Kingdom and the Dali Kingdom (9th and 10th centuries) and are located approximately 1.5 kilometers north of Dali Ancient City. They are located on the eastern slope of the tenth summit of the towering Cangshan Mountains, facing the west coast of Erhai Lake. The Three Pagodas are made up of one large pagoda and two small ones. They are made of brick and covered with white clay. The main pagoda is known as Qianxun Pagoda and was built between 823 and 840 AD. by King Quan Fengyou of the Nanzhao Kingdom. It is square in shape and measures 69.4 meters high, it is one of the tallest in the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907). Its appearance is very similar to the Little Wild Goose Pagoda of Xian, the Songyue Temple Pagoda of Dengfeng and the Horse Temple Pagoda of Luoyang. The Qianxun Pagoda has sixteen floors and each floor features several tiers of overturned eaves and a carved shrine containing a seated marble statue of Buhhda. In ancient times they could climb the Qianxun Pagoda, but now, the staircase is broken and travelers cannot climb. The other two sister pagodas, 42.19 meters high, rise to the northwest and southwest of the Qianxun Pagoda and are octagonal with ten-eave roofs. Due to their structure and shape, the two small pagodas must have been built in the Kingdom of Dalí in the style of the Song dynasty.

The Chongsheng Temple complex is located behind the Three Pagodas, which was the royal temple of Dali and one of the largest Buddhist centers in Southeast Asia. There are many must-see sights to explore in front of Chongsheng Temple and inside the temple. You will arrive at Dapeng Golden Wing Bird Square after passing by the Three Pagodas, here is the largest bell in Yunnan. The Nanzhao Jianji Bell, which was built in 871 AD. Upon entering the temple, you will pass through many Buddhist prayer halls, such as Mahavira Hall, Medicine Hall, Caishen Hall, Maitreya Hall, Arhat Hall, Thousan Buddha Hall, etc., and finally arrive at the Wanghai Tower, where you can see the temple complex, the Three Pagodas, Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake.

It is said that in total there are nine kings of the Dali Kingdom who renounced their status and became monks at Chongsheng Temple. The Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple are a symbol of Dali history and a record of the development of Buddhism in the area. The Three Pagodas and the Chongsheng Temple group of ancient temples, of course, are the main majestic sights that attract tourists to take a trip to Dali. Once you climb to the top of the temple, you have a chance to see a panoramic view of Dali City and Erhai Lake. Therefore, domestic and international visitors should not miss visiting the pagodas.