The Chongsheng Temple Three Pagodas Cultural Tourism Area is located in Dali City, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, approximately 1.8 kilometers north of Dali Ancient City. As a national 5A-level tourist attraction, it integrates the scenery of Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake, cultural relics, Buddhist culture, and leisure vacations. The scenic area covers 1,000 mu, with a protection and utilization scope of 5.68 square kilometers.
History and Culture
The Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple were first built during the Tang Kaiyuan period and reached their peak in the Song Dynasty. They are renowned for five major treasures: the Three Pagodas, Jianji Great Bell, Yutong Guanyin Statue, "Buddhist Capital" plaque, and Three Saints Golden Statues. Nine kings of the Dali Kingdom once became monks in Chongsheng Temple, making it a famous royal temple of the Nanzhao and Dali Kingdoms. During the Xianfeng and Tongzhi reigns of the Qing Dynasty, Chongsheng Temple was destroyed by wars and natural disasters, leaving only the Three Pagodas intact. In 1997, the Nanzhao Jianji Great Bell was recast; in 1999, the Yutong Guanyin Statue was recast; and in 2005, the ancient architectural complex of Chongsheng Temple was restored and reconstructed.
Main Attractions
Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple
Composed of one large pagoda and two small pagodas, the complex includes the Qianxun Pagoda (the main pagoda), with a distance of 70 meters between the main pagoda and each of the northern and southern small pagodas. The three pagodas form a triangular layout, unified in design and harmonious in style. The Qianxun Pagoda was built during the reign of Nanzhao King Quanyou (823–859 AD), a 16-story square multi-eaved hollow brick pagoda standing 69.13 meters tall, embodying typical Tang Dynasty architectural style. The northern and southern small pagodas, constructed during the reigns of Dali Kingdom Kings Duan Zhengyan and Duan Zhengxing (1108–1172 AD), exhibit typical Song Dynasty architectural style. These 10-story octagonal multi-eaved brick pagodas stand 42.19 meters tall and are 97 meters apart.
Chongsheng Temple
Restored and reconstructed in 2005, the temple features a layout with three main and secondary axes, eight platforms, nine entrances, and eleven tiers. Its architectural style integrates the essence of dynasties from Tang to Qing. The main axis includes structures such as the Mountain Gate, Release Pond, Jieyin Bridge, Heavenly King Hall, Maitreya Hall, Eleven-Faced Guanyin Hall, Mahavira Hall, Achuoye Guanyin Pavilion, Shanhai Daguan Stone Archway, and Wanghai Tower. The temple houses 617 bronze-cast Buddha statues and ritual instruments, totaling over 1,000 tons of copper, with 599 statues and instruments gilded and painted—setting a national record.
Nanzhao Jianji Great Bell
The original bell was destroyed during the wars of the Xianfeng and Tongzhi periods. The recast bell in 1997 is a typical Buddhist bell with upper and lower tiers, the upper tier decorated with six Bodhisattva patterns. Weighing 16.295 tons, it is the largest bell in Yunnan and the fourth-largest modern cast bell in China.
Yutong Guanyin Hall
It was expanded and rebuilt on the original site in 1999. Standing at 29.99 meters tall, it covers an area of 8,100 square meters with a construction area of 4,384 square meters. The hall houses statues of Yutong Guanyin, Achuoye Guanyin, Stone-Carrying Guanyin, Brahmin Monk Guanyin, and Water-Moon Guanyin. The recast Yutong Guanyin Statue is 12.6 meters high, made of gilded copper, weighs 11 tons, and features a unique male-body-female-face form specific to the Dali region.
Three Pagodas Reflection Park
Covering an area of 27 mu, with a water area of over 10 mu, the park faces south and backs onto the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple. It is named for the clear reflection of the pagodas' grandeur in its pond. The park features architectural structures such as couplet-adorned screen walls, stele pavilions, and Yangbo Pavilion (Rippling Wave Pavilion). It is also planted with various exotic flowers and rare plants, including camellias, Myanmar osmanthus, and azaleas.
Food
Po Su Baba (Layered Crisp Pastry)
A Dali specialty pastry with sweet and savory versions, featuring a crispy outer layer and soft, fluffy filling, aromatic and delicious.
Three-Course Tea
A traditional Bai ethnic beverage sequence: bitter tea, sweet tea, and aftertaste tea, symbolizing life's three realms. Rich in flavor and ethnic characteristics.
Erhai Fish
Fresh fish from Erhai Lake, tender in texture, prepared via steaming, braising, or spicy-sour cooking, offering a delicate taste.
Tickets
The reference ticket price is 75 yuan per person.
For the latest updates or online booking, search the official WeChat public account "崇圣寺三塔文化旅游区". As of May 18, 2025, the online booking function on this account is unavailable.
Opening Hours
Open daily from 07:30 to 18:30. Plan your visit appropriately to avoid missing the entry time.
Tour Route
Start by visiting the Three Pagodas in the front area, then proceed to the Nanzhao Jianji Great Bell and Yutong Guanyin Hall to explore their history and culture. Next, move to the rear area's Chongsheng Temple, touring the main axis buildings to experience the solemnity of Buddhist culture. Finally, visit the Three Pagodas Reflection Park to admire the pagodas' reflections. The entire tour takes approximately 3–5 hours, adjustable based on personal schedule and interests.
Transportation
- Public Bus: Take Bus No. 4 or the Three Pagodas Special Line to Chongsheng Temple Three Pagodas Station.
- Taxi: Taking a taxi from Dali Ancient City or the urban area is convenient with a short driving distance.
- Cycling: Rent bicycles or electric vehicles from Dali Ancient City and enjoy the natural scenery en route.
Must-See Attractions
- Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple: An iconic symbol of Dali with high historical, cultural, and architectural value. The Tang-style Qianxun Pagoda and Song-style small pagodas form a harmonious triangular layout.
- Chongsheng Temple: A grand restored temple integrating architectural essences of multiple dynasties, with solemn Buddha statues and rich Buddhist cultural ambiance, featuring numerous Bai ethnic woodcarvings.
- Three Pagodas Reflection Park: The best spot to photograph the pagodas' reflections, with a mirror-like pond, beautiful scenery, and harmonious integration of architecture and flora.
Tour Tips
- Visit on a sunny day to better appreciate the pagodas and take high-quality photos.
- Hire an official guide to gain in-depth insights into the scenic area's history and cultural stories.
- Maintain silence and respect religious beliefs and customs within the temple.
- Bring water and snacks to stay energized during the tour.
Notes
- Obey scenic area rules; do not touch cultural relics or damage the environment.
- Follow temple guidelines when burning incense to ensure safety and prevent fires.
- If cycling, observe traffic rules and prioritize safety.
- Apply sunscreen in summer and dress warmly in winter, as Dali has significant temperature variations between day and night.