Facing the Cangshan mountain, approximately 1 km west of the old town of Dali, the Temple of the Three Pagodas — often called the Three Pagodas of Dali — aligns its elegant silhouettes against a backdrop of wooded ridges. The complex stands among the oldest Buddhist monuments of Yunnan and remains one of the region's most iconic visual landmarks.

Why Visit the Three Pagodas

Three main reasons justify the journey:

• Rare architecture: the main pagoda, standing 70 meters high, is one of the oldest surviving Buddhist structures in Chine, with a silhouette inspired by Indian models.
• A major archaeological site: over 600 artifacts from twentieth-century renovations tell a thousand years of religious practice.
• A photogenic setting: the alignment of three pagodas facing Lake Erhai and backed by Cangshan offers an emblematic composition of Yunnan.

History

The Three Pagodas were erected during the Tang dynasty, in the Feng You era. The central pagoda, Qianxun, was designed by architects from Xi'an, then the imperial capital, which explains its stylistic resemblance to the great pagodas of northern Chine. The two smaller pagodas were added later, in the ninth and tenth centuries, under the sovereigns of the Dali kingdom.

The site has endured centuries of successive damage—earthquakes and warfare—and undergone multiple restoration campaigns. A major renovation was carried out in the 1970s. These excavations yielded over 600 artifacts: sculptures in gold, silver, wood and crystal, bronze mirrors, coins, musical instruments and Buddhist sutra printing matrices. In 1979, the discovery of three copper plaques confirmed renovations to the great pagoda in the years 1000, 1142 and 1145, providing a valuable chronological reference for the history of Buddhism in Yunnan.

What to See

The Qianxun Pagoda

Central and white, with 16 stories and 70 meters in height, Qianxun dominates the ensemble. Its walls reach up to 3 meters thick in places, which explains its resistance to the earthquakes that have struck the region. Its slender silhouette, with a single body and superimposed eaves, follows the Tang pagoda model.

The Two Smaller Pagodas

Built in the ninth and tenth centuries under the sovereigns of Dali, they stand 42 meters tall with 10 levels each. Constructed of brick, they are positioned 97 meters apart and frame Qianxun symmetrically on either side. Their forms, like those of their great neighbor, draw from Indian Buddhist culture transmitted along the southern Silk Road.

The Chongsheng Temple

Located behind the pagodas, the Chongsheng Temple has been restored and transformed into a museum. It houses many of the objects unearthed during the excavations and documents the history, construction and successive renovations of the site. Plan for a good hour to extend your visit here.

Practical Information

• Duration of visit: 1.5 to 2.5 hours to tour the grounds and Chongsheng museum.
• Admission: paid entry, in the upper price range for Dali sites. Verify current pricing upon arrival.
• Hours: daytime opening, continuous access. Favor mornings to avoid tour groups.
• Note: it is not possible to climb inside the pagodas; the visit is conducted from the exterior and around the reflecting pools.

When to Visit

Dali sits at approximately 1,900 meters elevation and enjoys a temperate climate year-round. The best times to visit the Three Pagodas are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when clear skies showcase the Cangshan backdrop beautifully. Summer remains pleasant but wetter; winter is dry and cool. If possible, avoid Chinese national holiday periods (early May, early October), which see heavy visitor traffic.

How to Get There

Several options from Dali's old town:

• On foot: approximately 1 km from the north gate, about 20 to 30 minutes of walking depending on pace.
• By local tourist bus: several lines serve the site entrance.
• By taxi or ride-hailing (Didi): short and inexpensive rides from the city center.

Nearby Attractions

Yunnan and Chine more broadly offer other Buddhist and natural sites that complement your visit:

• The old town of Dali, worth exploring for its lanes and fortified gates.
• The Great Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi'an, another Tang masterpiece.
• The Thousand Buddha Caves of Bezeklik, Central Asian Buddhist art.

Frequently Asked Questions

Planning Your Journey

The Three Pagodas fit naturally into a Yunnan itinerary combining Dali, Lake Erhai, Lijiang and Tiger Leaping Gorge. To craft a bespoke trip, consult our Chine travel ideas.