The Three Pagodas of Dali are recommended if anyone plans to explore this beautiful and historical part of far western China. Having heard of this place through a friend several years ago, I was excited to visit this fantastic Chinese heritage site in the Yunnan Province of China.

This stunning place, also known as the Three Pagodas of the Chongsheng Temple, is located in the ancient city of Dali, probably one of the most beautiful parts of China.

Three Pagodas of Dali

The three pagodas date back to the 9th and 10th centuries, when the Kingdom of Nanzhao and the Kingdom of Dali existed. They are also located at the foot of the tenth peak of the mighty Cangshan Mountains and face the west shore of ancient Dali’s Erhai Lake.

The main pagoda is known as the Qianxun Pagoda, which was built between 823 and 840 AD by King Quan Fengyou (劝丰佑) of the Nanzhao state. It is 69.13 meters (227 feet) high and is one of the tallest pagodas in China’s history.

The other two siblings’ pagodas, built about one hundred years later, stand northwest and southwest of Qianxun Pagoda. They measure 42.19 meters (140 feet) high and differ from Qianxun Pagoda. The two pagodas are solid and octagonal with ten stories.

The centre of each side of every story is decorated with a shrine containing a Buddha statue. The left Pagoda is also seen leaning to one side due to the inadequate strength of the foundation, and it reminds people of Pisa’s leaning tower.

There is also a lake behind the pagodas, which is called Juying Chi (聚影池 or Reflection pond), and the pond is known to be able to reflect beautiful images of the three pagodas on a clear day. This is a highly recommended spot for photographers to shoot, but it is best to come early in the mornings as it can get pretty crowded after 9 a.m.

Below are various photos taken around the temple and the pagodas. At the bottom, you will find information about the entrance fee. The best time to visit the Three Pagodas of Sali is in autumn, spring, or summertime. The trick here is to take the electric car ride to the top of the temple grounds and slowly walk your way down.

Photos of the Three Pagodas of Dali

Below are various photos of the pagodas taken during my trip here.

One recommended thing to do here is to walk right up to the Pagodas, as the comparison is surreal. Usually, many will pass the pagodas and head down, but if you have the extra time, walk towards the main pagoda, and you will see the intense size of the pagoda close-up view.

How To Go To The Three Pagodas of Dali?

Getting to the Three Pagodas of Dali requires taking a tour van, as public transport is minimal, especially around the old part of Dali. If you are visiting Dali alone, I recommend hiring a local tour company to explore the city.

They will at least take you to the tourist sites worth visiting, but they will surely make some tourist shop stops along the way. You need not buy anything; walk in and have a look, that’s all.

You can still try to do it solo, meaning rent a car and self-drive here or take a local taxi, but remember that you need to tell the cab to wait for you. Honestly, I would recommend just engaging an English-speaking tour guide and paying a little more so you will not be lost or confused at any of the places in Dali.

Three Pagodas of Dali
Entry Fee: 75 Yuan (Free for kids under 1.3 meters)
Electric Car Ride: 30 Yuan
Opening Hours: 8.00 am to 7.00 pm
Expected Time Here: 3 to 4 Hours

Conclusion

For this trip to Dali, I flew to Kunming via AirAsia and then took an overland trip to visit this cultural city, which is very rich in culture and heritage. If you plan to see Dali, you can do so by direct flights on AirAsia to Kunming and then overland via train or van to get here.

Again, I will highlight that the Three Pagodas of Dali are a must-visit place when you are here. There is no doubt that this is one of the more natural destinations in China.