Chongsheng Temple & Three Pagodas (崇圣寺三塔) – Dali’s iconic Buddhist landmark, a 1,200‑year‑old Tang‑Song architectural masterpiece, and the symbol of Cangshan‑Erhai feng shui.
Basics
Location: 1.5km north of Dali Old Town, at the east foot of Cangshan Mountain, facing Erhai Lake.
Status: AAAAA scenic area; National Key Cultural Relic (1961).
History:
Temple founded: Tang Kaiyuan era (713–741 AD).
Main pagoda (Qianxun Pagoda): Built ~836 AD (Nanzhao Kingdom).
Two smaller pagodas: Added 1108–1172 AD (Dali Kingdom).
Temple destroyed: Late Qing; rebuilt 2003–2005 (¥182 million).
The Three Pagodas
Arranged in a triangular formation (one large, two small):
Qianxun Pagoda (千寻塔)
Height: 69.13m, 16‑storey square hollow brick pagoda.
Style: Tang dynasty; China’s tallest existing Tang brick pagoda.
North & South Small Pagodas
Height: 42.19m, 10‑storey octagonal pagodas.
Style: Song dynasty; lean slightly inward, “guarding” the main pagoda.
Chongsheng Temple
Rebuilt complex: 600 mu, 20,080 m², following Nanzhao‑Dali royal temple layout.
Key halls:
Tianwang Hall (Heavenly Kings)
Daxiong Hall (Sakyamuni Buddha)
Yuhua Hall (Buddha relics)
Guanyin Hall (11‑face Guanyin)
Highlights: Giant bronze bell, Buddhist cultural displays, and mountain‑lake views.
Experiences & Tips
Tickets: ~¥75 (peak); 07:30–18:30 (18:00 last entry).
Best photo spot: Reflection Pond (behind the pagodas) for mirror shots.
Nearby: Pair with Dali Old Town (3km south) or Xizhou (18km north).
Why Visit?
Architecture: A rare surviving Tang‑Song pagoda ensemble.
Culture: Heart of Nanzhao‑Dali Buddhism; 9 Dali kings became monks here.
Views: Classic Cangshan mountain + Erhai lake + three white pagodas scenery.
