Three Pagodas 崇圣寺三塔

About Three Pagodas

The tall central Qianxun Pagoda has a square plan and closely spaced eaves, while the two smaller companions are octagonal. Their different forms are easiest to compare from the grounds and the reflection pond. Behind them, the rebuilt Chongsheng Temple adds a much larger sequence of halls rising towards the mountain. Treat the ancient pagodas and the modern temple reconstruction as distinct parts of the same visit.

An inscription dated 889 was discovered inside Qianxun Pagoda (千寻塔) in 1984, providing evidence for its early history. The towers suffered earthquake damage in 1514, followed by repairs completed in 1553. Another earthquake dislodged the main pagoda's finial in 1925. Major conservation between 1978 and 1981 repaired cracks and removed later exterior brickwork.

The repairs that began in 1978 uncovered more than seven hundred Buddhist objects within the main pagoda, including sculptures in several materials and written documents. The brick towers also preserve niches, stone images and inscribed tablets as parts of their architectural decoration. The ensemble became a Major Historical and Cultural Site Protected at the National Level (全国重点文物保护单位) in 1961.

What to look for

• Compare the square Qianxun Pagoda with its two octagonal companions.
• The reflection pond shows the three towers as a group against the mountain backdrop.

The surrounding area

Old-town streets and the Erhai basin, with Bai cultural context. Select a specific lakeside or city base.

Location & getting there

Getting to Three Pagodas

Use the Chongsheng Temple Three Pagodas scenic-area entrance northwest of Dali Old Town. Arrange a local road transfer to that entrance from the old town or Xiaguan; the pagodas are outside the old-town street grid.