Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple

» Dali, Yun Nan

Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple Overview & Map Weather Transportation Information

Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, about 1 kilometer (0.6 mile) northwest of the Dali Ancient City, occupying a scenic location at the foot of Mt. Cangshan facing Lake Erhai, has a history of over 1,800 years. The temple no longer exists, but the three pagodas, different in size and history, remain. They are the symbol of the history of Dali Ancient City, and a record of the development of Buddhism in the area. As its name implies, Three Pagodas are made of three ancient independent pagodas forming a symmetrical triangle.

What to see

The middle pagoda, Qianxun Pagoda, 69.13 meters (227 feet) high, is one of the highest pagodas of the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907), while the other lower two stand to the north and south sides of it. Three Pagodas, Zhaozhou Bridge of Hebei Province, and Big Wild Goose Pagoda in Xian, Shaanxi Province, are three curiosities of Chinese ancient architecture.

Qianxun Pagoda

Qianxun Pagoda is square with sixteen pent roofs above the huge first storey. The tubular interior is divided into sixteen storeys. The 59.6-metre-high pagoda is a typical multi-eave structure of the Tang Dynasty.

• The first layer
  The two-level pedestal supports a first storey with sides measuring 9.85 meters wide each. The method for piling up bricks for the sixteen-tier eaves was for the first layer to project from the wall.
• The second layer
  The second layer is in the shape of chevrons. The bricks then overlap one another, with each tier wider than the one below. Above the eaves are balconies. The eaves present smooth concave arcs, reflecting the style of Tang Dynasty pagodas.
• Contour of the whole pagoda
  The contour of the whole pagoda is also in the shape of an elegant curve, with the top tapering off mildly, forming an excellent example of multi-eave pagodas in the Tang Dynasty. Sixteen-tier eaves are rarely seen in other pagodas.

Cultural relics

Also discovered were statues of Buddha and bodhisattvas, scriptures, seals, coins, a bronze mirror, porcelain, articles used in Buddhist ritual, musical instruments, daily-use articles, various kinds of small pagodas, and gold and silver ware. Unearthed from the pagoda's underground palace were ceramic Buddhist statues and pagodas and matrices for printing Buddhist scriptures in Sanskrit. Study of Three Pagodas and the cultural relics that have been excavated at the site provide significant data for exploring the history, religion, and art of the area.

Other two pagodas

Standing opposite each other, 97.5 meters apart, are two pagodas, 70 meters from Qianxun Pagoda. The three pagodas form a beautiful triangle. The two smaller pagodas are octagonal with ten multi-eave pent roofs. They were built later than the bigger one. From their structure and shape, they must have been built in the Dali period of the Song Dynasty style.

Today, travelers can visit Three Pagodas at night, when it is illuminated providing a fantastic scene.

What to taste

• Barou ersi Barou ersi, one of Dali's local specialties, is made from pig's knuckle and a vegetable unique to Dali called "er cai."
• Fish
  The Lake Erhai area is famous for its fresh and plentiful fish.
• Diaomei
  Try some plums called Diaomei. The plums are preserved for months in brown sugar and honey, the sweetness from the sugar and honey contrast with the sour plum make it yummy treat.
• Three Courses of Tea
  A unique tea is the "Three Courses of Tea," which symbolically mirrors life's progress - first bitter then sweet. The first course is slightly bitter; the second course is trifle sweet (walnuts and candy are added to the tea), and the third course is unforgettable satisfying.

Souvenirs

For light travelers, there are embroidered clothing, tie-dyed scarves, Dali batik and jade jewelry. For those who like to lug around large slabs of stone, authentic Dali marble can be found everywhere. This quality marble is usually set into wood furniture, tabletops and table screen. Dali's Gantong tea, Cangshan snow tea, and Xiaguantuo tea make good gift.

When t0 visit

• Opening Hours: 08:00a.m. - 19:00p.m.
• Recommended Time for a Visit: Two hours

Attractions around » Dali, Yun Nan

Natural Scene

• Mt. Cangshan
• Butterfly Spring
• Lake Erhai

Historical Site

• Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple
• Dali Ancient City

Nightlife

• Foreign Tourist Street

Shopping & Leisure

• Foreign Tourist Street

Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple Highlights

Tower & Pagoda in Great China

• Big Wild Goose Pagoda
• Oriental Pearl TV Tower
• Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple
• Drum Tower
• Bell Tower
• Yellow Crane Tower
• Jiaxiu Tower
• Iron Pagoda
• Liuhe Pagoda
• Tianfeng Pagoda
• Sugong Pagoda
• Wooden Pagoda
• Small Wild Goose Pagoda
• Nong'an Liao Tower
• Wanbu Huayanjing Pagoda
• Kaifeng Po Pagoda
• Yingying Pagoda
• Suojiang Tower

Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple FAQ & Travelers's Tips

  Weather

1. When to go

  Transportation

1. A note on taxi

  Shopping

1. Always negotiate the price and make everything clear first.

  Travel

1. Can I rent a bike?
2. What are some interestng local festivals?

  Other Hints

1. Stay safe
2. Emergency Numbers
3. Useful Numbers

• When to go

  Dalii Bai Autonomous Prefecture is situated on the altiplano with low latitude, there are no severely hot summers or very cold winters. The best time to travel Dali is from March to June when the Spring is in full swing featuring enough sunshine, fresh air.

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• What are some interesting local festivals?

  March Street Festival of Bai Nationality
  Held between the fifth day and the twenty-first day of the third lunar month, the festival is one of the most magnificent folk celebrations of the Bai ethnic minority. The ceremony takes place just outside the western gate of Dali Ancient City. People come from every corner of the city at this time, dancing and singing; some trading are conducted on the spot too.

  Butterfly Fest
  It is a fest for the Bai ethnic boys and girls, held usually on the fifteenth day of the fourth lunar month near the Butterfly Spring. Stones are thrown into the spring and songs are sung with the hope of finding Mr or Miss Right.

  Raosanling of Bai Nationality
  It is a grand public function of the Bai people, held on the twenty-third day of the fourth lunar month. Everyone tries to be at the function promptly. The ceremony is aimed at praying for rain before the farming season begins.

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• Stay safe

  There are a few scams and petty crime targeting tourists in Dali. Watch your belongings carefully to protect from pickpockets and theft, though perhaps the major risk you take if staying in cheap accommodation is theft by other foreign travellers. Overall Dali is a very safe place with little crime directed at tourists.

  If you are planning to hike up the Cang mountains, travel in a group both to protect yourself from robbery and as back up in case of accident.

  Drugs disguised as strange artifacts are usually sold by women in traditional Bai costume, who will then lead you to their homes. Marijuana is widespread in Dali's foreign bars but, if caught, the penalties for possession and use are severe.

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• A note on taxi

  Generally, taxis in Dali are without fare meters, but for downtown travel, it is about 6 to 7 RMB Yuan per trip, if you want to go outside the city, you should talk and fix the fare with the taxi driver, generally about 25 Yuan per trip.
  

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• Always negotiate the price and make everything clear first.

  Before you pay for any other kind of entertainment, like riding a boat on Erhai, do make sure you have made everything clear, like what costs how much, the total price, to avoid arguments or unpleasantness.

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• Can I rent a bike?

  There are bikes for rent in Dali, but you will have to show your ID and pay a certain amount of deposite. The rent fee is about 10 - 15 RMB per day.

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• Emergency Numbers

  • Fire: 119
    
  • Police: 110
    
  • Traffic: 122
    
  • Ambulance: 120

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• Useful Numbers

  • Consumer Complaint: 12315
    
  • Tourist Complaint: 2670384
    
  • Telephone Number Inquiry: 114
    
  • Weather Forecast: 121
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