The iconic triple towers of Chongsheng Temple

Getty Images/Lonely Planet Images

Three Pagodas

Dali

LoginSave

Absolutely the symbol of the town and region, these pagodas, a 2km walk north of the north gate, are among the oldest standing structures in southwestern China. The tallest of the three, Qianxun Pagoda, has 16 tiers that reach a height of 70m. It was originally erected in the mid-9th century by engineers from Xi'an. It is flanked by two smaller 10-tiered pagodas, each of which are 42m high. Guided tours in English are available from ¥120.

While the price is cheeky considering you can’t go inside the pagodas, Chongsheng Temple (崇圣寺, Chóngshèng Sì) behind them has been rebuilt to an incredible degree along the design of the destroyed Nanzhao-era original, and is well worth exploring. Just inside the main entrance, the Chong Sheng Vegetarian Buffet serves lunch (¥20, 11.30am to 1pm).

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

  • Gantong Temple

    Gantong Temple

    4.45 MILES

    Originally constructed in the Tang dynasty, this was once the most important temple in the Dali area. Only one of the original 36 halls remains, but…

  • Yan Family Compound

    Yan Family Compound

    10.19 MILES

    This traditional Bai-style wooden courtyard home was constructed by businessman Yan Zizheng in the early 1900s, using the fortune he made from trading…

  • Dali Catholic Church

    Dali Catholic Church

    1.33 MILES

    It's worth checking out Dali’s Catholic Church. Dating back to 1927, it's a beautiful blend of Bai-style architecture and classic Christian theology and…

  • Qingbi Stream

    Qingbi Stream

    4.23 MILES

    Mountain spring that gushes into three basins, with an impressive waterfall during the rainy season. The combination of the clear water and the stones in…

  • Dali Confucian Temple

    Dali Confucian Temple

    1.2 MILES

    Dali's attractive Confucian Temple is a 2014 reconstruction on the site of the original Qing dynasty structure, but the grounds are peaceful and there are…

  • Guanyin Temple

    Guanyin Temple

    4.25 MILES

    A pilgrimage site for the local Bai people, who traditionally worship the female goddess Guanyin, this temple dates back to the Ming dynasty although it…

  • Nanzhao Customs Island

    Nanzhao Customs Island

    13.81 MILES

    This pleasant island has gardens, parks, a 17.5m-tall marble statue of Avalokiteshvara (Chenresig; aka Guanyin) and a hotel. Boats to the island cost ¥50…

  • Qilongnu Pools

    Qilongnu Pools

    3.42 MILES

    This series of attractive pools and cascades is said to have been the favourite bathing spot of an Erhai dragon king's seven daughters. The path up is…

View more attractions

Nearby Dali attractions

1. Dali Confucian Temple

1.2 MILES

Dali's attractive Confucian Temple is a 2014 reconstruction on the site of the original Qing dynasty structure, but the grounds are peaceful and there are…

2. Dali Catholic Church

1.33 MILES

It's worth checking out Dali’s Catholic Church. Dating back to 1927, it's a beautiful blend of Bai-style architecture and classic Christian theology and…

3. Dali Municipal Museum

1.42 MILES

The museum houses a small collection of archaeological pieces relating to Bai history, including some fine figurines. English descriptions are lacking,…

4. Zhonghe Temple

1.79 MILES

This temple on the side of Zhonghe Mountain is small and pretty but of little note otherwise. There is a small restaurant on-site with basic dishes, plus…

5. Qilongnu Pools

3.42 MILES

This series of attractive pools and cascades is said to have been the favourite bathing spot of an Erhai dragon king's seven daughters. The path up is…

6. Qingbi Stream

4.23 MILES

Mountain spring that gushes into three basins, with an impressive waterfall during the rainy season. The combination of the clear water and the stones in…

7. Guanyin Temple

4.25 MILES

A pilgrimage site for the local Bai people, who traditionally worship the female goddess Guanyin, this temple dates back to the Ming dynasty although it…

8. Horse Washing Pond

4.42 MILES

Kublai Khan used this place as a base back in the late 13th century. On a clear day, views from the cable car and pond are stunning.

  • placement: superzone
  • path: Destinations/POIs/superzone
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "china/yunnan/dali/attractions/three-pagodas/a/poi-sig/473254/356154",
  "destination": "Dali",
  "continent": "Asia",
  "country": "China",
  "region": "Yunnan",
  "city": "Dali",
  "position": "superzone"
}