Location

The Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple are commonly known as the Dali Three Pagodas and are located in the Chongsheng Temple, northwest of Dali City in Yunnan Province. It is a major national treasure under preservation.

Introduction

As its name implies, the Three Pagodas are made of three ancient independent pagodas forming a symmetrical triangle. This is unique in China. Standing like three legs of a tripod, the Chongsheng Three Pagodas made of bricks were built a thousand years ago.

Straight and towering, the Quadrangular Qianxun Pagoda, the main one, was exquisitely constructed, with multiple tiers of eaves. It has 16 storeys and a height of 69.13 m. In the central part of each facade, a shrine was built and a Buddha statue of white marble installed. The two other pagodas of 10 storeys are 42.19 m high. They are solid and beautiful, and an octagonal shape. Coated with white mud, and carved with a shrine, a Buddha statue, lotus flowers, etc. on each storey, the pagodas look elegant and stately. On top of the pagoda are placed three bronze gourds, representative of the ethnic style.

Many sculptures of Buddha made of gold, silver, wood or crystal, Buddhist readings, and more than 600 various medicinal ingredients have been found in the Qianxun Pagoda, playing an important role in explaining the ancient history of Dali City. Study of the 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. Today, travelers can visit Three Pagodas at night. When illuminated, they provide a fantastic scene. Nearby on the "marble street" there are many folk-craft workshops and stands specializing in marble and brick painting.

Known for its resilience, the Three Pagodas have survived several eras of severe earthquakes. The local government still makes a great effort to strengthen them to make them as strong as when they were built to ensure the preservation of this architectural treasure.