Three Pagodas — Attraction in Dali City

Beneath the wide Yunnan sky, where mountains watch and waters breathe, the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple rise with timeless grace. Stand before them, and you don’t just see ancient towers—you feel a quiet pulse beneath your feet, the whisper of old kings and monks folded into the wind. The air is still, yet heavy with presence.

Here, feng shui is not theory but lived reality. Cangshan Mountain cradles your back; Erhai Lake opens before you like a mirror of the soul. It is no accident the Dali kings built here—this is a place chosen by earth and spirit alike. If you close your eyes and play soft Buddhist music, the kind that floats gently through Beijing temples, the centuries seem to fall away. You’re no longer a tourist. For a moment, you are royalty, seeker, and pilgrim all at once.

The central pagoda—graceful, golden, eternal—has stood for over a thousand years, through earthquake, war, and change. Around it, newer towers bow slightly, and the restored temple complex behind them offers quiet cloisters and incense-filled halls. Everything speaks in silence: the still lotus ponds, the wind in the pine, the prayer wheels turned by unseen hands.

And then, a kind gesture: foreign visitors are welcomed freely—no fee, only a passport. It's a small door into a great world, one that honors respect more than revenue.

Come not just to see, but to listen. Come not just to photograph, but to feel. The Three Pagodas are not just stone—they are memory...

The whole three pagoda park is massive and to fully appreciate it, I suggest a day long trip.

It starts at the bottom with a huge car park, just a little north west of the Dali Ancient City. The entrance fee will set you back 120 yuan if you have not joined a tour but the ticket price is inclusive all the mini buses that operate throughout the park - trust me, you will need them. This is still a part of China and it is a MASSIVE park, and I mean massive literally. The three pagodas are just to mark the entrance to the site and the temples that follow on as you climb the mountain side get larger and larger, more grand as you go up. As far as I remember, there are five temples and each is preceded by a courtyard just as massive. I saw a lot of Chinese pilgrims alighting the incense at every temple, dancing and praying for good fortune. It was enchanting and mesmerizing to watch this Chinese lady performing Taichi moves before entering each of the temples.

The best part of the necessary part I guess is the free temple food about half way up. You get a bowl of rice to keep you going with vegetable side dishes. I suggest a little donation back... If still not satisfied, look back at the way you have climbed and you will be impressed by the view of the ancient Erhai lake. The kings of the ancient Dali kingdom has chosen the right site, it has magically qualities especially when the rain stops and the sun spills onto the ground.

Worth a trip, highly...

Exploring the Dali's Timeless Charm

Venturing through Dali, Yunnan, was a journey through time and beauty, leaving me that sweet longing to return. From the tranquil Erhai Lake, where the waters mirror the sky's serenity, to the iconic Three Pagodas standing tall against the backdrop of ancient history, every sight was a marvel. 🏞

At the foot of Cangshan Mountain, the temple whispered tales of loyalty, devotion, and spirituality, inviting contemplation and peace. ⛰ Each moment in Dali felt like a step into a bygone era, yet the vibrant culture and warm hospitality embraced me with open arms. Amidst this wonder, nostalgia lingers, beckoning me back.

Cherry blossoms bloom along some parts of the city's roadside, adding a delicate touch of beauty to the enchanting landscape. 🌸 And as the radiant sunlight casts its golden hues over the temple at the foot of Cangshan, it illuminates the surroundings with a heavenly glow, enhancing the spiritual aura of the place. ☀

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