Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple

Commonly known as Dali Three Pagodas, are located in the Chongsheng Temple at the foot of the Zhonghe Peak of the Cangshan Mountain just one kilometer to the northwest of the ancient city of Dali. They were built in the Five Dynasties (907-960AD).

The pagodas were built for two main reasons. First, they were holy structures that invoked the Buddha's protection against the frequent disasters of floods and earthquakes. Secondly, the pagodas were used as a storehouse for scriptures and precious objects.

More than 600 rare relics of the states of Nanzhao and Dali were discovered in the three pagodas during the 1978 reconstruction, making them even more famous. Standing like three legs of a tripod, the tallest of the three, Qianxun Pagoda was exquisitely constructed, with multiple tiers of eaves. It has 16 tiers that reach a height of 69.13 meters (230 feet). In the central part of each facade, a shrine was built and a Buddha statue of white marble installed. It is in an architectural style typical of the Tang Dynasty (618-907AD).

The two smaller pagodas to its west and north, each 42.19 meters (135 feet) high with ten tiers, have a luxurious appearance with their exquisite carvings. They are solid and beautiful, and in octagonal shape. On top of the pagoda are placed three bronze gourds, representative of the ethnic style.