The Three Towers at Dali City are located between the Cangshan Mountain and the Erhai Lake. They stand towering into the sky, and they are one of the most well-known scenery in the area.
Three pagodas about 1 kilometer (0.6 mile) northwest of the ancient city of Dali, occupying a scenic location at the foot of Mt. Cangshan facing Erhai Lake, has a history of over 1,800 years. It is a symbol of the history of Dali 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. This is unique in China. A visit to theThree Pagodas should not be missed by any visitor to Dali City.
The main pagoda is called Qianxun. It is said that it was completed about the year 840 AD by a Nanzhao King named Quan Fengyou. It is 16 stories, stands 69.6 meters (227 feet) high, and it is one of the tallest pagodas ever built in China. It is a square shaped. At the bottom, the walls are about 3 meters (10 feet) thick. It has yellow eaves that contrast with the white fa ade of the pagodas.
The east and west corner of the eaves were decorated with Buddha Niche and Buddha Figures with two pavilion niches on each side. Inside the pavilion niche there is a sculpted lotus flower seat and a carved Sanskrit lection. On the north and south corner, there is a window leading straight to the center of the tower. These constructs alternate from floor to floor, and for example, on the third floor, the Buddha Niches are on the south and north corner of the eaves, while the windows are on the east and west corner. The higher the tower is the smaller the floor area and the sculptures.
Many sculptures of Buddha made of gold, silver, wood or crystal, Buddhist readings, and more than 600 various medicinal ingredients were found in Qianxun Pagoda, playing an important role in explaining the ancient history of Dali City. 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. Today, travelers can visit Three Pagodas at night, when it is illuminated providing a fantastic scene. Nearby on the 'marble street' there are many folk-craft workshops and stands specializing in marble and brick-painting.
nown for its resilience, Three Pagodas has survived several eras of severe earthquakes. The local government still makes a great effort to strengthen it to make it as strong as when it was built to ensure the preservation of this architectural treasure.
Admission Fee:
CNY 120
Recommended Time for a Visit:
Two hours
Opening Hours:
08:00 to 19:00