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The iconic triple towers of Chongsheng Temple

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Three Pagodas

Dali

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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 (³çÊ¥ËÂ, Ch¨®ngsh¨¨ng S¨¬) 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

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  • Qingbi Stream

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    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

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  • Guanyin Temple

    Guanyin Temple

    4.25 MILES

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  • 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

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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.