Dàlǐ Sights

  1. Chongsheng Temple

    Some travellers find the admission price for the Three Pagodas steep, given that you can't go inside the pagodas. However, the temple behind the pagodas, Chongsheng Temple, almost makes up for it. Laid out in the traditional Yúnnánese style there are three layers of buildings lined up with a sacred peak in the background. The temple has been restored and converted into a museum chronicling the history, construction and renovation of the pagodas.

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  2. Dali Museum

    The Dali Museum houses a small collection of archaeological pieces relating to Bai history and has some moderately interesting exhibits on marble handicrafts. A number of marble stelae grace one wing.

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  3. Qianxun Pagoda

    The tallest of the three pagodas, Qianxun Pagoda, has 16 tiers that reach a height of 70m. It was originally erected in the mid-9th century by engineers from Xī'ān. It is flanked by two smaller 10-tiered pagodas, each of which is 42m high.

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  4. Three Pagodas

    Reproduced on thousands of postcards and calendars, thee Three Pagodas are among the oldest standing structures in southwestern China and a sort of symbol of Dali. 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 Xī'ān. It is flanked by two smaller 10-tiered pagodas, each of which are 42m high.

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