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Three Pagodas

The Three Pagodas are an iconic group of three independent ancient Buddhist pagodas situated at Chongsheng Temple, approximately 1.5 kilometers northwest of Dali Ancient City in Yunnan Province, China, at the foot of Cangshan Mountain and overlooking Erhai Lake.^[1]^[2] Built primarily during the 9th and 10th centuries under the Nanzhao and Dali Kingdoms, they represent a pinnacle of Tang and Song Dynasty architectural styles, featuring a tall central pagoda flanked by two identical shorter ones arranged in an equilateral triangle about 70 meters apart.^[3]^[2] These structures, constructed from white bricks and lime, have endured multiple earthquakes and restorations, standing as enduring symbols of the Bai ethnic group's cultural and religious heritage.^[1]^[4] The central pagoda, known as Qianxun Pagoda, is the tallest and oldest of the trio, measuring 69.13 meters in height with a square base and 16 tiers of multi-eave pent roofs that curve elegantly in the traditional Tang style; it was erected between 823 and 840 AD by King Quan Fengyou of the Nanzhao Kingdom to commemorate his father and promote Buddhism.^[3]^[1] The two flanking pagodas, each 42.19 meters tall with octagonal bases and 10 tiers, were constructed later during the Dali Kingdom period (circa 944–1094 AD) under the patronage of kings like Duan Siping and Duan Zhengming, forming a symmetrical layout that enhances the site's spiritual and aesthetic harmony.^[2]^[5] All three pagodas are hollow except for the solid smaller ones, and excavations have revealed relics such as Buddha statues, scriptures, and coins, underscoring their role as a major center for Buddhist worship during the Tang and Song eras.^[2]^[1] Historically, Chongsheng Temple—once a grand complex with 891 rooms—served as an imperial Buddhist site for the Nanzhao (738–902 AD) and Dali (937–1253 AD) Kingdoms, hosting key ceremonies and reflecting the integration of Han Chinese and local Bai influences in architecture and religion.^[1]^[2] The pagodas have undergone repairs in 1000 AD, 1142 AD, 1145 AD, and during the Ming, Qing, and modern periods, with the most recent major restoration in 1979 following earthquake damage; their survival through seismic events, including a 7.0-magnitude quake in 1925, highlights advanced ancient engineering techniques.^[2]^[6] Today, the site, included in China's UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List, attracts visitors for its scenic beauty and historical value, offering insights into the evolution of pagoda design in Southwest China and the propagation of Esoteric Buddhism in the region.^[1]^[5]^[7]

Geography and Setting

Location

The Three Pagodas are located approximately 1.5 kilometers northwest of Dali Ancient City, placing them in a strategically elevated position that integrates with the natural topography of the region. This site falls within the administrative boundaries of Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture in Yunnan Province, southwestern China, an area renowned for its ethnic diversity and mountainous terrain.^[8] The pagodas serve as a prominent landmark accessible via local roads and pathways from the historic urban center.^[4] To the west, they rest at the base of the Cangshan Mountains, specifically near Yingle Peak, while to the east, they face the expansive shores of Erhai Lake, creating a harmonious alignment between the structures and the surrounding landscape.^[1] Historically, this location formed part of the core territory of the ancient Nanzhao Kingdom (738–902 CE) and the subsequent Dali Kingdom (937–1253 CE), both of which centered their political and religious activities in the Dali region, underscoring the site's enduring geopolitical importance.^[4]

Surrounding Environment

The Three Pagodas are situated in a topographically diverse area at the eastern foot of Yingle Peak in the Cangshan Mountains, approximately 1.5 kilometers northwest of Dali Ancient City.^[4] Today, the area has evolved into a scenic park-like setting, featuring the prominent Reflection Pond—a serene, oval-shaped body of water designed to mirror the pagodas' elegant forms, creating an illusion of six towers in harmonious symmetry.^[4]^[9] The surrounding ecology is profoundly shaped by the adjacent Cangshan Mountains and Erhai Lake, which frame the site and influence its environmental character. The Cangshan range, with its snow-capped peaks during winter, provides a dramatic backdrop that moderates local temperatures and enhances biodiversity in the foothills, while Erhai Lake to the east contributes to a temperate microclimate through its reflective waters and seasonal breezes, fostering lush vegetation and clear vistas year-round.^[4]^[9] These natural elements not only regulate humidity and airflow around the pagodas but also offer panoramic views, particularly from elevated points like Wanghai Tower, where the interplay of mountain silhouettes and lake horizons creates an immersive natural theater.^[4] The site's composition integrates the pagodas within the expansive grounds of Chongsheng Temple, encompassing manicured gardens, winding pathways, and cultural features.^[9] These elements include central axes lined with Buddhist halls, such as the Daxiongbao Hall, and open squares like Dapeng Golden Wing Bird Square, connected by pedestrian-friendly trails that encourage exploration amid streams like the Tao and Mei, which meander through the landscape.^[4] This layout blends historical reverence with modern accessibility, drawing visitors through verdant spaces that echo the temple's ancient scale, originally spanning over 7 miles with hundreds of chambers.^[10] Visually, the pagodas' brick structures, coated in white mud for protection and elegance, stand in striking contrast to the vibrant green slopes of the Cangshan Mountains and the deep blue expanse of Erhai Lake, amplifying their aesthetic prominence in the landscape.^[4] This chromatic harmony—white against emerald foliage and azure waters—not only highlights the architectural symmetry but also underscores the site's integration with its natural surroundings, evoking a sense of timeless serenity enhanced by seasonal changes like winter snow on the peaks.^[9]

Architecture and Design

Overall Layout

The Three Pagodas complex at Chongsheng Temple is characterized by its three independent pagodas arranged in the form of an equilateral triangle, a configuration that symbolizes balance and harmony in Buddhist architectural principles.^[11] This tripod-like formation creates a unified ensemble that emphasizes symmetry and stability, with the structures positioned to form the corners of the triangle on a shared elevated platform.^[4] At the apex of this triangular layout stands the dominant Qianxun Pagoda, flanked by two smaller pagodas positioned to its northwest and southwest at equal distances of approximately 70 meters, reinforcing the north-south orientation of the overall arrangement.^[4]^[12] This precise spacing and alignment not only highlight the central pagoda's prominence but also integrate the trio into the temple's broader spatial harmony. The pagodas are elevated on a raised stone platform that unifies the site and provides a commanding view toward Erhai Lake, with surrounding temple halls—such as the rebuilt Daxiong Hall and Wanghai Tower—encircling the core structures to form a cohesive religious precinct.^[4] Complementing this integration is a reflecting pool positioned behind the pagodas, which mirrors the trio and enhances the visual symmetry of the complex.^[4] The design principles of the ensemble draw from Tang Dynasty architectural styles developed in Chang'an, evident in the multi-tiered, symmetrical forms and sturdy brick construction, while adaptations to local Bai ethnic traditions include the use of white lime plastering for aesthetic and protective purposes.^[13]^[4]

Individual Pagodas

The central pagoda, known as Qianxun Pagoda, stands at a height of 69.13 meters and features 16 tiers arranged in a square-based structure measuring 9.9 meters per side.^[6]^[14] Its hollow interior is enclosed by brick walls approximately 3.3 meters thick, allowing for internal stairs and chambers that provide access to upper levels.^[15] This pagoda exemplifies Tang Dynasty architectural influences with its dense, upturned eaves and niches for Buddha statues on each facade.^[16] The two flanking pagodas, referred to as the East and West Pagodas or the sibling pagodas, each reach a height of 42.19 meters and consist of 10 tiers built on octagonal bases.^[6] Unlike the central structure, these are solid brick constructions without internal voids, contributing to their compact and stable form.^[4] They reflect a slight evolution in design from the earlier central pagoda.^[1] All three pagodas are constructed primarily of bricks and coated externally with white lime plaster, which enhances their visual uniformity and provides a protective layer against weathering.^[4] The Qianxun Pagoda's interior chambers, accessed via spiral staircases, yielded over 700 Buddhist relics during restoration work in 1978, including gold, silver, and crystal statues, sutras, and other artifacts from the Tang and Song dynasties.^[17] These pagodas demonstrate notable structural resilience, having withstood multiple severe earthquakes in the Dali region, including a major event in 1925 that destroyed much of the surrounding area.^[1] Their deep foundations and robust brickwork are credited with enabling survival through seismic activity, underscoring advanced engineering for the era.^[18]

Historical Development

Origins and Construction

The Three Pagodas, integral to the Chongsheng Temple complex, originated in the 9th century during the Nanzhao Kingdom (738–902 CE), a period marked by strong Buddhist patronage amid regional political consolidation in southwestern China. The central pagoda, known as Qianxun Pagoda, was constructed between 823 and 840 CE under the reign of King Quan Fengyou (r. 823–859 CE), reflecting the kingdom's alignment with Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE) architectural and religious influences imported from the capital Chang'an.^[19] The two flanking pagodas were added circa 944 CE during the early Dali Kingdom (937–1253 CE) under the reign of King Duan Siping (r. 937–944 CE), completing the symmetrical ensemble and underscoring the continuity of Buddhist institutional support across the successor states.^[1] Commissioned as an imperial Buddhist site, the pagodas were patronized by Nanzhao royalty, including King Quan Fengyou, who sponsored large-scale projects to legitimize rule through religious architecture influenced by Indian and Tang styles, as evidenced by associated monk contributions like those of Candragupta.^[19] The construction formed part of Chongsheng Temple's expansion, initiated possibly as early as the Kaiyuan era (713–741 CE) but peaking under Nanzhao auspices to establish a major center for worship between Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake.^[20] This patronage extended to the Dali period, where rulers continued state-sponsored enhancements to reinforce Buddhist kingship.^[21] The primary purpose was to mitigate natural disasters in the swampy, flood-prone region around Erhai Lake, symbolizing the suppression of chaotic forces like the legendary serpent or dragon believed to cause inundations, in line with Buddhist cosmology and environmental control motifs.^[19] Erected as caityas—relic mounds embodying divine presence—the pagodas served to invoke protection and prosperity, drawing on Tang-era engineering to "scrape the clouds" and ward off calamities.^[21] Early documentation of the founding appears in historical texts such as the Dali fuzhi (Dali prefectural gazetteer), dating the central structure to the Tang Dazhong era (847–859 CE), and in Nanzhao-era accounts like the Nanzhao yeshi (Unofficial history of Nanzhao), which describe the site as a holy precinct.^[19] Archaeological finds, including inscribed copper plates unearthed in 1978 at the pagodas' base and summit, contain sutras and relic dedications from the Nanzhao period, affirming their status as a foundational Buddhist landmark, though later plates record subsequent repairs.^[20]

Repairs and Reconstructions

The Three Pagodas have undergone several documented repairs since their initial construction, primarily to address structural damage from earthquakes and other natural forces. In 1979, during restoration work on the central Qianxun Pagoda, three copper plates were discovered at the base of the steeple, recording previous repairs in 1000 CE during the Song Dynasty, 1142 CE, and 1154 CE during the Dali Kingdom period.^[2] These inscriptions indicate that the work focused on reinforcing the foundations and upper levels, likely in response to seismic activity that had caused tilting and cracks in the structures.^[2] The pagodas demonstrated remarkable resilience during major seismic events in later centuries. On May 6, 1515, during the Ming Dynasty, the Qianxun Pagoda reportedly split due to a powerful earthquake, but it miraculously realigned ten days later during an aftershock, with no permanent structural failure.^[22] Similarly, the 1925 Dali earthquake, which measured magnitude 7.0 and destroyed over 99% of buildings in the city, left the Three Pagodas virtually unscathed, underscoring their engineering robustness.^[23]^[2] The surrounding Chongsheng Temple, however, suffered significant destruction, including a fire during the Qing Dynasty that razed much of the complex while sparing the pagodas.^[2] Modern conservation efforts began in earnest in the late 20th century. During repairs to the Qianxun Pagoda in 1978, over 670 cultural relics were unearthed, including 567 items from the top—such as gold and silver Buddha statues, bronze mirrors, and transcribed sutras like the Dharani Sutra and Great Perfection of Wisdom Sutra—and 104 from the base, comprising terracotta figures and additional copper plates dated 1101 CE and 1184 CE.^[20] These discoveries informed subsequent stabilization measures. The full reconstruction of Chongsheng Temple commenced in 2005 and continued through 2018, restoring the complex to approximate its historical layout with traditional architectural techniques while integrating the original pagodas.^[24] Since 2020, no major damage to the Three Pagodas has been reported amid regional seismic and weather events, thanks to advanced monitoring systems. Real-time deformation tracking using 3D LiDAR and multi-sensor technology has been implemented to assess preservation status and issue early warnings for potential risks.^[25] Ongoing conservation emphasizes non-invasive methods.

Religious and Cultural Importance

Role in Buddhism

The Three Pagodas, as integral components of the Chongsheng Temple, served as a pivotal center for state-sponsored Buddhism in the Nanzhao (738–902) and Dali (937–1253) kingdoms, embodying the fusion of imperial authority and religious devotion in southwest China. Constructed during the reign of Nanzhao King Quan Fengyou (823–859), the temple complex functioned as the royal sanctuary, promoting Esoteric Buddhism—particularly the Achili sect influenced by Indian, Tibetan, and Tang Chinese traditions—alongside Chan and Huayan schools to legitimize monarchs as dharmarājas or cakravartins.^[26]^[21] This institutional role facilitated rituals such as abhiṣeka initiations within the pagodas, which were interpreted as caityas for venerating Buddha-kings, thereby reinforcing the Duan dynasty's politico-religious ideology through monastic networks and court-issued titles to abbots.^[21] The discovery of 107 cultural relics during the 1978 restoration of the Qianxun Pagoda underscores the site's active function as a repository for worship and relic veneration. These included 71 items from the pagoda's top—such as bronze Buddha images, deity statues (e.g., Mañjuśrī and Samantabhadra), carved stone tablets, gold and silver ornaments, and transcribed sutras like the Great and Bright Perfection of Wisdom Sutra—along with terracotta figures and ritual vessels from the base, evidencing sustained devotional practices across centuries.^[20] Such findings highlight the pagodas' role in housing sacred objects that supported daily monastic rites and imperial ceremonies, preserving Esoteric texts and icons that linked the kingdoms to broader Mahayana networks. In the context of Bai ethnic culture, the Three Pagodas symbolize the deep integration of Buddhism into local identity, blending imported doctrines with indigenous beliefs to form a distinctive regional tradition. For the Bai people, the site remains a focal point for annual rituals and pilgrimages, where devotees perform offerings and chants to honor ancestral patrons and seek blessings, reflecting ongoing imperial legacies of religious patronage that unified diverse communities under Buddhist cosmology.^[26] This enduring influence attests to the pagodas' contribution to Buddhism's dissemination in southwest China, where royal endorsements from Nanzhao and Dali rulers elevated the temple as a beacon for cross-cultural exchange and spiritual authority.^[21]

Legends and Symbolism

Local folklore attributes the construction of the Three Pagodas to the need to counteract malevolent water dragons that inhabited the ancient swamps surrounding Dali, which were thought to unleash floods and earthquakes upon the land. These mythical creatures, revered yet feared in regional traditions, were believed to disrupt the harmony of the Erhai Lake basin, prompting the erection of the pagodas as potent spiritual suppressors to bind and pacify them, thereby safeguarding the kingdom from recurrent calamities.^[9]^[27]^[28] Symbolically, the trio of pagodas embodies the core Buddhist trinity known as the Three Jewels: the Buddha (enlightened one), the Dharma (teachings), and the Sangha (community of practitioners), representing the foundational pillars of the faith. Their precise alignment in an equilateral triangle facing west toward the setting sun is interpreted as a geomantic configuration that amplifies protective energies, effectively warding off evil influences and malevolent spirits in accordance with traditional Chinese and Buddhist cosmological principles.^[29]^[4] Cultural narratives surrounding the pagodas emphasize themes of endurance and divine favor, recounting how they have repeatedly withstood catastrophic events that devastated Dali, such as the 1925 magnitude 7.0 earthquake that razed nearly all structures in the area while leaving the pagodas unscathed. These tales of miraculous survival, passed down through generations, solidify the pagodas' role as steadfast guardians of the Dali Kingdom, embodying the unyielding spirit of its people against nature's fury and reinforcing their protective legacy in local oral histories.^[4]^[16] In modern Bai ethnic traditions, the Three Pagodas serve as iconic backdrops for festivals like the Torch Festival, where their enduring presence symbolizes the Bai people's harmonious coexistence with the natural world, blending ancient spiritual protection with contemporary celebrations of renewal and community resilience.^[30]^[31]

Preservation and Modern Use

Conservation Efforts

The Three Pagodas were designated as a national key cultural relic protection unit by the State Council in 1961, ensuring state-level oversight for their maintenance and prohibiting unauthorized alterations.^[32] As part of the Dali Chanshan Mountain and Erhai Lake Scenic Spot, the pagodas contribute to the site's inclusion on UNESCO's World Heritage Tentative List since 2001, highlighting their role in exemplifying Bai ethnic architecture and cultural heritage.^[7] Major conservation projects have focused on structural integrity and historical recovery. Between 1978 and 1979, repairs to the pagodas uncovered over 600 Buddhist relics, including statues, sutras, and artifacts from the Nanzhao and Dali Kingdoms, which were subsequently preserved and displayed in a dedicated museum.^[18] From 2005 to 2018, the adjacent Chongsheng Temple underwent extensive reconstruction to restore its original layout, employing methods that replicated Tang and Song Dynasty styles to maintain architectural authenticity.^[24] The pagodas face ongoing challenges from environmental and human factors. Their location in a seismically active region has tested their resilience through over 30 recorded earthquakes, including the 1925 event that destroyed much of Dali, prompting continuous assessments of foundation stability.^[1] Increased tourism has accelerated wear on surrounding areas, while climate variability poses risks to the white plaster coatings, though specific post-2020 monitoring data remains limited. Yunnan provincial authorities fund preservation initiatives, including regular inspections and reinforcements to mitigate seismic risks, as part of broader national cultural relic policies. These efforts emphasize non-invasive techniques to safeguard the site's integrity without compromising its historical fabric.^[4]

Tourism and Access

The Three Pagodas, part of the Chongsheng Temple complex, are situated approximately 1.5 kilometers northwest of Dali Old Town, offering convenient access for visitors. Travelers can reach the site via public bus No. 19 from the North Gate of the ancient city, a taxi ride lasting about 10 minutes, or a leisurely 30-minute walk along scenic paths.^[33] Electric carts are available on-site for 25 CNY to navigate the expansive grounds, including routes to key viewing areas.^[4] As of 2025, the entrance fee for the Chongsheng Temple and Three Pagodas is 121 CNY for adults, granting access to the full cultural tourism area, while children under 1.2 meters enter free; the Reflection Park within the site costs an additional 75 CNY if purchased separately but is often bundled.^[34] The attraction operates year-round, typically from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with extended hours during peak seasons, and spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November) recommended for milder weather and vibrant scenery.^[35] Visitor facilities enhance the experience, including the Three Pagodas Reflection Park with its serene ponds ideal for photography and contemplation. Adjacent Erhai Lake provides optional boat rides as part of integrated tours, allowing exploration of the surrounding waters, while the temple complex features cultural exhibits and occasional performances showcasing Bai traditions.^[9] Numbers have continued to recover post-pandemic alongside the region's broader tourism rebound to around 20 million visitors in 2022, with Dali receiving over 20 million tourists from January to October 2023 alone.^[36]^[37] Economically, the Three Pagodas serve as a vital pillar of Dali's tourism sector, drawing crowds that stimulate local Bai handicrafts like tie-dye textiles and marble carvings, alongside hotels and eateries.^[38] The site is woven into Yunnan's provincial heritage routes, amplifying regional visitor flows and supporting sustainable livelihoods for ethnic artisans. Since 2020, initiatives have introduced digital audio guides via apps for self-paced tours and emphasized sustainable practices, such as crowd management and eco-friendly transport, to balance growing visitation with site preservation.^[39]

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