Chongsheng Temple Three-Pagoda

Photo of Chongsheng Temple Three-Pagoda: best time to visit Chongsheng Temple

Photo of Chongsheng Temple Three-Pagoda: Chongsheng Temple tickets

Photo of Chongsheng Temple Three-Pagoda: Dali historical sites

Photo of Chongsheng Temple Three-Pagoda: Yunnan travel

Address 1.5 km northwest of Dali Ancient City, Dali City, Dali, Yunnan

Hours 08:00–18:00 (Ticket sales typically stop at 17:00)

Phone +86 872 2664639

Announcement: Iconic Historical Landmark

Entrance ¥75

Hours 08:00–18:00 (Ticke...

Best Season Early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting on the pagodas and reflection pool.

Time needed 2–3 hours

Last visit: May 22, 2026

Author: Ting Chen

Reviewer: Lili Feng

Chongsheng Temple Three-Pagoda Travel Guide

Chongsheng Temple Three-Pagoda: Plan Your Visit to Dali’s Icon

Ting Chen 2026-05-25 Verified

Wondering how to visit the iconic Chongsheng Temple Three-Pagoda in Dali? This guide from a 10-year local tour expert covers tickets, hidden photo spots, and a perfect 24-hour itinerary to skip the crowds.

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Chongsheng Temple Three-Pagoda Overview

The iconic symbol of Dali, featuring three ancient, gracefully structured pagodas dating back to the 9th and 10th centuries, backed by a massive, reconstructed royal Buddhist temple complex.

Chongsheng Temple Three-Pagoda Opening Hours & Tickets

08:00–18:00 (Ticket sales typically stop at 17:00)
Best season: Early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting on the pagodas and reflection pool.
Ticket note: Standard adult ticket is 75 CNY. Sightseeing cars require an additional 35 CNY.

Essential Chongsheng Temple Three-Pagoda Visitor Information

Enquiries: +86 872 2664639
Electric sightseeing cars
Multilingual audio guides
Vegetarian restaurant
Restrooms
Gift shops

How to Get to Chongsheng Temple Three-Pagoda

A 20-minute walk or a 5-minute taxi/scooter ride from the North Gate of Dali Ancient City. Also served by local tourist bus lines.

Chongsheng Temple Three-Pagoda Travel Safety & Advice

Dial 120. First-aid services are available at the tourist service center near the main entrance.

Practical Info

1.5 km northwest of Dali Ancient City, Dali City, Dali, Yunnan
08:00–18:00 (Ticket sales typically stop at 17:00)
+86 872 2664639

Ting Chen

Certified Senior Tour Guide

Ting Chen, a Lhasa and Chengdu-based Certified Senior Tour Guide, specializes in Southwest China itineraries covering the Potala Palace, Everest Base Camp, and Jiuzhaigou-Huanglong.

We keep this guide current.

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On-site notes & editorial review

Tickets

Standard adult ticket is 75 CNY. Sightseeing cars require an additional 35 CNY.

Online booking may be required

Tips

Head straight to the Reflection Pond (Juying Chi) located to the south of the pagodas for the classic mirror-image photograph.

Reality Check

The temple complex behind the pagodas is huge and involves a lot of uphill walking
It can be very hot and exposed during midday
Reflection pond can be crowded with photographers

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Chongsheng Temple Three-Pagoda Travel FAQ

Is it really worth going inside the reconstructed temple, or should I just see the pagodas from outside?

If you only look from outside the walls, you’re missing 70% of the site and its context. The pagodas were the entrance to a grand spiritual complex. Walking the central axis up the mountain, through hall after hall, gives you a sense of the journey ancient pilgrims took. The interior houses ancient steles, statues, and a sense of peace the crowded pagoda front lacks. Budget the time to go in.

I’m not good with stairs or long walks. Is the site accessible?

The main pagoda plaza is flat and accessible. However, the reconstructed temple section is built on a gentle slope. There are many, many broad stone steps. If mobility is a concern, you can enjoy the stunning view of the pagodas from the plaza and the first few terraces without climbing to the very top. There are no wheelchair ramps or elevators to the upper halls. Wear comfortable shoes with good grip.

What’s the single biggest mistake tourists make here?

Going at 11 AM on a weekend. You’ll be sharing the reflection pond with five tour groups waving identical flags. The second biggest mistake is not bringing water and sun protection. The high altitude sun in Dali is deceptively strong, and there’s limited shade on the main walkways. I’ve handed out my own sunscreen to red-faced visitors more times than I can count.

Can I visit the Three Pagodas and Erhai Lake in the same day comfortably?

Absolutely, and my 24-hour itinerary above shows how. The key is starting early at the pagodas and using Didi for efficient transfers. Trying to also squeeze in a full cable car ride up Cangshan Mountain in the same day is where people overextend themselves. Pagodas + Lake + one village (like Xizhou) is the perfect, manageable combo.

Is there luggage storage at the entrance?

Yes, there is a secured luggage storage room (xingli jicun) just to the left of the main ticket check building. It costs around 5-10 RMB per bag for the day. It’s reliable. I’ve stored clients’ bags there before early check-outs or late departures. Just don’t leave passports or extreme valuables.