The Guardian Deity of the Cang'er Land - The Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple in Dali

The Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple were the royal temples during the Dali Kingdom period, and are among the first batch of key national cultural relics under protection. They also served as the prototype for the White Dragon Temple in the TV series 'Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils'. As the saying goes, 'A temple may not always have a pagoda, but a pagoda always has a temple.' The Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple are located between the Cangshan Mountains and Erhai Lake, consisting of the Three Pagodas Scenic Area and the Chongsheng Temple Scenic Area. To the west, they are backed by the Ying Le Peak of the nineteen peaks of Cangshan, and to the east, they face the 'pearl of the plateau', Erhai Lake. The snow-capped mountain tops set against the clear and blue Erhai Lake create a beautiful and tranquil scene, healing all kinds of restlessness. The Dali Kingdom was once known as the 'Kingdom of Lakes', with frequent water disasters. Therefore, the pagodas were built to control the water disasters, and since then, the weather has been favorable. Even more miraculous is the legend that the Three Pagodas can self-repair after being cracked in a major earthquake. The main pagoda, also known as the Qianxun Pagoda, was built during the Tang Dynasty. The words 'Eternal Guardian of Mountains and Rivers' are inscribed in front of the main pagoda, embodying the local people's yearning for a good life. The two smaller pagodas to the north and south were added during the Song Dynasty. Chongsheng Temple was built after the Three Pagodas. Walking upwards towards the Cangshan Mountains, every step is a view. The magnificent natural landscape and the solemn and sacred Buddhist architecture make it not only a journey but also a purification of the soul. The higher you go, the better the view becomes. From the Wanghai Tower, you can even gaze at the distant Erhai Lake. 🚉Transportation tips: The Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple are located about 1.5 kilometers north of Dali Ancient Town. If you are departing from the ancient town, you can take a taxi directly or take the No. 19 bus from the north gate of the ancient town to the Three Pagodas Park Station. 💰Ticket price: 75 yuan on-site. It's worth comparing the prices on online platforms. If you don't want to get too tired, you can buy a one-way electric car ticket. 🍽Dining recommendation: There is vegetarian food in the scenic area, 20 yuan per person. 📝Note tips: The ticket for the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple includes the Three Pagodas Reflection Park outside the scenic area. The Three Pagodas Reflection Park is a good spot for photographing the reflection of the pagodas. If you are short on time, it is not recommended to go there, as the Juying Pool in the scenic area can also capture the reflection of the Three Pagodas. ⏳Recommended duration of visit: Half a day