Three Pagodas
Dali, Yunnan, 671003
Dali’s Three Pagodas are one of China’s national treasures dating back to the ninth and tenth centuries. The three symmetric towers are one of the country’s most visited attractions because of their architecture and size. A lake named Reflection Pond reflects the pagoda’s images, located at the foot of the Cangshan Mountains. Visiting these sites is a must when you’re seeing Dali's sites.
The basics
Ensure your cameras are charged before you get to the Three Pagodas because you’ll want to capture these giants for posterity in the glory of their mountainous backdrop. Your tour guide will give you all the facts about their history, legends of why they were built in the first place, and their relation to other pagodas around China, especially the Small Wild Goose Pagoda in Xian, which was built 100 years later. Most Three Pagodas tours are combined with trips to Dali’s Old Town and surrounding sites.
Things to know before you go
Brush up on your Chinese dynasty history, which will make hearing about the history of the pagodas more impactful.
Take some time to walk around the area and the lake and enjoy the architectural beauty of the Three Pagodas.
Make sure you go with a tour guide to get all the information and legends about each pagoda, which guidebooks might miss.
How to get there
Many tourists arrive in Dali from Kunming, which is reachable by a high-speed train and only takes two to three hours. Kunming also has an airport, so travelers from abroad or other cities in China can reach the city by air. From Dali’s Old Town, the Three Pagodas are a short taxi ride, a public bus, or a half-hour walk away.
When to get there
Spring and fall are the best times to visit The Three Pagodas because those seasons have the most mild temperatures. Summer can be warm, but it is still an excellent time to visit. Winter is bitterly chilly, making touring the architecture and countryside less appealing. Remember that the first weeks of May and October are national holidays, so transportation gets very busy.
Best things to do in Dali City
After a visit to the Three Pagodas, you’ll have some time on your hands. Enjoy nature and relaxation with a boat ride on Erhai Lake, ride the cable car to the top of Cangshan Mountain for excellent views, or spend time shopping and browsing on the Foreigner’s Walking Street. Don’t be afraid to wander on your own. Just make sure to bring your hotel card with you written in Mandarin.
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