Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple
Yunnan Sheng
The Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple form a unique architectural ensemble of three independent pagodas arranged in an equilateral triangle near Dali's old town, Yunnan Province, China. Dating from the 9th and 10th centuries during the Kingdoms of Nanzhao and Dali, these pagodas are constructed of brick and coated with white mud, exhibiting a graceful and stately style rare in Chinese Buddhist architecture. The central and tallest pagoda, Qianxun Pagoda, stands at 69.6 meters tall with sixteen stories, each adorned with carved shrines containing white marble Buddha statues. Its hollow interior and thick walls house numerous Buddhist antiques discovered during restoration. The two smaller sibling pagodas, built about a century later, are solid, octagonal, and 42.19 meters tall, each featuring ten stories with Buddha shrines. The site also includes the Reflection Pond, which beautifully mirrors the pagodas. Historically significant as a royal temple site, the Three Pagodas have endured natural disasters, including earthquakes and fires, and remain a symbol of durability and spiritual importance. The nearby Chongsheng Temple has been rebuilt after destruction, enhancing the site's cultural and religious value. The pagodas' elegant symmetry and historical artifacts make them a must-visit landmark and national treasure in China.
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Astuce: Visitors are advised to visit during the spring and autumn months for pleasant weather and clearer views. Purchasing tickets in advance can help avoid queues, especially during peak tourist seasons. The site offers discounts for students, seniors, and groups. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended to explore the grounds and Reflection Pond area thoroughly. Guided tours are available to enrich understanding of the pagodas' history and architecture.
Faits intéressants
- •The central Qianxun Pagoda is one of the tallest ancient pagodas in China, standing at 69.6 meters tall.
- •During restoration in 1978, over 700 Buddhist antiques including sculptures made of gold, silver, wood, and crystal were discovered inside the central pagoda.
- •The Three Pagodas are arranged in an equilateral triangle, a unique layout in Chinese Buddhist architecture.
- •The Reflection Pond behind the pagodas is famous for mirroring their images, creating a picturesque scene.
- •The pagodas have survived multiple major earthquakes, including a devastating quake in 1925 that destroyed most of Dali city but left the pagodas undamaged.
Histoire
The Three Pagodas were constructed starting in the 9th century under King Quan Fengyou of the Kingdom of Nanzhao, with the main Qianxun Pagoda built between 823 and 840 CE.
The two smaller pagodas were added about a century later.
Originally part of the royal Chongsheng Temple complex, the pagodas were built for auspicious reasons, including local beliefs to deter dragons causing natural disasters.
Over centuries, the pagodas have survived numerous earthquakes, fires, and other calamities, including a notable 1515 earthquake that caused temporary damage to Qianxun Pagoda but left it intact after aftershocks.
The temple itself was destroyed during the Qing dynasty and later rebuilt in 2005.
The resilience of the pagodas has made them a symbol of cultural endurance in the region.
Guide du lieu
Qianxun Pagoda823-840 CE
The central and tallest pagoda, built between 823 and 840 CE, is square-shaped with sixteen stories. Each story features carved shrines with white marble Buddha statues. It is hollow inside up to the eighth story, with thick walls housing Buddhist relics discovered during restoration.
Two Smaller PagodasApproximately 10th century
Located northwest and southwest of Qianxun Pagoda, these two octagonal pagodas each have ten stories and stand 42.19 meters tall. They are solid structures with Buddha shrines on each side of every story.
Reflection Pond (Juying Pond)
A scenic pond located behind the pagodas known for reflecting the images of the Three Pagodas, enhancing the visual appeal of the site and providing excellent photo opportunities.
Contact
Téléphone: 0872 266 6346