The Three Pagodas of Dali was listed as a national key cultural relics preservation site by the State Council. The tallest of the three, Qianxun Pagoda, has 16 storeys totaling 69.13 meters (230 feet) in height.

It was built more than 1,000 years ago during the Zhenguan Period in the Tang Dynasty (618-907). The two smaller pagodas to its west and north, each 42.19 meters (135 feet) high with ten tiers, have a luxurious appearance with their exquisite carvings. They were built in the Five Dynasties (907-960). More than 600 rare relics of the states of Nanzhao and Dali were discovered in the three pagodas during the 1978 reconstruction, making them even more famous.

There are several different sayings about the specific construction period of the three pagodas. Historical records show that they were first built in 836. When building the tallest one, the emperor of the Tang Dynasty sent two famous architects to see to its design and construction, thus introducing the architectural arts of the central plain to Yunnan Province.

Therefore, no wonder that many experts and scholars think its structure is similar to the Small Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi'an, capital of Shaanxi Province. Besides, it is the testimony of unification among different nationalities in ancient China.

When visiting the Three Pagodas of Dali, you'll wonder at the super architectural techniques in ancient times. It is said that construction workers did not employ scaffolds but hillocks piled around the already built tiers, to construct higher parts. Upon completion of the pagodas, workers carried away these hillocks, and the pagodas finally showed up.

"To get a perfect life, pray at the Chongsheng Temple." Or so goes the ancient saying. Today, one might update "pray" with "pay": To gain entry to the official Chongsheng Temple and The Three-Pagoda culture Tourist Area, you'll have to cough up a hefty RMB 120. And though a perfect life may elude you (whether you pay to pray or not), you can reasonably hope for a few perfect shots with the camera and a moment of peace in the midst of the touristic hubbub surrounding what are, in fact, three astonishing ancient pagodas and one nicely reconstructed temple turned museum. Over the centuries since the site's establishment around 850 AD the Three Pagodas have survived wars and earthquakes. Today they stand as some of the oldest pagodas in this part of the world. And stand they do: the 16-tier Qianxun Pagoda—the oldest of the trio—attains a height of 70 m (230 ft); it is symmetrically flanked by two 10-tier 42 m (138 ft) towers. Once you've gained entry to the tourist area, you can approach the pagodas but that's it: all three are sealed shut for their own good. Some of the best views are to had at a distance—on a clear day, the reflection of the pagodas in nearby Erhai Lake can be stunning. The recently renovated Chongsheng Temple, which was once the royal temple for the Kingdom of Dali and a major regional center of Buddhist learning, now serves as a museum documenting the site's important role in the history of Buddhism and displaying artifacts from the site.