The Three Pagodas of Dali was listed as a national key cultural relic’s preservation site by the State Council. The Three Pagodas is the cultural symbol of Dali City.

Arising on the Cangshan Mountain slope overlooking the Erhai Lake, the Three Pagodas stand about one kilometer (0.62 miles) west of Dali City. During the repairing of the Three Pagodas in the 1970s, more than 600 relics were found, including scriptures, bronze mirrors, golden Buddhas and crystal Buddhas.

It has a history of over 1,800 years. The special structure is unique in China. The main Pagoda of the three, Qianxun Pagoda, has 16 story’s 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). To the west of Qianxun Pagoda are two smaller 10-storied pagodas in the same style.

Standing on the hillside, with a reflection in the lake nearby, the three pagodas represent ancient architectural art and culture of the Bai ethnic group.