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Lengga Pagoda, located atop Jizu Mountain, over 30 kilometers northwest of Binchuan County, is a second-batch key cultural relic protection site in Dali Prefecture. Jizu Mountain is a renowned Buddhist sanctuary in Southeast Asia, the confluence of Han and Tibetan Buddhism in China, the birthplace of Zen Buddhism, and the site of the founding of Yangon Kasyapa, a prominent disciple of Sakyamuni. It is a national scenic spot, named for its resemblance to a chicken's foot, with its peak rising to the northwest and its tail winding southeast, with three branches in front and a ridge at the back.
The Lengga Pagoda on Jizu Mountain is a 13-story, hollow square tower with dense eaves, standing over 40 meters tall. Its seven interior floors offer direct access to the top. The tower's majestic architecture and beautiful exterior resemble a giant writing brush standing atop the renowned Buddhist summit of Jizu Mountain, a prominent landmark for hundreds of miles.
The entire Lengga Pagoda is grayish white, and its appearance imitates the Qianxun Pagoda of the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, but the tower body is more slender; what is most special is that iron railings are installed around the second level of the Lengga Pagoda, and there is a corridor for people to climb up and look into the distance. There are eight supporting inverted triangular structures under each side of the corridor. From a distance, it looks like a steady "skirt" decorating the tower body, giving the Lengga Pagoda a modern architectural atmosphere.
In every season, the Lengga Pagoda changes its scenery on the top of Jiuzu Mountain: in spring, when flowers are in full bloom, the Lengga Pagoda is decorated with rhododendrons and camellias all over the mountain; in summer, when there is a sea of clouds, the Lengga Pagoda is like a floating landmark in the sea of clouds; in autumn, when the sky is high, the Lengga Pagoda becomes a striking boundary between the blue sky and the green trees; in winter, when there is clear snow, the Lengga Pagoda and Jiuzu Mountain are crystal clear, and the Lengga Pagoda becomes an indispensable and perfect part of Jiuzu Mountain.
The low-latitude plateau has a monsoon climate. The Lengyan Pagoda is a thirteen-story square pagoda with dense eaves and seven inner floors. It is forty-two meters high and is one of the most majestic Buddhist pagodas in Yunnan. It is suitable for travel in all seasons.
It is recommended to play for 1-2 hours
55 yuan/person (included in the ticket for Jizu Mountain Scenic Area)
08:00-18:00
Lengyan Pagoda, located in Dali, Yunnan, is a historic Buddhist structure built during the Tang Dynasty. It stands as a symbol of the region’s rich religious and cultural heritage. The pagoda is notable for its impressive architecture and spiritual importance, drawing both pilgrims and tourists alike.
Lengyan Pagoda is located in the Dali area of Yunnan Province, China. It is accessible by taxi or private car from Dali Old Town, about 30 minutes away. Public buses are available but may require transfers.
The pagoda is typically open from 8 AM to 6 PM daily. The best times to visit are early morning or late afternoon when the light is perfect for photography, and the site is less crowded.
The entrance fee for Lengyan Pagoda is approximately ¥30. Tickets can be purchased onsite at the entrance. No online booking is necessary for general visitors.
Booking in advance is not required for general admission. However, for large group tours or special events, it is advisable to book tickets a few days ahead.
To fully explore Lengyan Pagoda and its surrounding areas, 1-2 hours should be sufficient. This allows time for photography, visiting the temple grounds, and appreciating the cultural heritage.
Guided tours are available in Chinese, and some guides may offer services in English. Audio guides can be rented at the visitor center for those wishing to explore the pagoda at their own pace.
Start by exploring the temple grounds at the base, then visit the smaller shrines. Proceed to the pagoda, climbing up to the upper levels for views of Dali and the surrounding mountains. Conclude with a visit to the gift shop or a peaceful moment in one of the courtyards.
Night visits are not commonly available at Lengyan Pagoda. However, some tours may offer special evening prayers or ceremonies at the temple during certain festivals. The pagoda is not typically illuminated at night.
The pagoda can get crowded, especially on weekends and during Chinese holidays. The least crowded times are early mornings on weekdays, particularly during the off-peak months of autumn and winter.
Basic facilities like toilets are available at the site. There is a small gift shop selling souvenirs, and water is available for purchase. However, there are no large restaurants or food stalls on-site, so it's recommended to bring snacks or visit nearby eateries.
The site is accessible to elderly and children, although there are stairs to reach the upper levels of the pagoda. For disabled visitors, there may be challenges in accessing the pagoda’s upper levels, but the temple grounds and lower areas are relatively accessible.
Cash is accepted, but cards and mobile payments (such as WeChat Pay or Alipay) are also widely accepted for tickets and souvenirs.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available at many restaurants in Dali Old Town and around the pagoda. Halal food options may be more limited but can be found in the town's larger eateries.
Yes, there are small souvenir shops at the pagoda selling traditional crafts, Buddhist items, and local textiles such as embroidered scarves and bags.
