Old Dali Town, Three Pagodas and Ren Min Lu

Old Dali Town, The Three Pagodas and Ren Min Lu

 The Three Pagodas complex is known for its resilience.  Three Pagodas has survived several eras of severe earthquakes.



The 3 pagodas are definitely impressive and resilient having withstood so much trauma

The religious use of incense has its origins in antiquity.

The air is thick with the heady scent of incense and the fervour of the faithful.

Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, about 1 kilometer northwest of the Dali Ancient City, and occupy a truly spectacular scenic location at the foot of Mt, Cangshan and facing Lake Erhai.

The burned incense  may be intended as a sacrificial offering to various deity or to serve as assistance in the ritual of prayer.

Ribbons blowing in the breeze.

There are also numerous temples that have been more recently built uphill from the 3 pagodas

The thick scent of incense creates an intensity in the atmosphere, that is only rivalled by the ritual that precedes the placement of the incense in the burner

The Three Pagodas complex has a history of over 1,800 years. The temple no longer exists, but the three pagodas, different in size and history, remain.

In Chinese Taoist and Buddhist temples, the inner spaces are scented with thick coiled incense.  These are either hung from the ceiling or on special stands.

As far as the eye can see and beyond there are temples and incense receptacles, with the complex stretching such a vast distance

The views were breathtaking from the top of the 3 Pagoda complex - the stunning sheer beauty of the surrounds - The temples are gift wrapped with Lake Erhai and the Cangashan Mountains.

The three pagodas are symbolic of the history of Dali Ancient City, and a record of the development of Buddhism in the area.  Three Pagodas are made of three ancient independent pagodas forming a symmetrical triangle and can be seen from many distant points of he town

Little hearts containing prayers and wishes hang from the trees in the gardens of the 3 Pagodas complex

The local tourists take little rocks and tap on this larger rock to erode the surface while make prayers and asking for blessings.

The ritual of a prayer

Worshipers at the temples light and burn sticks of incense in small or large bundles, which they wave or raise above the head while bowing to the statues of a deity or an ancestor.

Many local people who travel in China at present enjoy having their photograph taken with the foreigner.  This group of people requested a photograph with me and so I reciprocated asking for one of them with our very own cultural attache.

Before we had reached the pinnacle of the complex we had been photographed so many times by domestic tourists we had stars in our eyes.

The rise of the local tourist in China appears to be a significant and growing social trend since we were last here some 11 years ago.

Individual sticks of incense are then vertically placed into individual censers located in front of the statues or plaques either singularly or in threes, depending on the status of the deity or the feelings of the individual.

Dali gives an initial impression of being so laid back that it is relatively east to lull oneself into a sense of doing very little, especially if staying at the Jade Emu (Totally chilling)

It is a very easy place to simply slow down or stop and take advantage of the clean comfort and ease on offer.  Dali can be as busy or slow as you chose it to be with plenty of sights on offer and cool little bars to just chill (Bad Monkey Beer Bar) 

 The dumpling treasure trove - lift the lid to reveal the contents lying inside the steamer - luscious yet simple little steamy, doughy treasures of vegetarian or pork stuffed dumplings.



Ren Min Lu and Foreigners Street are two famous streets in Dali Old Town.  The many  bars, cafes, Bai food restaurants, Tibetan restaurants. eateries have a unique vibe all of their own.


Ren Min Lu really reflects the real local life while also accommodating the needs of the "foreigner".   There are snack booths, shops, hair dressing salons, flower shops and hotels lining either side of the street.


 

Dali is a destination with many charms.

There are recessed little markets  hidden down the lanes and around the various nooks and crannies of Dali little surprises await those who seek to search them out.


Dumplings and Chinese TV

Eating dumplings in a simple little dumpling shop watching some crazy children's show where a father runs on a long treadmill against the direction holding a cream and cherry pie in his hand, he reaches his daughter (aged 5 - 10) and slaps the pie to her face she eats the pie he falls down and is carted via tread back to the start to collect another pie and do all again - Winner is the girl with the most cream on face and most cherries in mouth.  Mother stands on sidelines and by facial expression we interpret she is encouraging father to go, go, go.  Aghast, the expressions of some of the audience members, clearly related to or friends with the losing family.  The losing family all appear to be very sad and teary and consoling each other while the winning family rejoice in the ultimate triumph.

A message for all of us - Slow Down.  

There is plenty of good food on offer at street level.  But if not inclined there are some lovely restaurants and cafes with a chilled out vibe.