Fotu Temple and Fotu Pagoda in Dali City

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Fotu Temple Pagoda (佛图寺塔) – The So-Called Snake Bone Pagoda

Architectural Features
Standing 30.7 meters tall, this 13-tiered, square brick pagoda is built in a classic dense-eaves style. The base features a double-tiered pedestal with a bottom layer 19.7 meters per side. The tower’s body curves slightly in a parabolic form, with Buddhist niches on the east and west sides, and arched ventilation openings on the north and south. A bronze gourd-shaped finial crowns the pagoda.

Historic Relics
Excavations inside the pagoda unearthed 52 relics including miniature pagoda molds, vajras (金刚杵), bronze mirrors, and 47 volumes of Yuan Dynasty scriptures—some handwritten during the era of the Kingdom of Dali (大理国).

Leaning Phenomenon
Due to its age, the pagoda leans 1.18 meters to the northeast, with a tilt angle of roughly 2°, making it one of China’s rare examples of a leaning ancient tower.

The Name and the Legend

Origin of “Snake Bone Pagoda”
According to Bai ethnic folklore, a heroic warrior named Duan Chicheng (段赤城) sacrificed himself to slay a giant python during the Nanzhao Kingdom (南诏) era. Locals are said to have mixed the serpent’s bones with soil to fire bricks for a commemorative tower—thus the name Snake Bone Pagoda (蛇骨塔).

Historical Clarification
In reality, the current pagoda is the Fotu Temple Pagoda, as confirmed by a Ming Dynasty stele titled “Record of the Restoration of the Fotu Pagoda” (《重修佛图塔记》). The original Snake Bone Pagoda stood elsewhere but had already collapsed by the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The present-day structure inherited the folk name, though its origins differ.

Visiting Experience

Temple Environment
Fotu Temple (佛图寺), originally founded in the Tang Dynasty, has undergone numerous restorations. Today, it’s known as a “garden temple” with blooming flowers and a tranquil setting. Visitors may enjoy complimentary vegetarian meals in the temple dining hall (donations welcome).

Cultural Fusion
From the temple square, one can enjoy sweeping views of Erhai Lake (洱海) and Cangshan’s peaks. The temple reflects a blend of Nanzhao-era Buddhist artistry and the Bai people’s Ben Zhu (本主) indigenous faith.

Practical Information

Entry & Transportation

Admission: Free

Vegetarian Meals: Offered daily; voluntary donations appreciated

Getting There:

Public Transport: Take a city bus to “Yangping Village” (阳平村) stop, then walk.

Taxi: Use the destination “Fotu Temple” (佛图寺) for ease.

Self-Driving: Navigate to “Fotu Temple Pagoda Parking Lot” (佛图寺塔停车场).

Tips

The temple is open daily. Visit in the morning for a peaceful experience.

Respect religious customs: avoid stepping over thresholds or taking photos inside temple halls.

Pair your visit with a short trip (2 km) to the Ruins of the Nanzhao Taihe City (南诏太和城遗址), also free of charge.

Cultural Significance

Designated as a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Site in 2006, the Fotu Temple Pagoda shares architectural roots with the famous Qianxun Pagoda (千寻塔) at Chongsheng Temple (崇圣寺). It stands as a peak example of Tang Dynasty Buddhist brick pagoda design and Nanzhao religious aesthetics.

While the “Snake Bone Pagoda” title may be a misattribution, the enduring legend of Duan Chicheng’s valor continues to inspire local reverence and symbolizes the spiritual heritage of the Bai people.