Antiques Exhibition Hall of Chongsheng Monastery in Dali City

The Antiques Exhibition Hall of Chongsheng Monastery (大理崇圣寺三塔文物陈列馆) is located within the Three Pagodas Scenic Area (三塔景区) in Dali City (大理市), Yunnan Province. It is an important cultural site that houses a rich collection of historical relics, discovered during one of the most extensive restoration projects in the area. The exhibition showcases invaluable artifacts dating back to the Nanzhao Kingdom (南诏) and Dali Kingdom (大理国) periods.

Location

The Antiques Exhibition Hall is situated along the central axis of the Three Pagodas Scenic Area (三塔景区). It is adjacent to the Three Pagodas Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition Hall (三塔非遗展览馆) and other significant sites in the area.

Key Exhibits

The collection on display includes a range of Nanzhao Kingdom (南诏) and Dali Kingdom (大理国) artifacts discovered during the restoration of the Three Pagodas (三塔) between 1978 and 1982. Over 680 items were unearthed from the pagoda's pinnacle, base, and other locations, making this one of the most significant collections of Dali (大理) and Nanzhao (南诏) artifacts. The items on display include gold, silver, bronze, crystal, porcelain, wood, and other materials.

1. Golden Avalokitesvara Statue

• Height: 28 cm

• Weight: 1115 g
  This golden statue of Avalokitesvara (观音菩萨) features a flame-shaped silver backlight and intricate details such as fine jewelry, including bracelets and anklets. The statue's posture shows graceful elegance, with a half-naked torso and a flowing sash.

2. Golden Winged Garuda with Beads

• Height: 18.5 cm

• Weight: 125 g
  This Garuda (迦楼罗) statue, also known as Garuda in Sanskrit, is made from gold and silver and is decorated with crystal beads embedded in its tail feathers. The figure stands atop a lotus flower base and is housed within a wooden golden canopy, making it a unique item in the collection.

3. Crystal Statue of Amitabha Buddha

• Height: 6.5 cm
  This crystal statue of Amitabha Buddha (阿弥陀佛) presents a gracious and dignified expression, with fine details including a high nose, slim waist, and red accents on the lips and crown.

4. Gold-Plated Pagoda Model

This gold-plated model of a pagoda is crafted from gold and silver and mirrors the architectural features of the Three Pagodas (三塔). The model includes a lotus base, fire-colored paint, and a detailed six-tier eaves design, similar to the Qianxun Pagoda (千寻塔) structure.

5. Nanzhao Jianji Great Bell

• Height: 3.86 meters

• Diameter: 2.138 meters

• Weight: 16.295 tons
  The Nanzhao Jianji Great Bell (南诏建极大钟) was cast in 871 CE during the Nanzhao Kingdom (南诏). Famous for its immense size and resonant sound that could be heard from up to 80 kilometers, the original bell was destroyed during the late Qing Dynasty (清朝). A replica was cast in 1997 and is now the largest bell in Yunnan Province (云南省).

Other Notable Artifacts

6. Rain Copper Avalokitesvara

The Rain Copper Avalokitesvara (雨铜观音) was cast in 899 CE and is associated with a legend. The story goes that when the monks ran out of copper to create the statue, copper rain miraculously fell from the sky, allowing them to complete the statue.

This massive statue of Avalokitesvara (观音菩萨) stands 8.6 meters tall and weighs 11 tons. It is located in the Rain Copper Avalokitesvara Hall (雨铜观音殿), which was reconstructed in 1999. The statue, which was carefully reconstructed based on late Qing Dynasty (清朝) photos, reflects the transition from the male Avalokitesvara to the female Avalokitesvara in Dali (大理).

7. The Five Treasures of Chongsheng Monastery

The Rain Copper Avalokitesvara (雨铜观音), the Three Pagodas (三塔), and the Nanzhao Jianji Great Bell (南诏建极大钟) are considered the three most significant treasures of Chongsheng Monastery (崇圣寺). These artifacts form part of the Five Treasures of Chongsheng Monastery, which are key highlights of the site.

Visitor Information

Opening Hours

• Open Year-Round: Daily from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM

Entrance Fee

• Free Admission: The Antiques Exhibition Hall (三塔文物陈列馆) is currently free of charge to visit as of 2023.

Recommended Duration

• 1-2 Hours: Most visitors recommend spending 1-2 hours exploring the exhibits and the surrounding Three Pagodas Scenic Area (三塔景区).

How to Get There

From Xiaguan (Dali City Center)

• By Minibus: Minibuses operate regularly between Xiaguan (下关) and the Three Pagodas Scenic Area (三塔景区).

• By Taxi: Taxis are available for a direct ride to the Three Pagodas Scenic Area (三塔景区).

• By Foot: The area is approximately 3 km from Xiaguan (下关) and can be accessed via a pleasant walk.

Visitor Feedback

Overall Ratings

• Rating: 4.5/5
  Visitors appreciate the rich historical value and intricate craftsmanship of the displayed artifacts. Many also enjoy learning about the local folklore associated with the statues and relics. However, some visitors have noted that the lighting and space layout could be improved for better viewing.