Dazhao Temple is the oldest and largest temple in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia. It was the first Gelugpa Buddhism monastery built in Inner Mongolia. It was constructed in 1578, during the sixth year of Emperor Wanli’s reign in Ming Dynasty, by Tumete Tribal Chief Alehan to celebrate his conversion to Buddhism.
With an area of over 35,880 square yards (30,000 square meters), Dazhao Temple has been designated as a protected relic of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region because of its grand size and priceless relics.
Dazhao Temple is also called Wuliang Si, meaning the “Infinite Temple.” People refer to it as the Silver Buddha Temple as well because of the statue enshrined inside. Its history, cultural significance, and spiritual value have made it a landmark and tourist attraction. So remember to pay a visit when you travel to Hohhot in Inner Mongolia.
Fast Facts about Dazhao Temple
- Location: Dazhao Front Street, Yuquan District of Hohhot, Inner Mongolia
- Hours: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
- Ticket price: CNY 40 per person
- Recommended visit time: 1-2 hours
- Best time of the year: May to October
- Suited to: those who interested in Buddhism and Chinese culture
What to See and Do at Dazhao Temple
Dazhao Temple has a rich collection of artifacts and relics. The most famous ones are the “Three Marvelous Treasures,” the Silver Buddha, dragon carvings, and beautiful murals.
1. The Silver Buddha
The Silver Sakyamuni Buddha statue was made by talented Nepalese craftsmen. It stands 8.2 feet (2.5 meters) tall and is made of 30,000 taels (about 3,307 pounds) of pure silver. It is one of the largest existing silver Buddhas in China with a history of over 400 years.
2. Dragon Carvings
The two vivid golden dragons are carved in front of the Silver Buddha on two pillars about 33 feet (10 meters) tall. The dragons are shown lifting their paws and baring their teeth, circling around. Even though they are still and inanimate, they inevitably evoke awe from the audience. They embody the exquisite artistic skill of Ming Dynasty
3. Murals
The murals at Dazhao Temple are rich in themes and vivid in pictures. They are based on Buddhist figures and stories, depicting various scenes of heaven, earth, and hell. “Buddha and the six heretics compete magic arts” in particular, is the most impressive one with more than 770 figures of gods, Buddhas and mortals, etc. It reflects the highest level of art in Ming Dynasty.
The murals were painted with natural stone color. After hundreds of years, the colors are still bright and captivating.
4. Religious Ceremonies and Festivals
Witness religious ceremonies and rituals at Dazhao Temple. The ceremonies usually include chanting, drumming, bellringing.
As the most influential Buddhist temple in Hohhot, Dazhao Temple also hosts many religious festivals and events every year. Seeing off Baling, for example, is held twice a year, when monks exorcise Baling, a figure symbolizing devils, and burn it with fire.
5. Check out the Museum
Get a deeper understanding of local Buddhist beliefs at the museum of Dazhao Temple. It presents a collection of rare cultural artifacts, including ancient scriptures and sculptures.
Best Time to Visit Dazhao Temple
The best time to visit Dazhao Temple is between the months of May to October when the weather is nice and mild. But for a Hohhot tour or Inner Mongolia tour in general, the best time is from July to September.
How to Get to Dazhao Temple
If you would like to visit Dazhao Temple from Hohhot city center, simply take one of these buses: NO. 6, 38, 42, 58, 59, 209, and K3, and get off at Dazhao Station. Or you can hail a taxi from wherever you are in Hohhot.
Attractions nearby Dazhao Temple
- Inner Mongolia Museumin Hohhot houses more than 100,000 sets of collections on the history of Inner Mongolia from stone ages till modern times. Gaining a deeper understanding of the culture and history that have shaped Hohhot city will make your trip more meaningful.
- Zhaojun Tombis located about 4.3 miles (7 kilometers) from Dazhao Temple. It honors Wang Zhaojun, a famous historical figure in Chinese history.
- Xilitu Zhao Templeis across from Dazhao Temple, only a five-minute walk. It is famed for its beautiful architectural design and a stunning view of the surrounding countryside.
Recommended Hohhot Tours to Dazhao Temple
