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Dazhao Temple
Introducing Dazhao Temple
Dazhao Temple is a prominent Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Hohhot. Belonging to the Gelug Sect, Dazhao Temple is also known as “Silver Buddha Temple” for the impressive 10-foot silver statue of Buddha it houses.
Established in 1579 AD, Dazhao Temple is the oldest and largest monastery in the city, wielding considerable regional influence. Its sprawling complex, encompassing over 30,000 square meters (7.41 acres), adheres to a traditional Han Chinese layout with three primary courtyards. A central axis guides visitors through a procession of grand halls: the Mountain Gate, the Hall of Heavenly Kings, the Hall of Bodhi, and the Hall of Mahavira. In addition to these impressive halls, the temple also houses a rich collection of intricate artifacts, including dragon carvings, colorful sculptures, gilded bronze statues, 108 volumes of the Kangyur scriptures, and various ritual objects and masks – all valuable historical relics and artistic treasures.
While originally a secluded sanctuary for spiritual practice, Dazhao Temple today welcomes both devout Buddhists and curious visitors. Its magnificent architecture, precious artifacts, and enchanting Buddhist music continue to inspire and captivate, ensuring its legacy endures for generations to come.
Dazhao Temple Fast Facts
• AKA: Wuliang Temple, Silver Buddha Temple
• Chinese Name: Dazhaosi 大召寺
• Best Time to Visit: May to August
• Recommended Visiting Hours: 2 - 3 x hours
• Things to Do: Photography, Architecture, Buddhism
• Opening Hours: 08:00-18:00
• Entrance Fee: CNY35
• Address: Daozhao Front Street, Yuquan District, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia
What to Expect at Dazhao Temple
Escape Inner Mongolia’s deserts and grasslands to discover its rich Buddhist heritage at Dazhao Temple. Marvel at the temple’s intricate architecture, vibrant colors, and intricate carvings. Soak in the serene atmosphere as you witness monks in prayer and explore halls filled with ancient scriptures and exquisite Buddhist art. Perhaps you’ll even have the opportunity to participate in a traditional Buddhist ceremony, a truly immersive experience that will leave a lasting impression.
The Hall of Mahavira
In the very heart of the hall, enshrined in solemn splendor, sits the renowned silver statue of Shakyamuni Buddha. Crafted from three thousand catties (approximately 4,000 pounds) of pure silver, its brilliance is eternally preserved by a delicate layer of gold leaf. This piece, the largest of its kind in China, exudes an aura of serene strength. Delicate, tiger-tail earrings brush the Buddha’s cheeks, while a jeweled necklace, crafted in the style of traditional Han Chinese official attire, adorns his neck.
Before the Buddha, two golden dragons, carved from wood, ascend towards the heavens. Their bodies, nearly 10 meters (33 ft) tall, intertwine around towering pillars, fierce claws gripping fiery pearls as their eyes lock in a captivating gaze. Defying gravity, their hollow forms rely solely on the strength of their claws to maintain their precarious ascent.
The Hall of the Jade Buddha
Light glinted off the polished marble floor of the Hall, reflecting the serene face of the Jade Buddha above. The 4.4-meter (14 ft) statue, carved from a single piece of Burmese jade, sat in meditative repose, its gaze gently lowered. A golden pearl rested in its left hand, while the right lay open, palm down, as if offering a blessing. The Buddha’s kasaya (Buddhist robes), a pale hue against the deeper green of the jade, flowed in meticulously carved folds, so lifelike one might expect to see the shimmer of silk. Carefully placed rubies and diamonds accented the robe, catching the light. Behind the statue, dragons and phoenixes danced amidst swirling clouds on a magnificent backdrop, while solemn Dharma Protectors stood guard, their presence adding to the air of sacredness that permeated the hall.
Vibrant Buddhist Murals
Renowned for their vivid imagery and enduring brilliance, the mural paintings of Dazhao Temple date back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD). Created with natural mineral pigments, these murals depict scenes from the Six Realms of Samsara, revolving around Buddhist themes. They showcase a rich variety of figures, including Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, Arhats, Taras, Dharma protectors, revered Tibetan masters, and stories from Buddhist scriptures.
Sacred Buddhist Ceremonies
Dazhao Temple is renowned for its unique Buddhist ceremonies, most notably the awe-inspiring “Airing of the Buddha” (晾大佛) ceremony held twice a year. On the 15th day of the first and sixth lunar months, a colossal statue of Maitreya Buddha is unveiled, allowing devotees to pay their respects while the magnificent artwork benefits from natural preservation.
This grand event coincides with other vibrant traditions at the temple. “Tiao Qiamu (跳恰木),” a captivating masked dance ceremony, unfolds amidst the resonant sounds of traditional Tibetan music. Dancers, embodying various deities, move rhythmically to exorcise evil spirits, celebrate bountiful harvests, and invoke blessings of good fortune. Adding to the spiritual fervor is “Song Balin (送巴令),” a powerful ritual for banishing negativity. A dough effigy, representing a malevolent demon (“Balin”), is paraded through the temple grounds before being ceremoniously burned outside the gates. This symbolic act is believed to cleanse the community of misfortune and illness. Together, these captivating ceremonies draw massive crowds eager to witness the spectacle and immerse themselves in the profound spiritual experience.
How to Get to Dazhao Temple
• By Bus: Take bus K3, 6, 38, 59 to Dazhao Station.
Additional Travel Advice on Dazhao Temple
• Please keep quiet in the temple.
• Please dress and behave appropriately in the temple.
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