Dazhao Temple

Introducing Dazhao Temple
Dazhao Temple, or Wuliang Temple, literally means Big Temple. It is the oldest and largest temple in Inner Mongolia dedicated to the Gelugpa branch of Tibetan Buddhism.

Dazhao Temple Fast Facts
• Chinese Name: Dazhaosi 大召寺
• Best Time to Visit: May to August
• Recommended Visiting Hours: About 2 to 3 hours
• Things to Do: Photography, Architecture, Buddhism
• Opening Hours: 09:00-18:00
• Entrance Fee: ¥35
• Address: Daozhao Front Street, Yuquan District, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia

What to expect at Dazhao Temple

In 1557, when the Tümed Mongol leader Altan Khan began its construction, it was the first building of Hohhot; the rest of the city subsequently growing around it. The temple is said to have been completed in 1579. Dazhao Temple owns its fame to its astounding 10 ft silver Sakyamuni Buddha statue. The 3rd Dalai Lama, Sonam Gyatso, visited the temple in 1586 and consecrated the silver Buddha statue. As a consequence, Hohhot became a religious center for people from all over Mongolia who came to receive its blessings. The temple also has a shrine that was dedicated to the Kangxi Emperor of the Qing Dynasty in the late 17th century and murals in the hallway that commemorate his visit. Dazhao also exhibits an impressive collection of musical instruments and dragon sculptures relating to Mongol legends.

Silver Buddha
Dazhao temple also has the title of “Silver Buddha Temple”. The Silver Buddha figure refers to the state of Sakyamuni which is set in the main hall. Sitting up to 3 meters, the statue is made of pure silver. It is of the largest silver Buddhas in China.

Dragon Sculptures
Dragon sculptures refer to the two golden dragons carved on two pillars in front of the Silver Buddha. The carvings are vivid and elegant, showing the exquisite craftsmanship of carving art of the Ming Dynasty.

Murals
Murals in Dazhao Temple is outstanding with rich contents and vivid painting drawn in natural stone,. These paintings are based on Buddhist figures and stories, depicting various scenes of heaven, earth and hell. The scenes are grand and quite spectacular, reflecting the superb level of Chinese Ming Dynasty painting art.

How to get to Dazhao Temple
• Take bus No. 6, 38, 42, 58, 59, 209 or K3 and get off at Dazhao Station.

Additional travel advice on Dazhao Temple
• Please keep quiet in the temple.
• Please dress and behave appropriately in the temple.