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Xilitu Zhao Temple
Introducing Xilitu Zhao Temple
Xilitu Zhao Temple is an Tibetan Buddhist monastery of the Gelugpa sect located in Hohhot. Built in 1585 AD, Xilitu Zhao Temple is the largest and the most exquisitely preserved lama temple in the city.
Located across from the DaZhao Temple, this remarkable temple spans 13,160 square meters (3.25 acres) and showcases a stunning blend of Han and Tibetan architecture. This fusion is evident in the symmetrical layout, with a majestic mountain gate and grand main hall along the central axis. Surrounding these are various Buddhist structures, including the Hall of the Mahavira, a Sutra Library, Bell and Drum Towers and pavilions.
Since 1735 AD, the temple has served as the residence of successive incarnate lamas (highly revered spiritual leaders in Tibetan Buddhism who is enthroned after the previous lama’s death), with the 11th currently in residence. The temple remains a vibrant place of worship for Mongol monks and their disciples.
Xilitu Zhao Temple Fast Facts
• AKA: Yanshou Temple
• Chinese Name: Xilitu Zhao 席力图召
• Best Time to Visit: All year around
• Recommended Visiting Hours: About 1 to 2 hours
• Things to Do: Photography, Architecture, Tibetan Buddhism
• Opening Hours: 9:00-17:00
• Entrance Fee: CNY24
• Address: Intersection of Xingsheng Street and Shitou Alley, Yuquan District, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia
What to Expect at Xilitu Zhao Temple
Also known as the ‘Holy Place’ in Mongolian, the Xilitu Zhao Temple is a destination that must be experienced firsthand to appreciate its serene yet powerful atmosphere. Colorful prayer flags flutter in the breeze, adding brightness and inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the rich spiritual heritage. Here, one can find peace and insight in a world steeped in tradition, where every corner holds a story waiting to be discovered.
The Hall of the Heavenly Kings
The Hall of Heavenly Kings is the first important hall in Chinese Buddhist temples, named after the statues of the Four Heavenly Kings enshrined within. In this hall, the Four Heavenly Kings guard the four directions—east, south, west, and north—protecting the world to ensure favorable weather and good harvests.
In their sculptures, each Heavenly King is depicted with one foot raised and the other firmly planted on the ground, symbolizing their readiness to engage in battle against evil spirits and their protective nature. This iconic posture reflects their commitment to safeguarding the Dharma and maintaining harmony in the world.
The Hall of the Mahavira
The Hall of the Mahavira, also known as the Grand Sutra Hall, is the central hall of the Xilitu Zhao Temple. It is the only grand hall in the Hohhot area that combines Tibetan and Han architectural styles and houses the precious Tibetan Buddhist sutras, the Kanjur and Tanjur.
The surrounding walls feature a Tibetan style, with the front adorned with small windows and blue glazed tiles, interspersed with yellow and green tiles that form vibrant patterns. The roof cleverly blends Tibetan and Han styles, featuring a flat Tibetan-style roof at the front and a hipped roof typical of traditional Chinese architecture at the back. Inside the spacious hall, 64 square columns are arranged in an orderly fashion. The rear of the hall houses the hall of the Buddha, where a statue of Shakyamuni is enshrined at the center, flanked by figures of the Buddhas of the Ten Directions, as well as Tara and Bodhisattvas on either side.
The Hall of the Ancient Buddha
The Hall of the Ancient Buddha, built during the Liao Dynasty (916-1125 AD), has over a thousand years of spiritual significance, serving as a site where incarnate lamas of the Xilitu Zhao Temple practice scriptures and transmit teachings. Visitors also come to pray for peace, wealth, career success, academic achievement, and romantic relationships.
The hall is divided into two parts: the front serves as a scripture hall, while the rear is the Buddha hall. Upon entering, one finds the tryadhva-buddhāḥ statue at the center, flanked by the Eight Bhaisajyaguru and the “Medicine Sutra.” The east and west walls feature murals of the Eighteen Arhats and the Four Heavenly Kings, with two Heavenly Kings depicted standing in the lower southern corners and nine Arhats arranged in rows. The backgrounds include detailed landscapes with flowing water, mountains, and mythical animals.
The Bell & Drum Tower
In Xilitu Zhao Temple, the Bell Tower and Drum Tower are situated on the east and west sides, respectively. Each morning, the bell is struck first, followed by the drum, while in the evening, the drum is struck first, and then the bell. This practice has given rise to the saying “morning bell and evening drum.”
Apart from keeping time, the beating of the drum welcomes guests, while the ringing of the bell dispels worries. In Buddhism, worries are believed to harm both the body and mind, often referred to as “demons” in the sutras. Ringing the bell 108 times in the morning and evening symbolizes the liberation of sentient beings from 108 kinds of worries.
The White Marble Stupa
The White Marble Stupa in the temple is one of the best-preserved examples in Inner Mongolia, constructed entirely from white marble and standing approximately 15 meters (49 ft) tall. Its square platform base, made of stone slabs, features stairways on all four sides, symbolizing stability and grounding.
Rising from this platform is a wide-shouldered dome, known as the Anda, intricately decorated with colorful motifs representing the universe and cosmic order. Atop the dome is the Harmika, a square platform adorned with carvings of flames, vajras, and lions, symbolizing the realm of the gods and often surrounded by a railing. Above the Harmika rises the Spire (Yasti), which narrows upwards, symbolizing the connection between the earthly and spiritual realms. The stupa finial features thirteen rings that represent the Dharma, topped with a copper star and moon, along with a precious umbrella (chhatra) that signifies protection.
How to Get to Xilitu Zhao Temple
• By Bus: Take bus 6, 38, 59 to Dazhao Station.
Additional Travel Advice on Xilitu Zhao Temple
• Dazhao Temple is next to Xilitu Zhao Temple across a street.
• Please dress and behave appropriately in the temple.
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