Wudangzhao Monastery
巴达嘎尔庙（广觉寺）
A cluster of white Tibetan-style temples deep in the Yin Mountains, and the largest and best-preserved Gelug monastery remaining in Inner Mongolia.
Wudangzhao was first built during the Kangxi reign of the Qing dynasty. The Qianlong emperor granted it the name Guangjue Temple, and in Tibetan it is called Badagar Temple (White Lotus). The monastery is built in tiers following the slope of Mount Jihulun. Its six great halls, including Sugucin Hall, Dongkuoer Hall and Queyila Hall, together with three living Buddha residences and a memorial hall, are all white flat-roofed Tibetan-style buildings. From afar the monastery looks like a white scripture scroll hung on the mountainside, and it is the only fully intact purely Tibetan-style lamasery in Inner Mongolia. Inside you can see a bronze statue of Tsongkhapa about 10 meters tall, fine murals and thangkas. A good route starts at the mountain gate and runs clockwise from bottom to top. After the main halls, climb the ovoo behind the mountain for a view over the whole monastery. Admission is about 60 yuan (half price for students, free for those over 70; confirm on site). Opening hours are about 08:30 to 17:45. Wudangzhao is in Wudangzhao Town, Shiguai District, about 70 kilometers from downtown Baotou. Self-driving or hiring a car is recommended, and a few tourist shuttles run in peak season. Photography is often prohibited inside the halls, so dress modestly.
Opening hours
08:30–17:45 (per the site's published hours)
Nearby sights
- Zhuanlongzang Park
- Fuzheng Temple (Baotou Zhao)
- Guyang Qin Great Wall
- Lüzu Temple
- Chunkun Mountain
- Nanhai Wetland
- Meidaizhao Monastery
- Saihantala Urban Grassland