Dazhao Temple
大召（伊克召）
Hohhot's earliest Tibetan Buddhist temple, housing a Ming-era silver Buddha, and famous for its 'Three Wonders': the silver Buddha, dragon carvings and murals.
Dazhao Temple is called Yekhe Zhao in Mongolian, meaning 'Great Temple.' It was built in 1579, the seventh year of the Wanli reign, under the leadership of Altan Khan, chief of the Tümed tribe. The Ming court granted it the name 'Hongci Temple.' It was the first Tibetan Buddhist temple in Hohhot's history, and many more temples followed in the city. The temple combines Han-style halls and pavilions with a Tibetan-style sutra hall. The Great Hall houses a silver statue of Shakyamuni Buddha about 2.5 meters tall. Together with the golden dragon in front of the hall and the Ming and Qing murals inside, it is known as the 'Three Wonders of Dazhao.' During the Kangxi period of the Qing dynasty, Dazhao served as an imperial family temple and held a revered status. Admission is about 35 yuan (confirm on site), and a visit takes about an hour. In front of the temple lie Saishang Old Street and Dazhao Square, with many shaomai restaurants nearby, so you can enter after breakfast. Please observe temple etiquette and walk around the prayer wheels clockwise.
Opening hours
About 08:00–18:00 (temple closes earlier in winter)
Nearby sights
- Xilitu Zhao (Shiretu Juu)
- Saishang Old Street
- Five Pagoda Temple (Cideng Temple)
- Great Mosque of Hohhot
- Ulanhu Memorial Hall
- Mansion of Princess Kejing
- Suiyuan General's Yamen
- Daqingshan Wildlife Zoo