Dazhao Temple

The basics

There’s a small charge to visit Dazhao Temple’s incense-wreathed halls and airy courtyards. Many travelers explore independently, but if you’re not knowledgeable about Buddhism, it’s helpful to have a guide who can explain the different deities and tell the stories behind the murals—as well as pointing out the musical instruments, historic relics, and sacred scrolls. The temple is a common stop on Hohhot city tours, while some Inner Mongolia multi-day tours also include a visit here.

Things to know before you go

• Dazhao Temple is a great choice for people watchers, photographers, history buffs, and culture fans.
• This is an active place of worship, so respectful dress is important: Aim to cover your shoulders and legs to the knees.
• The lively market outside the temple can be a good spot for souvenir shopping.
• The temple grounds are flat and paved, but there may not be step-free access to every area.

How to get there

Dazhao Temple is in central Hohhot, about an 8-mile (14-kilometer) drive from Hohhot East station. It’s more than 1 mile (1.5 kilometers) from the nearest metro station, so most travelers join a tour, use rideshares, or brave the bus: bus numbers 6, 38, 58, 42 and K3 are all options.

When to get there

Dazhao Temple is typically open from 9am through to 6pm daily. Plan to visit midweek to beat the crowds. The spring months of April to June offer pleasant weather in Hohhot, while temperatures typically reach their hottest in July,

Why Tibetan Buddhism in Inner Mongolia?

When you enter Dazhao Temple, you pass a giant seated statue of the Mongol leader Altan Khan, who founded both the temple and the city of Hohhot during the 16th century. Mongolian Buddhism today involves a mix of traditions, but Khan made Tibet’s Yellow Hat school—now headed by the Dalai Lama—the official religion of his kingdom, and it’s still followed at Dazhao Temple today.