Five-Pagoda Temple (Wuta Si)
Hohhot, Northern China
This Tibetan Buddhist temple—all that remains of what was once a much larger temple complex—is one of Hohhot’s most interesting places of worship. Its five pagodas are decorated with more than 1,500 colorful Buddha reliefs, and on one of the walls you’ll see a unique Mongolian astronomical map, carved in stone.
The basics
In style, the Five-Pagoda Temple (Wuta Si) looks more Indian than Chinese, and the text inscribed on the base in Mongolian, Tibetan, and Sanskrit emphasizes that: It’s from the Diamond Sutra scripture. In addition to Buddha himself, the carvings feature images such as bodhi trees, garuda birds, lions, elephants, and Buddhist saints. A hall on the site is home to tantric statues and ritual objects, including a skull cup, a dagger, and an ornate shell instrument.
Things to know before you go
- The Five-Pagoda Temple is a great choice for scholars of religion and anyone with an interest in Mongolian Buddhism.
- There are plenty of places to eat and buy souvenirs near the temple.
- The area around the temple is paved, smooth, and flat, so wheelchair users can get up close.
How to get there
The Five-Pagoda Temple is in Hohhot’s old town, about a 15-minute walk east of Dazhao Temple and just south of Qingcheng Park. It’s not well positioned for the metro, though the #1 bus runs to Qingcheng Park. Most travelers join a tour, take a taxi, rideshare with DiDi, or walk from elsewhere within the old town.
When to get there
The temple is open daily from morning until early evening. In general when sightseeing in China, try to avoid visiting during the Golden Week holidays at the start of May and October.
Things to do near the Five-Pagoda Temple
If you’re exploring downtown Hohhot independently, don’t miss three key attractions near the Five-Pagoda Temple. Hohhot Mosque (Great Mosque) is the city’s oldest mosque, dating back more than three centuries, with a fascinating Chinese-style exterior. Dazhao Temple is a huge, colorful Tibetan Buddhist temple that draws pilgrims from around the country. Meanwhile, families and people-watchers will love Qingcheng Park, which offers a giant ferris wheel, rides, and paddle boats to rent.
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