The Dazhao Temple is located at the center of Lahsa City, the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region.

Dazhao Temple in Brief

The construction of the temple was completed in 1580 during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and it is therefore the oldest Lamaist Buddhist temple in Inner Mongolia. There was a major reconstruction in 1640 although much of the original architectural style was retained.

Dazhao Temple owns its fame to a visit by the third Tibetan Dalai Lama in 1586, when he came to dedicate the Silver Buddha statue. As a consequence Hohhot became a religious center for people from all over Mongolia who came to worship at the temple. Another notable event in the temples long history was a visit by Emperor Kangxi during the early part of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

Travel Tips

The temple is interesting if you are into your Chinese architecture, especially of the Ming Dynasty period. Despite recent renovations, there are a few halls that retain their original style, especially the well preserved Ming wooden hall that holds the silver Buddha and various murals depicting the emperors visit. If this does not hold your attention, then the houses around the temple are also of interest, old, adobe constructions with coloured glass windows, and small windy lanes.

It is just 15 minutes walk south of the Great Mosque, along Tongdao nanjie to Danan jie. The temple is then off to your right, down a small lane.
Opening hours: 9am-5pm.

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