Facing the Dazhao Temple, the Xilituzhao Temple is the largest lamasery of Tibetan tradition in Hohhot, capital of Inner Mongolia. Its name, meaning "Sacred Seat" in Mongolian, recalls the role it played in spreading Tibetan Buddhism across northern Chine from the late 16th century onward.

Why visit Xilituzhao Temple

Three main reasons justify a visit:

• A site founded in 1585 directly linked to the 3rd and 4th Dalai Lamas, testament to the rapprochement between the Mongols and the Gelugpa school.
• Syncretic architecture blending Tibetan codes (wooden frameworks, sutras, pagoda) and Han codes (symmetrical layout, glazed bricks).
• The Pagoda of the Lamas, in white marble, considered the best-preserved in Inner Mongolia.

Coupled with the Dazhao Temple across the way, it forms the city's most important historical and religious ensemble.

History of the temple

Xilituzhao Temple was built in 1585, during the reign of Emperor Wan Li, in the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644). It was erected to welcome the 3rd Dalai Lama, then associated with the 4th Dalai Lama, at a time when Tibetan Buddhism was taking deep root among the Tümed Mongols.

Originally modest in scale, the palace was ravaged by fire, then rebuilt during the Qing Dynasty (1644–1911), which gave it much of its present appearance. During the Cultural Revolution, it suffered damage like most Chinese places of worship, before being renovated and expanded to the scale visible today.

What to see on-site

The compound covers approximately 5,000 m², organized according to a symmetrical layout typical of Han religious urbanism, yet filled with buildings whose internal structure and decoration are distinctly Tibetan.

Syncretic architecture

The buildings combine wooden frameworks of Tibetan style with painted glazed brick walls, a Han heritage. This dual influence is one of the signatures of Lamaist Buddhism as it took root in Inner Mongolia.

The Pagoda of the Lamas

In the eastern section of the complex, the main hall houses the Pagoda of the Lamas, in white marble, standing some fifteen meters high. It is the most remarkable feature of the site and the best-preserved in the region.

Bell tower, drum tower, sutra halls

There is also the traditional bell tower and drum tower, as well as several halls housing sutras and religious objects. Buddhist ceremonies and religious lectures are regularly held here: if you happen upon one, the site takes on an entirely different dimension.

Practical information

• Duration of visit: allow approximately 1 to 1.5 hours to explore the entire complex.
• Hours: open daily during daytime. Precise hours vary by season—verify before traveling.
• Admission: paid entry at a moderate rate, sometimes combined with entry to Dazhao Temple.
• Dress code: appropriate attire required, as in any active place of worship.

When to visit

Hohhot experiences a continental climate: hot summers, very cold and dry winters. The most pleasant periods to visit the temple are late spring (May–June) and early autumn (September–October), when temperatures are mild and skies often clear. Winter offers a quieter atmosphere but requires warm clothing.

How to get there

The temple is located in Hohhot's historic center, in the same sector as Dazhao Temple. From downtown, several bus lines serve the district:

• Bus numbers 6, 42, 58, or 59, stop Dazhao station.
• By taxi or ride-hailing, mention "Dazhao" as your landmark—Xilituzhao is just across the way.

Nearby attractions

The visit naturally lends itself to a circuit through the old city:

• The Dazhao Temple, located opposite, another major lamasery in Hohhot.
• The narrow lanes of the Mongol-Muslim quarter, perfect for wandering.
• More broadly, the region suits an itinerary combining Buddhist sites and steppe landscapes—notably the Hexigten Geopark for nature, or the Thousand Buddhas Caves of Bezeklik for Chinese Buddhist art.

Frequently asked questions

Including the temple in a Chine trip

Xilituzhao Temple fits naturally into a stay in Hohhot, gateway to the inner Mongolian steppe. To build an itinerary combining Buddhist heritage, old cities, and grand landscapes, discover our ideas for bespoke journeys in Chine.