My recent tour of Hohhot was visiting the Da Zhao Temple and the surrounding attractions. The cherry blossoms were out, and so was everyone in the city. Everything about the day and season felt perfect and worth spending in the sun with a lively crowd.
Here’s an exciting and culturally immersed itinerary of an outing in Hohhot.
About Da Zhou Temple
Da Zhou Temple is a famous Buddhist temple located in the city of Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China. The temple was first built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and has since been rebuilt several times, with the current buildings dating back to the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912).
The temple covers an area of 37,900 square meters and is known for its beautiful architecture, intricate carvings, and colorful paintings. The main hall of the temple is dedicated to Sakyamuni Buddha and is surrounded by smaller halls dedicated to other Buddhist deities.
One of the most notable features of Da Zhou Temple is the 2.5-meter-high silver statue of Sakyamuni Buddha, which is said to be the largest silver statue of its kind in China. The statue was made during the Qing Dynasty and is decorated with precious gems and pearls.
Da Zhou Temple is not only a place of worship but also a cultural and historical site. It has been listed as a national-level key cultural relics protection unit in China and attracts thousands of visitors every year.
When visiting the temple
Admission to the temple is 35 RMB for tourists. You have access to walking around the courtyard and the many worship halls within the temple. My friend and I were only there as observers, and I found it interesting and different to see how the individuals practiced. Previously in my Religions course in college, I learned about Buddhism and it was very eye-opening to see many aspects come to life.
Also, pictures inside the temple halls are not allowed.
What to do & see
As mentioned earlier, when visiting the Da Zhou Temple there are a variety of activities surrounding the temple. Everything from street markets, cultural food and dances, and more. The entirety of the place gives you a glimpse of Chinese and Mongolian culture and the historical context of the region.
Capture the Chinese architecture
If you’re ever planning to travel to China, architecture is one of the things you cannot miss. Whether it is traditional or modern, they both will tell you a lot about the country. Personally, it’s one of the reasons I find the country so fascinating.
Surrounding the area, you’ll find beautifully crafted traditional Chinese architecture. There is something very spectacular about the simplicity of the structures, yet the detailed engravings that’ll catch your eyes.
See the Altan Khan Statue
A descendant of Genghis Khan, Hohhot was founded by Altan Khan in the 16th century. He was the leader of the Tümed Mongols and was best known for establishing ties between Mongolia and the religious leaders of Tibetan Buddhism.
Watch traditional Chinese dances at the square
Watching the elderly dance their hearts out will always be my favorite thing about China. Their lively energy and effort to impress are inspiring. On a couple of occasions, I’ve joined them, and let’s just say, they take their dancing very seriously.
Walk around the Saishang Old Street
If you’re looking to do a little shopping for Mongolian souvenirs, artifacts, and artwork the Saishang Old Street will be the place. Some of my favorite souvenirs are from this street, along with many of the gifts I’ve given to friends back home. Prices are also cheap, and haggling is permissible.
Try traditional Inner Mongolian street food
Also along Saishang Old Street, you’ll find a sea of food. The street food culture in China is another one of my favorites. You’ll find a variety of small vendors selling beverages, traditional Inner Mongolian snacks, and delicacies.
If you strictly follow a halal diet, your options will be a lot more limited. Not to worry though, Islam Style Street is just a 10-15 minute walk from the temple if you’re looking to get your grub on!
My takeaways
- History is incredibly empowering.
- Travel has a way of making life worth discovering.
Thanks for stopping by and happy travels!
Stay boundless 🙂
