Dazhao Temple-----The Oldest Temple in Hohhot

Dazhao Temple (or Dazhao Lamasery) is the oldest and largest temple in Hohhot. Founded in 1579, Dazhao Temple has been the centre for Tibetan Buddhism in Inner Mongolia and boasts impressive murals and one of the largest silver Buddhas in China.  It is also known locally as the Yinfo Temple (Silver Buddha Temple) because of the rare 2.5-metre high silver statue of Sakyamuni (the founder of Buddhism).  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.

The Temple was originally built in the Han Dynasty. It was completed in 1580 during the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644) and is the oldest Lama Buddhist temple in Inner Mongolia. It went through a major reconstruction in 1640, but much of the original architectural style was retained. In Kangxi Year of Qing Dynasty about in 1700, the temple was rebuilt again. The roof of the main hall was changed to pave yellow glazed tiles. After rebuilt, the Temple became very beautiful and full of Tibetan Buddhist color.

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 temple's long history was a visit by Emperor Kangxi during the early part of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911 AD).

The temple is well-known for the impressive buildings, splendid statues, delicate murals, musical instruments and fine collection of Buddhist scriptures among which the most notable are the "Three Marvelous Treasures"- the Silver Buddha, the carved dragons on the huge golden pillars on either side of the statue and the murals commemorating the Emperor's visit.

There are three famous treasures in Dazhao Temple, the silver Buddha figure, the dragon carvings, and the wall paintings. All of them are the historic treasures in Ming Dynasty with high art and appreciation values.

 Silver Buddha Figure

The silver Buddha figure refers to the state of Sakyamuni which is set in the main hall. This state has a history more than 400 years, as one of the biggest silver Buddha figure n China. With a height of 3 meters, the figure is in a sitting posture.

Dragon Carvings

Dragon carvings refer to the two golden dragons which are set on both sides of the silver Buddha figure. These two dragons are carved on the mail pillars of the hall. The lively figure and the splendid atmosphere are symbols of the elaborate skill of artists.

 

Wall Paintings

Wall paintings are very outstanding in Dazhao Temple. The rich contents, colorful descriptions and lively pictures in these paintings tell visitors various Buddhism stories in an interesting method. These elaborate wall paintings show the professional skills of artists in Ming Dynasty. And they are still kept well till now since the ancient time.

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