Hohhot Travel « China Travel Tips

Archive for the ‘Hohhot Travel’ Category

Meidaizhao Temple (Tips, Photos & Map)

Tuesday, August 9th, 2022

The Location of Meidaizhao Temple (美岱召)

If you are planning Inner Mongolia tour, a side trip to Meidaizhao either from Baotou or Hohhot is highly recommended. Meidaizhao Monastery ( (美岱召) is located in Meidaizhao Village below the massive Daqing Mountain of the Yinshan Range, Tumd Right Banner, Dong He District, Baotou, Inner Mongolia.

Meidaizhao Monastery located between Baotou and Hohhot

Meidaizhao Temple ( (美岱召) lies between Baotou ( 98km east of Baotou) and Hohhot ( 99km west of Hohhot), just on the north of Jingzang Expressway No.6 (or National Highway 110) , a historical site conveniently accessible either from Hohhot or Baotou.

Add： Meidaizhao Village, Meidaizhao Town, Tumd Right Banner, Baotou City, Inner Mongolia
内蒙古自治区包头市土默特右旗美岱召镇美岱召村
Tel: 0472-8850012

How to Get to Meidaizhao Monastery & Tickets

You can take train either from Hohhot or Baotou to Salaqi Railway Station (萨拉齐站) . Salaqi Station is located in Salaqi Town, Tumed Right Banner, Baotou City and it is on Jibao Railway Line, a third class station under the jurisdiction of Hohhot Railway Bureau, built in 1922.

Salaqi Railway Station 22km away from Meidaizhao Temple ( Google)

Arriving a Salaqi Train Station out, go west, to the intersection of the overpass, and wait on the road for Minibus No.6 ( 5 yuan ) for Meidai Zhao Village. Alight at Meidaizhao Village, you will see a memorial arch in front of the village, after the memorial arch go straight ahead, a few minutes later you can see Meidai Zhao Monastery.

Alternatively you also can take the long-distance buses either from Baotou or Hohhot.

Entrance ticket:
30 yuan/person

Open time:
09:00-17:00
09:00-16:00 (ticket collection Time) (Monday – Sunday, January 1st – December 31st)

ABCs of Meidaizhao Monastery

“Meidaizhao” literally means “Maitreya Temple” in Mongolian ( Zhao means “temple”). Meidaizhao Monastery was originally built in 1565 as a fortified capital city of the Daming Golden Kingdom (大明金国) in Ming Dynasty, also known as Altan Khan Kingdom (阿勒坦汗国), (a vassal of Ming Dynasty) established by Altan Khan (1507 – 1582) .

Altan Khan (阿勒坦汗) was a descendant of Kublai Khan (1215–1294). He managed to unite the Mongols in the north and the south. His name means “Golden Khan” in the Mongolian language, hence the kingdom’s name.

In 1571, Altan Khan was granted the title Shunyi Wang (顺义王) from the Longqing Emperor (March 4, 1537- July 5, 1572), the 12th emperor of China (Ming dynasty). With the assistance of his wife known as Sannianzi (三娘子) (Grand Queen), the Daming Golden Kingdom kept peace peace with the Ming Dynasty for over 40 years.

With a new city known as Hohhot(“Green City) built by Altan Khan and the Grand Queen in the current old town in Hohhot, the political center of Altan Khan Kingdom was move on to Hohhot.

In 1606, the Meidaizhao fortress was transformed into a lamasery. So Altan Khan was the founder of the original city of Hohhot which literally means “green city” in Mongolian.

The Layout of Meidaizhao Temple

The present temple occupies an area of 4000 square meters encompassing the over 200 Ming and Qing era buildings including Sakyamuni Hall (Hall of Great Hero), Glazed Hall, Dalai Temple, Sannianzi Hall.

The temple is surrounded by a 5-meter high stone wall in a rectangular shape with a perimeter of 681 meters. The big draw is the 1650-square-meter murals in Ming and Qing Dynasties preserved in the Hall of Great Hero.

Virtual Tour of Meidaizhao Temple

If you are planning Inner Mongolia tour, a side trip to Meidaizhao either from Baotou or Hohhot is highly recommended.

Follow me to have a virtual tour of the ancient city of Meidaizhao Temple.

The Entrance to Meidaizhao Temple

The south gate to the fortress temple and Daqingshan Mountain lies behind the temple.

Listening to Buddhist Scripture” Pine Trees

The two old pine trees in front of the Great Hero Hall ( Sakyamuni Hall ) are known as “Listening to Buddhist Scripture” pine trees, west is female and east male, over 400 years old when the temple was originally started being built.

Sakyamuni Hall 大雄宝殿

Sakyamuni Hall has three connected halls with two floors and 3 double eaves. The roofs of the three halls are in the gable style. The east, west and south sides of the hall are surrounded by white Tibetan brick walls, forming an architectural body combining Han and Tibet. The lower part of the west wall of the Temple is a group of Mongolian nobles worshipping Buddha.

Sakyamuni Hall has the priceless mural in the main hall starting from the waist line to the ceiling. The mural scene is grand. You need to look up to see it. In the middle of the north wall is painted the giant statue of Sakyamuni, and the background is painted with sakyamuni’s story of Buddha. Under the wall of the four Kings and Fu Hu Arhat, the cloth bag monk.

One of the murals in Sakyamuni Hall ( Image Credit: Internet) (Camera Forbidden )

Many of the Mongolian costumes on these mural paintings can be found in the Book of Yi Custom written by Xiao Daheng in Ming Dynasty. It is a valuable material for studying Mongolian history, folk customs and costumes in Ming and Qing Dynasties.

The Nai Qiong Temple 乃琼殿

The Nai Qiong Temple is the former dwelling place for Mal Da Li living Buddha （四世达赖的代表人麦达里活佛在此坐床传佛） in Qing Dynasty. The original statue of Mal Da Li is not available. Instead, it shrines the statue of Guardian of God.

The Glazed Hall (Liuli Hall) 琉璃殿

Built in 1566, the Glazed Hall (Liuli Hall) was formerly the meeting hall of Altan Khan Kingdom. Now it is devoted to Three Buddhas, a typical Ming architecture.

The Dalai Temple 达赖庙

The Dalai Temple is given to the Third Dalai Lama – Sonam Gyatso who came here in 1582 for practicing Buddhism and held a new funeral ceremony for Altan Khan. The title of Dalai Lama was given by Altan Khan.

This Dalai Temple is given to the Third Dalai Lama

The Grand Queen Hall 太后庙

The Grand Queen Hall, a burial place for the third wife ( also known as Sannianzi) of Altan Khan. She assisted her husband managing the kingdom and keeping good relationship with the Ming Dynasty for over 40 years.

The Grand Queen Hall is surrounded by columns of the funeral hall style building, the funeral hall of the third wife ( also known as Sannianzi) of Altan Khan. The original 1-meter-high sandalwood tower covered with a pot was removed in 1966. When it was removed, it was discovered that there was an underground palace under the tower. In the palace, there was a bag of ashes, three combs, six rosaries, a triangular silver-plated medicine box and two pairs of diamond ears.

In the Grand Queen Temple, there are murals painted in the Ming Dynasty, Mongolian costume figures in the picture,. The legend goes that there are the portraits of Alta Khan and the Grand Queen in the murals.

The statues of Alta Khan and the Grand Queen ( Sannianzi – third wife).

An ancient city 古城

Meidaizhao Temple was originally an ancient city in an irregular square shape. The south gate is the main gate.

The fortified temple stands facing the south below Daqing Mountain on the north, surrounded by a 681-meter long stone wall, 5 meters high. Ascending the wall, you are able to have a clear picture of the ancient city, a former capital of Altan Khan Kingdom.

Ascending the wall, you are able to have a clear picture of the ancient city

The northern wall of the temple below the Daqing Mountain （大青山）.

One of the corner towers ( Turrets) on the wall

Standing on the wall, you are able to have a clear picture of the Sakymuni Hall and Glazed Hall.

Tip: Hassle-free Hohhot & Inner Mongolia Guided Tours

If you don’t want to go the do-it-yourself route and prefer the hassle-free escorted tours, here are some options for guided tours to Inner Mongolia:

Inner Mongolia Tour
Mid-Inner Mongolia Tour (Hohhot, Baotou, Ordos)
East Inner Mongolia Tour (Xanadu,Wulan Butong, Xilinhot, Chifeng)
Northeast Inner Mongolia Tour (Hulunbuir)
West Inner Mongolia Tour (Alashan “Alxa” League)
Hohhot Tour
Hohhot Highlights & Grassland 3 Day Tour
Hohhot Highlights & Grassland 2 Day Tour

Location of Hohhot

Hohhot is about 500 km northwest of Beijing, 2 and half hours by high-speed train, 10 hours by overnight train, one and half hours by flight and 5 and half hours by road. So basically you have three choices of transportation tools going from Beijing to Hohhot and vice versa.

Which one to choose depends on your preference, your time, budget and the availability of these transportation tools at the time when you start your journey. Now let’s go one by one in terms of the ways of travel from Beijing to Hohhot.

Beijing Hohhot By Train

Currently there are 20 daily trains, either direct or passing by trains, going between Beijing and Hohhot. Some trains are high-speed trains taking 2 and half hours, others are fast or overnight trains taking about 10 hours.

Check out Beijing Railway Stations for more information.

There are 4 major railway stations in Beijing, namely Beijing Railway Station, Beijing West Railway Station, Beijing North Railway Station and Beijing South Railway Station. When you book your train tickets, make sure you understand which railway station you are going to use.

Beijing Hohhot by Flights

Currently there are about 2 daily direct flights between Beijing and Hohhot. The flight takes about 1 and half hours.

Check out Beijing Capital International Airport for more information.

Check out Hohhot Baita International Airport for more information.

All the flights for Hohhot from Beijing arrive at Hohhot Baita International Airport. The flights starting from Beijing take off from Beijing Capital International Airport.

Beijing Hohhot by Road

Hohhot can be easily reached by road along the G7 National Highway. You may drive directly from Beijing by your private vehicle or take a long distance bus.

Definitely, self-drive would be faster taking 5 and half hours from Beijing to Hohhot while a long-distance bus will take you 8 or 11 hours.

Check out Beijing Long-distance coach Service for more information.

There are daily 6 buses starting from Beijing Liuliqiao Long-Distance Bus Station to Hohhot. The buses are scheduled at 8:30, 9:30, 10:30, 12:30 and 14:30 and bus fare around RMB 149.

Tip: Hassle-free Inner Mongolia Guided Tours

If you don’t want to go the do-it-yourself route and prefer the hassle-free escorted tours, here are some options for guided tours to Inner Mongolia:

No.1-1: Gegentala Grassland 葛根塔拉草原

Situated in the territory of Siziwang Banner, 130 kilometers from Hohhot, Gegentala Grassland is the largest and a unique Mongolian scenic spot bearing the Mongolian ethical features of China.

For more photos about Gegentala Grassland, check out “My Trip to Gegentala Grassland” for more information.

Gegentala Grassland about 130 km north of Hohhot (Google Map)

In Mongolian “Gegentala” means a summer resort or the place of grazing in summer. Gegentala Grassland belongs to typical grassland scenery. It is one of the first batches of 4A-class scenic spots of the country.

War chariot yurts on the Gegentala Grassland

Opening Time: all year round
How to get there: take a bus along the Highway 209 from Hohhot to the grassland. It will take you over 2 hours to get there. It is a nice place to have one day side trip from Hohhot.
Add: Dorbod (Siziwang) Banner, Ulanqab City (Wulanchabu ), Inner Mongolia
内蒙古自治区乌兰察布市四子王旗

No.1-2: Huiteng Xile Grassland 辉腾锡勒草原

Huitengxile means “cold plateau” in Mongolian. Huiteng Xile Grassland is located 110 kilometers northeast of Hohhot, and 80 kilometers from the city of Jining.

There are small, yellow flowers covering the mountains. The landscape has erect cliffs and pure, cascading springs. This, set against the boundless grassland and the beautiful delicate color of the Jiangnan water-village, is a magnificent sight.

Huiteng Xile Grassland located about 110km northeast of Hohhot (Google Map)

Starting from Hohhot, it takes about 2 hours’ drive to get here. The expressway toll is 30 yuan. If you don’t want to enter the tourist zone, there is no charge. The parking fee at the entrance of the scenic spot is 10 yuan. The entrance for the Huiteng Xile Scenic Area costs RMB 255 per person. If you only want to have a glimpse of the grassland, no need for entering the tourist area, and the scenery outside the tourist are is also very beautiful, with free parking roadsides.

There are fertile land and plenty of rainfall. Tourists can enjoy their stay here riding on horseback, archery, watching wrestling, and joining in singing and dancing in the open air.

Opening Time: all year round
How to get there: take long-distance bus from the downtown area of Hohhot.
Add: Kebuer Town, Qahar Right Middle Banner, Ulaan Chab City, Inner Mongolia
内蒙古自治区乌兰察布市察哈尔右翼中旗部科布尔镇

No.1-3: Xilamuren Grassland 希拉穆仁草原

Xilamuren, meaning “yellow river” in Mongolian, is located about 100 kilometers northwest of Hohhot. Xilamuren Grasslands is characterized by rolling hills and lush green grass. Xilamuren Grasslands is the nearest such tourist attraction to Hohhot.

Xilamuren Grassland located about 100km northwest of Hohhot (Google Map)

The best time to visit the grassland is in summer and autumn. At this time of year, the pleasant climate, the blue sky and white clouds, the rolling grass, the wandering flocks and herds, the passionate herdsmen and their Mongolian food will undoubtedly leave you with a deep impression. During the Nadam Festival held every summer, tourists can enjoy a series of different activities.

For more photos on Xilamuren Grassland in winter, check out Xilamuren Grassland.

Opening Time: all year round
How to get there: take long-distance bus from the downtown area of Hohhot or Baotou.
Add: Damao Banner, Baotou, 100km northwest of Hohhot.位于呼和浩特以西北100公里处的包头市达茂旗境内

No.2: Dazhao Temple 大召寺

As the oldest building and the largest Gelukpa (Yellow Hat Sect) temple in Inner Mongolia, Dazhao Temple, has considerable position in Hohhot and many important celebrations are also held here. The temple is well-known for the impressive buildings, splendid statues, delicate murals, musical instruments and fine collection of Buddhist scriptures.

Of its abundant religious relics perhaps the most notable are the ‘Three Marvelous Treasures’, a title given to 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.

For more photos, check out the link: Dazhao Lamasery.

Entrance Fee: CNY 35
Opening Hours: 08:00-18:00 (All year round
Add: Dazhao Qianjie, Yuquan District, Hohhot city 内蒙古自治区呼和浩特市玉泉区大召前街
How to get there: take public buses to Dazhao Lamasery

No.3: Zhaojun Tomb 昭君博物院

Surrounded by green grasses and towering ancient trees, Zhaojun Tomb, also called Green Mound or Green Grave, is located south of the city of Hohhot. It was built to commemorate a great woman named Wang Zhaojun, who was one of the four most beautiful ladies in ancient China, and who sacrificed herself for the unity of China by marrying Khan.

For more photos, check out the link: Zhaojun Tomb.

Zhaojun Tomb is not only a burial site but an historic monument commemorating peace between the races. Zhaojun Tomb is a shining pearl on north grassland of China and has become a world famous tourist destination.

Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours: 09:00-17:00 Al
Tel: 0471-5150061; 0471-5150203;0471-5150201
Add: Zhaojun Museum, National Highway 209, Xiaoheihe Town, Yuquan District, Hohhot
内蒙古自治区呼和浩特市玉泉区小黑河镇209国道昭君博物院

No.4: Five Pagoda (Wuta) 五塔寺

Five pagodas （Wuta), also 金刚座舍利宝寺 in Chinese standing side by side on the seat, the central one has seven stories while the rest on the four corners are all five-story high. The body of the pagoda is glazed in greens and yellows. It is representative of the architectural achievements that were made in the Qing Dynasty.

For more photos, check out the link: Five Pagoda Temple (Wuta Si).

The pagoda is 16 meters high (about 51 feet) and it is composed of three parts: the base, the seat and the top (five pagodas). It is an important Tibetan Buddhist temple.

Entrance Fee: CNY 25
Opening Hours: 09:00-17:00
Add: 48 Wutasi Street, Yuquan District, Hohhot city 呼和浩特市玉泉区五塔寺后街48号
How to get there: take Bus No.10, 31 or 44

No.5: Jiangjun Yashu at Suiyuan City 绥远城将军衙署

Situated in Hohhot city, Jiangjun Yashu (General Government Office Site) is the only preserved historical building of cultural relics in Mongolian area of China. It enjoy a higher station in the national historic site of cultural relic.

For more photos, check out the link: Jiangjun Yashu at Suiyuan City.

The entrance to the General Government Office Site at Suiyuan City

During the Qing Dynasty, in order to consolidate the northwest boarder, in addition to the Hohhot city, Qing Dynasty ordered to build new town called Suiyuan city. This historic site is the former General Government Office.

Entrance Fee: free
Opening Hours: 09:30-16:30 (closed on Monday)
Add: 31 Xinhua Dajie, Hohhot City 内蒙古自治区呼和浩特市新华大街31号

No.6: Inner Mongolia Museum 内蒙古博物馆

Located at Hohhot, the Inner Mongolian Museum is a local comprehensive museum, boasting a good selection of Mongolian items and a historical lineage of this vast grassland. Construction began in 1955, and the museum was open to the public on May 1, 1957.

In 2007, the construction of the new Inner Mongolia Museum was completed. It is located at the intersection of the East Second Ring Road and Xinhua East Street in Hohhot. The original Inner Mongolia Museum building has been replaced by the new Museum.

The exhibition hall building of Inner Mongolia Museum has unique shape and ethnic characteristics. The top of the building has a galloping horse, a symbol of Inner Mongolia’s auspiciousness and takeoff, is one of the landmark buildings in the autonomous region.

The exhibition hall building of the Museum has four floors, of which the second, third and fourth floors are used for exhibition services.

There are four basic exhibitions in the museum, namely, Exhibition of Paleontological Fossils in Inner Mongolia, Exhibition of Historical Relics in Inner Mongolia, Exhibition of Ethnic Relics in Inner Mongolia and Exhibition of Revolutionary Relics in Inner Mongolia.

Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours: 9:00－1:700 ( Closed on Monday)
Add: 27 Xinhua East Street, Xincheng District, Hohhot 呼和浩特市新城区新华东街27号
How to get there: take Buses No.2、3、11、23、27、52

No.7: Saishang Old Street 塞上老街

Saishang Old Street, literally means “Old street beyond the Great Wall”, is located near Dazhao Temple in Dannan Street, Hohhot city. It is an ancient street with architectural style of Ming and Qing Dynasties. It was originally built in the Wanli years in Ming Dynasty.

The most recognizable sigh of the old street is the archway with a plaque written 塞上老街 ( Sai Shang Old Street). The present Old Street is actually not old, restored and revamped with the efforts by the local government to keep on the traditional culture and customs. reflecting the highlights of the historical and cultural city.

For more photos about the old street, check out the link: Saishanglaojie

The street gathers valuable folk articles and curio. Along the street lines archaic houses as shops placing craftworks with strong campo national style, such as Mongolian knife, all sorts of wine set enchased the head portrait of Genghis Khan, exquisite horse head string instrument, Mongolian ornaments, sheepskin productions, etc.

Add: 10m east of the intersection of Dazhaoxi Jiadao and Tongshun Street, Yuquan District, Hohhot city
呼和浩特市玉泉区大召西夹道与通顺街交口东10米

No. 8: Xilitu Zhao Temple 席力图召

Xilituzhao Lamasery or Xilitu Zhao Temple is located just to the east of Dazhao Lamasery in Yuquan District of Hohhot. The temple was built in the Tibetan style in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). It houses the residence of the 11th Grand Living Buddha.

Xilituzhao Lamasery is still very active today. sometimes visitors may come across Tibetan monks and followers in prayer, you may get the chance to see one of the temple festivals, where traditional instruments are played. It is sometimes possible to find a monk who can speak English and can take you around.

For more photos, check out the link: Xilituzhao Lamasery.

Entrance Fee: CNY 30
Opening Hours: 08:00-18:00
How to get there: take public Bus to get there
Add: 112 Danan Street, Hohhot City 呼和浩特市大南街112号

No.9: Hohhot Mosque (Great Mosque) 大清真寺

The Great Mosque was founded during the reign of Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). A great number of the Hui Muslim Minority migrated from Xinjiang, Ningxia and Shannxi to Inner Mongolia starting from that time.

The architecture is a beautiful mix between Chinese pagoda style roof with Arabic style windows. The viewing the crescent moon & star minaret is a beauty, slender and solemn.

For more photos about the mosque, check out the link: Hohhot Mosque (Great Mosque) .

All built in black brick, the most grandeur building is Grand Prayer Hall, behind which are located both the Teaching Hall and the Muslim Baths.

All the buildings are carved with Muslim characters, and the most famous are the over 30 volumes of ancient Koran scriptures, all written in Arabic.

With permission, you are allowed to climb the 15 meters tall hexagonal minaret and have a good view of the city.

Add: 28 Dongdao South Street, Huimin District, Hohhot 呼和浩特市回民区通道南街28号

No.10: Islam Style Street 伊斯兰风情街

Islam Style Street is located in Hohhot’s Hui District ( Muslim District). It is the district where most of the Hui (Muslim) people live, forming a certain scale of Hui economy, culture and historical atmosphere, so the Islam Style Street is also named.

Walk along the Islam style street, with desert yellow and green and white colors, rows of pointed arched doors and windows juxtaposed, a vigorous and full spherical temple roof, let a person enjoy the rich Islamic style.

The Islam Style Street with Islamic architecture is 1,150 meters in length. The Hui people live here, the Islamic style buildings are concentrated, the Muslim business is prosperous, especially because of thousands of years of strong Islamic culture, so that the formation of a strong Islamic atmosphere here.

Add：Intersection of Zhongshan West Road and Daodao South Road, Hui District, Hohhot city
呼和浩特市回民区中山西路与通道南路交汇处

Tip: Hassle-free Inner Mongolia Guided Tours

If you don’t want to go the do-it-yourself route and prefer the hassle-free escorted tours, here are some options for guided tours to Inner Mongolia:

Archive for the ‘Hohhot Travel’ Category

Meidaizhao Temple (Tips, Photos & Map)

The Location of Meidaizhao Temple (美岱召)

How to Get to Meidaizhao Monastery & Tickets

ABCs of Meidaizhao Monastery

The Layout of Meidaizhao Temple

Virtual Tour of Meidaizhao Temple

The Entrance to Meidaizhao Temple

Listening to Buddhist Scripture” Pine Trees

Sakyamuni Hall 大雄宝殿

The Nai Qiong Temple 乃琼殿

The Glazed Hall (Liuli Hall) 琉璃殿

The Dalai Temple 达赖庙

The Grand Queen Hall 太后庙

An ancient city 古城

Tip: Hassle-free Hohhot & Inner Mongolia Guided Tours

Further Readings

How to go to Hohhot from Beijing (Tips, Photos & Map)

Location of Hohhot

Beijing Hohhot By Train

Beijing Hohhot by Flights

Beijing Hohhot by Road

Tip: Hassle-free Inner Mongolia Guided Tours

Further Readings

Top 10 Attractions in Hohhot (Tips, Photos & Map)

No.1-1: Gegentala Grassland 葛根塔拉草原

No.1-2: Huiteng Xile Grassland 辉腾锡勒草原

No.1-3: Xilamuren Grassland 希拉穆仁草原

No.2: Dazhao Temple 大召寺

No.3: Zhaojun Tomb 昭君博物院

No.4: Five Pagoda (Wuta) 五塔寺

No.5: Jiangjun Yashu at Suiyuan City 绥远城将军衙署

No.6: Inner Mongolia Museum 内蒙古博物馆

No.7: Saishang Old Street 塞上老街

No. 8: Xilitu Zhao Temple 席力图召

No.9: Hohhot Mosque (Great Mosque) 大清真寺

No.10: Islam Style Street 伊斯兰风情街

Tip: Hassle-free Inner Mongolia Guided Tours

Further Readings