Dazhao Temple (Hohhot)

Dazhao Temple, also known as the Hongci or Wuliang Temple and as the Ih Juu (Mongolian: ᠶᠡᠬᠡ ᠵᠤᠤ, sci Yeke Juu, SASM/GNC Ih Jûû, "Great Temple"), is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery of the Gelugpa order in the city of Hohhot in Inner Mongolia in North China. It is the oldest and largest temple in the city and is located West of Danan Street in the Yuquan District.

In 1557, when the Tümed Mongol leader Altan Khan began its construction, it was the first building of Hohhot; the rest of the city subsequently growing around it. The temple is said to have been completed in 1579 during the Ming dynasty.

The Dazhao Temple owes its fame to its astounding 10 ft (3.0 m) silver Sakyamuni Buddha statue. The 3rd Dalai Lama, Sonam Gyatso, visited the temple in 1586 and consecrated the silver Buddha statue. As a consequence, Hohhot became a religious center for people from all over Mongolia who came to receive its blessings.

The temple also has a shrine that was dedicated to the Kangxi Emperor in the late 17th century and murals in the hallway that commemorate his visit. Dazhao Temple also exhibits an impressive collection of musical instruments and dragon sculptures relating to Mongol legends.

The monastery is a venue for Buddhist festivals held throughout the year.