Xilituzhao Palace

Xilituzhao Palace is a key cultural protection unit of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. It is located in the north of Stone Lane, Yuquan District, Hohhot. It is about 100 meters (328 feet) away from the famous Dazhao Temple. The palace is the largest Lama temple in Hohhot.

Xilitu, means 'Holy Seat' in Mongolian. It was built in the reign of Emperor Wan Li of Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) for Dalai Lama III and Dalai Lama IV to commemorate the Lamas. Xilituzhao Palace was originally quite small, but later on, in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), it was renovated and expanded to its present scale.

The temple was quite grand and unique in architectural style. It remains intact despite being weathered by wind and rain for 400 years. The layout of the whole architectural complex is the typical traditional Han style. The buildings cover an area of 5,000 sq meters (5,979 sq yards).The whole architectural complex stands in a symmetrical order. With a mountain gate and a main hall standing in an axis, side halls, storehouses and pavilions, bell and drum towers symmetrically stand in the wings. The main hall consisting of a sutra hall and a Buddha worshiping hall is the main structure of the palace. It is a Tibetan style wooden structure, with walls decorated with colored glazed brick. The roof is covered with green glazed tiles. The Buddha worshiping hall was damaged in a fire though the sutra hall preserves its original condition.

To the east of the main hall stands a stone pagoda made of white marble, which is the best preserved Lama pagoda of bowl-earthen style in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The pagoda with an average height of 15 meters (49 feet) is magnificent. Originally, to the northeast of the pagoda, there was a larger temple named Naichun Temple, but unfortunately, it was burnt down in 1887.

In front of Xilituzhao is a superb paifang, an archway. The archway across the street stands facing the mountain gate. It is a wooden structure decorated with exquisite colored paintings. Xilituzhao Palace is the most exquisite preserved temple in Hohhot. The magnificent architecture and splendid colored paintings make the palace a tourist resort. Additionally, many religious activities and Buddhist conference are held here every year.