Dazhao Temple is a highly influential temple in the local area. Its full name is 'Dazhao Wuliang Temple', and it is located in the center of Hohhot. It was built during the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty and is the earliest Gelugpa Tibetan Buddhist temple in the city. The silver statue of Shakyamuni Buddha enshrined in the hall is nearly 3 meters high, making it one of the largest existing silver Buddha statues in China. Therefore, the temple is also known as the 'Silver Buddha Temple'.
Dazhao Temple, Xilituzhao, and Islamic Style Street are not far from each other and can be visited together. 'Xilituzhao', 'content': Its Chinese name is 'Yanshou Temple', and 'Xilituzhao' means 'chief' in Mongolian. Built during the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty, it has now become the largest Lama temple in the city. The buildings on both sides of Islamic Style Street feature Islamic architecture with spherical domes and white towers, offering a unique exotic charm. Islamic Style Street belongs to the Hui ethnic area in the city and is about one kilometer long. There are several Islamic mosques on the street, with Aiboyi and the Grand Mosque being the most famous. There are also several food streets nearby, where you can take the opportunity to try local delicacies.
Islamic Style Street
Islamic Style Street features Islamic-style buildings with spherical domes and white towers on both sides of the street, exuding a unique exotic charm. The street is located in the city's Hui ethnic district and stretches about one kilometer. There are several Islamic mosques within the street, with Aibo Yi and the Great Mosque being the most famous. Nearby the street, there are several food streets where you can take the opportunity to try local delicacies.
"Drive 2.3 kilometers from the Islamic Style Street to reach the Vajra Throne Stupa." The Vajra Throne Stupa originally belonged to Cideng Temple, but the temple fell into ruin, leaving only the stupa. On the base of the stupa sit five small square stupas, hence the place is also known as the 'Five Pagoda Temple'.
Inner Mongolia Museum
The Inner Mongolia Museum is the earliest established museum in a minority region and has become one of the landmarks of Hohhot. The museum houses a large number of exhibits related to Liao and Mongolian history, making it an important window for quickly understanding Inner Mongolia.
The old street was renovated by the municipal government over two years to highlight the historical and cultural features of the city. It is 380 meters long, and all the buildings fully reflect the characteristics of the Ming and Qing dynasties. It is known as a condensed version of old Hohhot. The original old street was demolished by the government. These ancient-style houses are about thirty years old, many of which have earthen walls, making them suitable for antique, folk, general merchandise, and local specialty shops that match the old city. There are shops opened by old coppersmiths as well as ethnic craft shops that have developed in recent years. Adjacent to the temples where the 3rd and 5th Dalai Lamas once stayed, which still attract many visitors, the area remains bustling with tourists.
If you love off-roading, you can first go to Laozhanggou to experience the thrill of off-road crossing before heading to Xilinhot. In addition to off-road driving practice, this place also attracts many camping enthusiasts who come at night to stargaze. Laozhanggou Forest Farm is located at the border of Hebei and Inner Mongolia. Some attractions within the area are not fully developed yet. The terrain features many gravel roads and steep slopes, making driving somewhat challenging, which has earned it a notable reputation in the off-roading community.
Shandian Lake
Shandian Lake is named after the Shandian River, which flows into the lake. It is located in the Jinlianchuan Grassland of Guyuan and is the largest lake in the upper reaches of the Luan River. Shandian Lake is situated on the left side of the highway, while the right side features lush wetlands. A road separates the two landscapes, making it feel as if you are in two different worlds simultaneously. The lake's water is a clear blue, surrounded by mountains, with a strip of grassland separating it from the blue sky, creating a stunning scenery.
