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On the vast plains in the eastern suburbs of Hohhot, there is a white ancient tower rising from the ground and piercing the sky. This is the famous Avatamsaka Sutra Tower outside the Great Wall.
The Avatamsaka Sutra Pagoda, called "Chagan Soburga" in Mongolian, is also commonly known as the "White Pagoda" because of its white color. The Avatamsaka Sutra Pagoda is 55.5 meters high, with a base circumference of 56 meters. It is octagonal and has seven levels. It has a brick-and-wood mixed structure and is a pavilion-style.
There is a tower gate on the south side of the first floor of the tower, and a square plaque with the words "Ten Thousand Copies of the Avatamsaka Sutra Tower" engraved in seal script is embedded in the lintel of the tower gate.
In 1982, the White Pagoda was designated by the State Council as the second batch of national key cultural relics protection units.
The tower is a pavilion-style brick and wood structure, about 45 meters high, majestic and spectacular. There is a spiral staircase inside the tower, as well as multiple layers of staggered wooden beams. Climbing to the top of the tower, you can overlook the mountain scenery.
The inner walls are covered with inscriptions written in Chinese, Tibetan, Khitan, Jurchen, Mongolian, Uyghur and other languages by people of all ethnic groups from all over the country since the Jin Dynasty.
Temperate continental climate, suitable for all seasons
One hour
25 yuan
8:30-17:30
The Pagoda of Ten Thousand Copies of the Avatamsaka Sutra in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, is a culturally significant Buddhist site. It houses copies of the Avatamsaka Sutra, reflecting the importance of Buddhism in the region. The pagoda is both a religious site and an architectural landmark, attracting visitors for spiritual and cultural enrichment.
It is located in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia. Visitors can reach the site via taxi or ride-hailing services. Local buses also serve routes near the pagoda, and walking from nearby neighborhoods is feasible.
The pagoda is typically open from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM. The best time to visit is spring or autumn when the weather is mild and the grounds are especially picturesque.
The entrance fee is approximately 40–60 CNY per person. Tickets can be purchased onsite at the entrance or online through local tourism platforms.
Booking is recommended during weekends, holidays, and peak tourist season, ideally 1–2 days in advance.
About 1–2 hours are sufficient to explore the pagoda, temple grounds, and surrounding gardens.
Guided tours in Chinese are available. English-speaking guides may be arranged in advance; audio guides are limited.
Enter through the main gate, visit the central pagoda first, explore the surrounding temple halls, then stroll through gardens before exiting through the rear path.
Night visits are generally not available. Special ceremonies or cultural events may occasionally be held, but these are limited.
The site can be busy during weekends and national holidays. Weekdays, especially mornings, are the least crowded times.
Main pathways are relatively flat, suitable for elderly and children. Some areas may have stairs, so wheelchair access is partially limited.
Mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely accepted; cash is also usable.
Local restaurants near the pagoda serve Mongolian and Chinese cuisine, and small cafes are available for refreshments.
Vegetarian options are available in temple-affiliated eateries; halal options are limited but can be found in nearby local restaurants.
Several hotels and guesthouses in central Hohhot are within a short drive. Some boutique hotels offer convenient access to the pagoda.
Souvenirs include Buddhist scriptures, statues, prayer beads, postcards, and other religious and cultural items.
Taxi, ride-hailing apps, or local buses are convenient for reaching other Hohhot attractions or returning to hotels in the city center.
