Live Your Best Lives
Visit Meidaizhao for a glimpse of traditional Mongolian culture, with its historical monasteries and serene landscapes. The most recommended activities include exploring the monastery, hiking the surrounding grasslands, and experiencing local cultural performances. It's also a great spot for photography, especially of the vast open landscapes and architecture.
Meidaizhao, located about 50 kilometers east of Donghe, Baotou City, Inner Mongolia, was originally named Lingjue Temple and later renamed Shouling Temple. It is also known as the "Three Lady Temple" because it houses the Empress Dowager Temple, a pagoda housing the ashes of the Three Lady.
Sanniangzi was the third wife of Alaba Khan, the Mongol Khan of the Ming Dynasty. Her intelligence, courage, talent, and beauty earned her the Khan's trust, who adopted her proposals for friendly relations with the Central Plains. After Alaba Khan's death, she continued the policy of maintaining friendly relations with the Ming Dynasty, maintaining a peaceful and stable relationship between the Tumed tribe and the Ming dynasty for over 40 years. During this period, she actively promoted peaceful and mutually beneficial trade and cultural exchanges with the Central Plains, promoting the economic and cultural development of Inner Mongolia.
A plaque preserved above the main gate of Meidaizhao Temple bears the 16 characters "The Emperor's Plan is Consolidated, the Imperial Way is Peaceful, the People Live in Happiness, and the Four Seas are Clear," expressing the significance of national stability and peace, with the people living and working in peace and contentment. Most interestingly, the inscription on the stele reads "Great Ming Jin Kingdom," placing the once-enemy Ming Dynasty first, signifying that the dynasty accepted the Ming Dynasty's bestowal while retaining its own name. Meidaizhao Temple is a complex structure that combines a temple with a city wall.
Temperate continental climate, July to September
3 hours
30.00 yuan
08:00~18:30
Meidaizhao is a historical Mongolian Buddhist site located in Inner Mongolia. It is known for its ancient monastery, which serves as an important place of worship and pilgrimage. The region is also significant for its cultural preservation, offering visitors a chance to learn about Mongolian traditions, art, and history.
Meidaizhao is located in the Baotou region of Inner Mongolia. To get there, you can take a bus or taxi from Baotou city, which is about 30 kilometers away. There are no metro services available, so taxi or private transport is recommended for convenience.
The site is open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM. The best times to visit are in the spring and autumn months (April to October), when the weather is mild and perfect for outdoor activities. Winter can be very cold, so it is not ideal for outdoor exploration.
The entrance fee for Meidaizhao is around 30-50 CNY. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance of the site. There is no online ticketing available at this time, so it’s recommended to buy your tickets upon arrival.
Booking tickets in advance is not necessary, as tickets can be purchased on-site. However, if you plan to visit during peak tourist seasons, it’s a good idea to arrive early to avoid long lines.
You can fully explore Meidaizhao in about 2-3 hours. This time is enough to visit the monastery, enjoy the surrounding landscape, and take some photos. If you're interested in hiking or exploring the nearby countryside, it may take a full day.
The main highlights include the Meidaizhao Monastery itself, with its intricate Buddhist architecture, and the surrounding grassy plains. The nearby temples and stupas are also worth visiting, along with the beautiful natural landscapes that provide a tranquil backdrop.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and they can be arranged upon arrival at the site. Audio guides may not be available, so it’s best to hire a local guide for a more insightful experience of the monastery and its history.
The best viewpoints are from the monastery’s upper levels, offering expansive views of the surrounding grasslands. The golden hour during sunrise or sunset also provides perfect lighting for photography, capturing the contrast of the monastery with the natural landscape.
Start by visiting the monastery to admire its architecture, then take a walk around the temple grounds. Afterward, head towards the surrounding fields to enjoy the views and take photos. If you're interested in nature walks, consider trekking the nearby hills for more panoramic views.
Night visits and light shows are not available at Meidaizhao. The site is best visited during the daytime to fully appreciate its natural beauty and historical significance.
The site is generally not very crowded except during peak tourist seasons (such as summer and holidays). The least crowded times are weekdays in the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn).
Basic facilities are available at Meidaizhao, including toilets, rest areas, and a small number of shops selling local souvenirs. There are no major restaurants inside, so it’s a good idea to bring your own water and snacks for the trip.
The site is somewhat accessible, but due to uneven terrain around the monastery, it may be difficult for elderly or disabled visitors to fully explore the area. Children can enjoy the site, but be mindful of the outdoor environment and rugged paths.
Cash is needed for ticket purchases and other small expenses. Mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay are accepted in most places in the area, but it’s still a good idea to carry some cash, especially in more remote locations.
There are no major restaurants inside the attraction. However, you can find local restaurants and eateries in Baotou city, which is a short drive away. Most offer traditional Mongolian food, such as lamb dishes and dairy products.
In Baotou, there are halal food options available, especially in local Mongolian restaurants. Vegetarian and vegan options are also available, though the area is known for its meat-heavy cuisine.
There are several hotels and guesthouses in Baotou, ranging from budget options to mid-range. For a more authentic experience, consider staying in a Mongolian yurt in nearby rural areas or in Baotou city.
Nearby attractions include the Baotou Museum, the Wudangzhao Monastery, and the Genghis Khan Mausoleum. These can be easily visited in a day trip from Meidaizhao.
Yes, there are small souvenir shops selling local crafts, including Mongolian textiles, jewelry, and traditional items like felt products and rugs. These make for unique and meaningful souvenirs from your trip.
After visiting Meidaizhao, the best transportation options are private taxis or rental cars to explore nearby attractions in Baotou. Public transportation options are limited, so private transport offers more flexibility.
