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Beizi Temple, located in Xilinhot City, Xilingol League, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, is one of the four major temples in Inner Mongolia and its Chinese name is Chongshan Temple.
The temple's main halls, with their magnificent and elegant carved beams and painted pillars, are home to numerous murals, providing valuable resources for the study of Mongolian history and art. The temple comprises five main halls and three courtyards, one of which has been restored, one is undergoing restoration, and one has yet to be restored. Leaving the last, dilapidated courtyard of Beizi Temple, the lingering glow of the setting sun makes one feel a sense of ethereal sorrow lingering on the beams behind them. The stark contrast between the three courtyards reveals the profound impact Beizi Temple endured during the Cultural Revolution.
The entire building complex is divided into seven main halls, namely Chaokaqin, Minggan, Queri, Zhuduba, Kangyur, Dingkel and Eritetu. In addition to these seven main halls, there are more than a dozen small halls and more than 2,000 monks' houses. It is huge in scale and majestic.
In the more than 100 years since its construction, the temple has become a major place of worship for herders from near and far, enjoying immense popularity. The temple houses numerous murals reflecting Mongolian history and life, providing valuable historical material for the study of Mongolian history and art.
Climate: Temperate continental climate
Recommended time to visit: All seasons, best in summer and autumn
1-3 hours
20 yuan
08:00-18:00 (January 1st - December 31st, Monday to Sunday)
Beizi Temple, located in Xilingol League in Inner Mongolia, is one of the oldest and most significant Buddhist temples in the region. It was founded during the Qing Dynasty and is known for its unique architecture and its important role in the spread of Buddhism throughout Inner Mongolia. The temple has been a place of worship and meditation for centuries, attracting visitors seeking spiritual reflection.
Beizi Temple is located in Xilingol League, Inner Mongolia, China. The temple is best reached by taxi or private car, as public transportation options are limited in the area. It is approximately 30 kilometers from the nearest city, Hohhot, and takes about 45 minutes to reach by car.
Beizi Temple is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best time to visit is during spring (April-May) or autumn (September-November), as the weather is mild and the surrounding natural beauty is at its peak.
The entrance fee to Beizi Temple is approximately 30 CNY. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the temple entrance. There are no online ticketing options currently available for this temple.
Booking tickets in advance is not necessary. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the temple entrance. However, it is advisable to check if there are any special ceremonies or events on the day of your visit to plan accordingly.
Plan to spend 1-2 hours exploring Beizi Temple, depending on your interest in the temple’s history and the surrounding natural areas. This includes time for photography and peaceful reflection in the temple gardens.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, but English-speaking guides may be limited. It's recommended to hire a local guide in advance if you require an English-speaking guide. Audio guides are not available.
The best viewpoints are from the temple grounds looking out over the surrounding mountains and forests. The main temple hall, with its stunning architecture and carvings, also makes for excellent photography.
Start your visit by entering the main hall to admire the architecture and the Buddha statues. Then, take a walk through the gardens and enjoy the natural surroundings. Finish your visit by exploring the scripture exhibition and taking photos of the views from the temple grounds.
Night visits are not available at Beizi Temple. However, special Buddhist ceremonies or events may take place during certain times of the year, which can be a unique experience to attend.
Beizi Temple is generally not crowded, but it can get busier during national holidays or religious events. To avoid crowds, it’s best to visit on weekdays or during the off-peak seasons (spring and autumn).
The temple has basic facilities such as toilets and rest areas. There are no large restaurants or food options within the temple grounds, but small local shops may sell snacks and souvenirs.
Beizi Temple is mostly accessible for elderly visitors and children, though the temple's grounds include some uneven paths and stairs that may be challenging for disabled visitors. It’s best to inquire about accessibility if needed before your visit.
Cash is the most commonly accepted form of payment at Beizi Temple, especially for tickets and souvenirs. Mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay are becoming more common but may not be available at all points within the temple grounds.
There are no restaurants or cafes within the temple grounds. However, there are a few local restaurants and cafes in the nearby area where you can try traditional Mongolian dishes.
Some vegetarian options may be available in the local restaurants nearby, particularly in areas catering to tourists. Halal food options may be more limited but are available in some restaurants in Hohhot.
There are several hotels in Hohhot, which is about 30 kilometers away from Beizi Temple. You can find mid-range hotels such as the Inner Mongolia Hotel or budget options near the city center.
There are small souvenir shops near the temple that sell traditional Mongolian items, such as handmade crafts, Buddhist relics, and local textiles.
The best transportation options to continue your trip include taxis, private cars, or public buses. You can also return to Hohhot and explore the city further using the available transportation services.
