Xilituzhao Palace was built by Emperor Wan Li during the Ming Dynasty
to honor the third and fourth Dalai Lamas. When it was built, it was considered a small temple, but thanks to extensive renovation and expansion during the Qing Dynasty and the unfortunate destruction of many other temples in the area, Xilituzhao Palace is now the largest Lama temple in Hohhot, covering 5000 square meters. The architecture of the temple is almost exclusively Han with the notable exception of the main hall -the Da Dian - whose exterior façade and colorfully glazed interior walls are of a typically Tibetan style.
The symmetrical complex is comprised of various side halls, storehouses, pagodas and the drum and bell towers which flank a large gate and the Da Dian Hall. The Da Dian hall is split into two parts: the Buddha Worshiping Hall and the Sutra Hall. Although the Buddha Worshipping Hall was badly damaged in a fire, the Sutra Hall is still in good condition. The most notable pagoda in the complex is the Lama Pagoda, carved from white marble and standing 15 meters high to the east of the Da Dian Hall.
Xilituzhao Palace is still an active place of worship for many Buddhists, who flock here throughout the year. During religious festivals, the Temple is extremely busy, especially during the Annual Buddhist Conference, which is usually celebrated in the first month of the Chinese Lunar calendar.
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