Meidaizhao: A Perfect Fusion of Tibetan Buddhism and a Ming Dynasty Ancient City
Ancient city walls surround Han, Tibetan, and Mongolian architecture, and exquisite murals tell a century of history. It is a living museum.
I am Leo, a traveler constantly exploring dungeons in Earth Online.
Meidaizhao, formerly known as Lingjue Temple and later renamed Shouling Temple, is one of the most important Tibetan Buddhist structures in Inner Mongolia and a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Site. Located on the north side of the Beijing-Tibet Expressway, this unique ancient structure was built during the Longqing period of the Ming Dynasty (1567-1572). It was built by Altan Khan, leader of the Tumed tribe of Mongolia, after he was granted the title of Queen of Shunyi.
01 Overview
Meidaizhao has a circumference of 681 meters and a total area of approximately 4,000 square meters. It is surrounded by a wall of earth and stone inlays, approximately 4 meters high and sturdy. Corner towers are built at each corner, and a gate is located in the middle of the south wall. The temple houses approximately 1,650 square meters of Ming Dynasty murals, vividly depicting the political and religious developments of the Mongol Jin Dynasty during the Ming Dynasty. It is known as a mural museum. These murals are of great value to the study of Ming Dynasty Mongol history, Buddhism, architecture, and art.
02 Tour Route and Highlights
From downtown Baotou, drive approximately 50 kilometers along the Beijing-Tibet Expressway to Meidaizhao. Leo drove there himself. The breathtaking scenery of the Inner Mongolian steppes along the way was breathtaking.
Tickets cost approximately 30 yuan per person. For a deeper historical perspective, consider purchasing a guided tour or a mobile phone ticket. A typical visit with photos and a guide should take about two hours.
The first stop is the Meidaizhao Museum, located in the square in front of the temple and surrounded by stone lotus carvings. Although small, the museum offers a detailed overview of Meidaizhao's historical significance and cultural significance, including relics of shamanic culture and exquisite murals and thangka art.
The second stop is Taihe Gate. Passing through the museum, the majestic Yinshan Mountains and the vast Meidaizhao Temple unfold before your eyes. Climbing the city gate offers panoramic views of the lush temples and desolate hillsides, the surrounding scenery is unforgettable.
The third stop is the Main Hall. As the core building, it retains Ming Dynasty architectural style and houses the precious mural "Mongolian Nobles Worshiping Buddha." The dim lighting inside the hall adds to its mysterious and solemn atmosphere.
The fourth stop is the Empress Dowager Temple (Sanniangzi Temple). Here, Sanniangzi, wife of Altan Khan, is enshrined. She was the founder of Hohhot and actively promoted trade between the Ming Dynasty and Mongolia. Inside the hall, there are portraits said to be of Altan Khan and Sanniangzi, a unique mural found in Inner Mongolian temples.