Baoshan Temple

Baoshan Temple

Baoshan Temple is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Baoshan Temple is located in Dalanhua, the seat of Balaqirude Sumu, Ar Horqin Banner, Chifeng City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Its Mongolian name is Balaqirude Temple. Originally built in the fourth year of the Kangxi reign during the Qing Dynasty (1665), it was first situated on the north bank of the Xilamulun River and bestowed the Chinese name Baoshan Temple. It was later relocated to its current site in the 35th year of the Qianlong reign (1770).

Baoshan Temple is an ancient architectural complex with a long history and splendid culture. It is a typical Tibetan-style structure, often referred to as the "Little Potala Palace." Originally, there were eight main halls, with a total construction area of 11,762 square meters. The currently preserved Sabuteng Lahamu Palace, Sukqin Dugong Palace, and one Gegent Main Hall are the largest in floor area and best preserved among all temples in Ar Horqin Banner. The Sabuteng Lahamu Palace is divided into front and rear courtyards: the front section served as the living quarters for the temple’s abbot, the Gegent, while the rear section was used for religious activities. The main buildings are arranged along a central axis, stepping upward in tiers with well-proportioned layers, while the remaining structures are symmetrically distributed on both sides. The front is enclosed by decorative flower walls, with a central pathway connecting the sections. The rear hall faces south and features tall, bright pillars. The layout, style, carvings, decorations, and craftsmanship of this exquisite ancient architectural complex hold significant artistic value, and the structure, painting art, and religious heritage of the temple offer important research and historical significance.

The Cham dance of Baoshan Temple is especially renowned. The “Mila Cham” was created by the Fifth Gegent, Lobzang Phurlee Jamus, based on the biography of Mila. This “Mila Cham” differs greatly from the Cham dances of other temples and serves as a rare historical and cultural artifact for the study of Tibetan Buddhism and Mongolian customs and history.

In May 2006, Baoshan Temple, as an ancient Qing Dynasty structure, was approved by the State Council to be included in the sixth batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units.

Further Reading:

· Sixth Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units