Kunhudai Temple

Kunhudai Temple

Kunhudai Temple is located on the right bank of the Kundulun River in Kundulun District, Baotou City. Built in harmony with the terrain, the temple complex is nestled against mountains and beside water, featuring Tibetan-style architecture and surrounded by no walls. Constructed in the seventh year of the Yongzheng reign during the Qing Dynasty (1729), it took over 20 years to complete and is known in Chinese as Faxi Temple. "Kundulun" in Mongolian means "mountain pass."

It is said that the temple’s abbot once earned the admiration of Emperor Qianlong and enjoyed considerable prestige. The layout centers around the main scripture hall, supplemented by several individual halls and living quarters. Originally, there were 23 scripture halls and temples, 4 scripture pagodas, and more than 60 residential buildings, covering an area of over 110 acres. Today, 12 scripture halls and temples and about 50 residences remain. Although most of the original murals and statues inside the halls have been lost, the main scripture hall, after renovation, still stands as a uniquely charming ancient architectural complex.