Wusutu Zhao

Wusutu Zhao

Wusutu Zhao is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Wusutu, in Mongolian, means "a place with water." This temple complex is located on a plateau at the mouth of Xigou in Wusutu Village, Youyouban Township, on the southern foothills of the Daqing Mountain, about 13 kilometers northwest of Hohhot city. Nestled against mountains and near water, Wusutu Zhao is flanked by apricot and willow trees in the valley. In spring, flowers and birds compete in beauty; in summer, mulberry and hemp flourish; in autumn, golden leaves paint the landscape; and in winter, snow-capped peaks are admired. Each season brings its own ever-changing beauty, from rich to subtle hues.

Behind the temple lies the remnant of the Zhao Great Wall stretching from east to west. The raised rammed earth walls are visible on the surface. Climbing the wall offers sweeping views of the vast mountains and rivers. Gazing into the distance, Hohhot is shrouded in mist, while the Dahei River flows westward like a giant dragon, merging into the Yellow River. Trains dart across the plains, and the landscapes of Tumochuan form one beautiful scene after another, all coming into view. Wusutu Zhao has now become a popular tourist destination.

Wusutu Zhao actually refers to the collective name for seven temples that once existed in the area. Because they were located close to each other, interconnected, and situated near Wusutu Village, they were collectively called Wusutu Zhao. There used to be seven temples here, centered around Qingyuan Temple. To the east was Changshou Temple, to the west was Chafang Temple, to the northeast was Faxi Temple, and to the northwest was Yaowang Temple. Directly north was Luohan Temple, and further north was Facheng Guangshou Temple, together forming a temple complex. These temples were built successively during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Their architecture blends Mongolian, Tibetan, and Han artistic elements. However, despite shared characteristics, each temple has its own unique style in terms of architectural form and structural features.

With the change of dynasties and the passage of time, only Qingyuan Temple, Faxi Temple, Changshou Temple, and Luohan Temple have been completely preserved to this day. Among these four, Qingyuan Temple is the most famous, largest in scale, and serves as the main temple of Wusutu Zhao. It is also one of Hohhot’s renowned “Eight Minor Temples.”

Qingyuan Temple is located at the center of Wusutu Zhao and serves as the main temple. It is the largest in scale and was founded by the first-generation Living Buddha in the 11th year of the Wanli reign of Emperor Shenzong of the Ming Dynasty (1583 AD), and completed in the 34th year of the Wanli reign (1606 AD). In the 48th year of the Qianlong reign (1783 AD, 200 years after its founding), additional halls were added, and it was officially named “Qingyuan Temple” in Han Chinese by the Qing court the following year. Faxi Temple is located northeast of Qingyuan Temple. Its architecture is unique, with lavish interior and exterior decorations, making it the most distinctive among the temples. Research indicates that it was built by the third-generation Living Buddha of Wusutu Zhao, Lobzang Wangzhal, in the 3rd year of the Yongzheng reign of the Qing Dynasty (1725 AD). Sixty years later, in the 50th year of the Qianlong reign (1785 AD), it was officially named “Faxi Temple” by the Qing court.

Changshou Temple is located to the east of Qingyuan Temple. It was established in the 36th year of the Kangxi reign of the Qing Dynasty (1697 AD) by the 0th Changmu Suochuoerji. This temple underwent renovations up to six times during the Qing Dynasty, so by the time of liberation, its hall paintings and clay sculptures remained relatively intact.

Further Reading:

· Seventh Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units