Dazhao Temple, Hohhot

Da Zhao Temple or Wuliang Temple in Chinese, or Ih Juu in Mongolian, is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery of the Gelugpa order in the city of Hohhot, Inner Mongolia in North China. It is the oldest and largest temple in the city and is located West of Dana Street in the Yuquan District.
In 1557, when the Tümed Mongol leader Altan Khan began its construction, it was the first building of Hohhot; the rest of the city subsequently growing around it. The temple is said to have been completed in 1579 during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).
The Dazhao Temple owns its fame to its astounding 10 ft silver Sakyamuni Buddha statue. The 3rd Dalai Lama, Sonam Gyatso, visited the temple in 1586 and consecrated the silver Buddha statue. As a consequence, Hohhot became a religious center for people from all over Mongolia who came to receive its blessings.
The temple also has a shrine that was dedicated to the Kangxi Emperor in the late 17th century and murals in the hallway that commemorate his visit. Da Zhao also exhibits an impressive collection of musical instruments and dragon sculptures relating to Mongol legends.