Xilitu Zhao

Once the center of Lamaism (Tibetan Buddhism) in the region, Xilitu Zhao (Mong. "Shiretu Juu", the meaning of "zhao" is temple, or monastery, being derived from the Mongolian "Juu") remains the largest Lamaist temple in Hohhot, the capital of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The original temple was built in 1585, later destroyed by fire and rebuilt in the 1800s.

Xiliu Zhao is a distinct blend of Chinese and Tibetan architecture, reflecting its intercultural influences. The temple has acted as the official residence of a Living Buddha, the English translation of the Chinese term for an incarnate lama, since 1735 and remains so this day, housing the 11th Grand Living Buddha. The complex suffered damage during the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976 A.D.) but has since been completely restored. While open to the public, the temple remains an active place of worship for Mongolian monks and their disciples.

References

*unreferenced|date=November 2006