Plan at a glance
Location and courtyards
Xilitu Zhao is at 112 Danan Street in Yuquan District. “Xilitu” means “Seat of the Dharma” in Mongolian, and the temple is often called Xiao Zhao, or the Lesser Temple. Its courtyards follow a central axis, with the gate, halls, and side spaces arranged in sequence; look for the Han Chinese and Tibetan architectural elements side by side.
Highlights and time needed
The Great Sutra Hall (大经堂), the white stone stupa (白石覆钵式塔), and the Kangxi Commemorative Stele (康熙纪功碑) are the main highlights. The hall’s blue glazed-brick walls and Tibetan-style structure are easy to spot. Allow about 40 minutes for a quick visit, or 1 to 1.5 hours to see the stele pavilion, Ancient Buddha Hall (古佛殿), and any open displays.
Check with the temple before your visit for current opening hours, closure days, admission, and reservation rules. Queues, events, and which areas are open can affect how long you need.
Tickets and visit details
View visit options for this attraction and confirm the visit date and current arrangements before you go.
Choose your visit
The Great Sutra Hall and White Stupa
The Great Sutra Hall is the temple’s main building. Look at its roof and wall decorations, then compare the white stone stupa’s rounded, bowl-shaped form with the surrounding courtyards. Visitors who enjoy architectural details can take time with the glazed bricks, arched doorway, and stupa.
The Kangxi Stele and Ancient Buddha Hall
The Kangxi Stele is inscribed in Manchu, Chinese, Mongolian, and Tibetan. If the Ancient Buddha Hall is open, look at its murals and furnishings; check the labels for dates and details. Visitors interested in local history or religious art may want to spend extra time at the stele pavilion.
Photography
The base of the White Stupa is a good place to photograph the tower, while the area in front of the Great Sutra Hall works for a full view of the building. The red walls and light in the courtyards also make good backgrounds. Follow posted photography rules; put your camera away in no-photo areas, do not use flash, and do not wait for a shot in a narrow passage.
Build your day
40-minute short visit
Enter through the main gate and follow the central axis past the Hall of Heavenly Kings and Bodhi Passage Hall to the Great Sutra Hall, then stop at the White Stupa. If time is limited, focus on the hall and stupa, then leave through an open exit. If there is a queue or closing time is near, ask how much time remains for entry and shorten the visit accordingly.
1- to 1.5-hour unhurried visit
Visit the Hall of Heavenly Kings, Kangxi Stele Pavilion, Bodhi Passage Hall, Great Sutra Hall, and white stone stupa in order. Add the Ancient Buddha Hall if it is open that day. Check the visitor map and access notices at the entrance; if an area is closed, follow staff directions back along the open route.
Combine it with the old city
Dazhao Temple (大召寺) is across the street, so the two temples can fit into a half-day visit. If you want time to see both in detail, finish one before crossing to the other, then continue to Saishang Old Street (塞上老街). Allow time for crossing, queues, and a rest instead of trying to squeeze both temples in before closing.
Food and breaks
There are restaurants and snack options near the temple and along Saishang Old Street. Choose based on what is open that day. If you plan to visit both temples, schedule a meal or rest break so that finding a place to eat or waiting in line does not cut into your visit.
Get there
Address and entrance
Search for “Xilitu Zhao” (席力图召) at 112 Danan Street (大南街), Yuquan District. The entrance is on the street-facing side; follow the day’s access signs when you arrive. From Dazhao Temple, cross the street on foot.
Bus and walking
Check buses to the Dazhao stop (大召站), then walk about two minutes to the temple. Routes may change, so check the stop and service on the day of your trip rather than relying on an old route list.
Taxi and parking
A taxi can drop you near the temple, followed by a short walk. Driving is not recommended because old-city streets are narrow and parking is limited. If you need to drive, check nearby parking and availability first; do not plan to stop on the roadside.
Know before you go
Opening and admission
Opening hours, closure days, admission, and reservation rules may change. Check the temple’s notice or call before your visit to confirm whether it is open, ticket and reservation requirements, and the last entry time.
Etiquette at an active temple
Xilitu Zhao is still an active place of worship. Keep your voice low and do not touch statues, ritual objects, inscriptions, or furnishings. If worship or a religious ceremony is taking place, follow staff directions and go around the area; follow posted instructions for turning prayer wheels or walking around the stupa.
Photography and protecting the site
Follow signs in the halls and courtyards, and put your camera away wherever photography is prohibited. Do not touch brick carvings, the stone stupa, or inscriptions, and do not cross barriers for a photo. Weather, exhibitions, or religious activities may affect access, so check the notice board when you arrive.