Hohhot Things to Do Tips by John195123 Top 5 Page for this destination

Da Zhao Lamaserie

The bigger of the two, Da Zhao is across the street from the Xilitu Zhao Lamaserie and seems to be more of a tourist destination. While there we watched some guy, probably a local politician up for election or something, go through the process as if he were a real Buddhist. Maybe he was, but it seemed like he needed to be walked through the process. There are also more souvenir shops here, so if you want to buy some souvenirs, this is the place to do it.

Four images.

Great Mosque

Again, a lot of beautiful bits of architecture to this place. Another piece of serenity in the chaos that abounds.

Five images.

Great Mosque

It's not really packed with tourists- in fact we didn't see any- and it's not very big or really all that impressive. It is nice, within the grounds, and it's possible there's an entrance fee, but we weren't asked to pay anything and we went in the back anyway, not trying to avoid payment, just exploring the streets.

The Great Mosque in Hohhot is unique, in my mind. It is quiet pretty inside- but more like a mosque with Chinese flair than a Chinese style used as a mosque, if you will, kind of like Xi'An's Great Mosque)

Five images.

Xilitu Zhao Lamaserie

One of two major Lamaseries in Hohhot, Xilitu is the smaller, with a nicer "feel" to it. It's a beautiful place, peaceful, unless there happen to be ceremonies going on, in which it feels, possibly, more festive. I wrote about this and the Da Zhao Lamaserie in the Tourist Trap section, because they are designed in part for tourists, these days. But Xilitu is less touristy.

Five images.

See the "Xilitu Zhao Ceremonies" and the "Xilitu Zhao Images" travelogue for more images.