The Vajra Throne Sarira Pagoda (金刚座舍利宝塔) is located in the southeastern part of the old city of Hohhot. Its design is inspired by the early Indian-style Gaya Stupa, yet it incorporates traditional Chinese architectural elements, blending Chinese, Tibetan, and Mongolian cultures into its design. This pagoda is considered one of the most successful examples of ancient Chinese architecture that absorbed and integrated foreign influences, reflecting a distinct Chinese interpretation of the Vajra Throne-style stupa.
Built during the fifth year of Emperor Yongzheng’s reign (1727) in the Qing Dynasty, the pagoda was completed in 1732. It originally belonged to Cideng Temple, and due to the five square-shaped sarira towers on its base, it is also commonly referred to as the “Five Pagoda Temple.” The pagoda stands about 13 meters high and is primarily constructed of brick and stone. The base of the pagoda features a rectangular Vajra Throne placed atop a platform, with the bottom part consisting of a Sumeru pedestal adorned with intricate brick carvings.
The carvings on the pagoda include detailed patterns of lions, elephants, dharma wheels, garuda birds, and vajras, all symbolizing Buddhist themes. The lower section of the structure is decorated with inscriptions of the Vajra Sutra, written in three languages – Mongolian, Tibetan, and Sanskrit. The craftsmanship is highly meticulous, with great attention to detail. Above the lower portion, the structure houses niches containing Buddha statues, each flanked by decorative vase-shaped pillars. Above the niches, there are six syllables inscribed in Sanskrit, representing a sacred mantra.
The front of the pagoda features an arched gate, flanked by statues of the Four Heavenly Kings, and above the gate is a stone plaque inscribed with the name of the pagoda, written in Mongolian, Tibetan, and Chinese. This pagoda is a remarkable representation of the fusion of diverse cultural and architectural influence.
Basic Information
Estimated Length of Tour | 0.5 – 1 hour |
Ticket Price | Free |
Opening Hours | 9.00 – 17.00; Last admission: 16.30 Closed on Tuesday |
Telephone Number | 0086-0471-5972640 |
Location and Transportation
The Vajra Throne Sarira Pagoda is located at No. 48, Wuta Temple Back Street in the Yuquan District of Hohhot, Inner Mongolia. To get there, you can take bus 56 and get off at Minhe Garden Stop (民和花园站).