Meidai Monastery has more than 250 ancient halls, including the Grand Hall and the Dalai Lama Temple, with an area of 62,500 square meters. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Meidai Monastery is a historical building built during the reign of Emperor Jiajing of the Ming Dynasty in1565. It has more than 250 ancient halls, including the Grand Hall and the Dalai Lama Temple, with an area of 62,500 square meters.

The monastery was built by Alatan Khan, the 17th grandson of Genghis Khan, as Turmd Mongolian Tribe’s political, economic and cultural center. It was also honored as a “Mural Museum” for more than 1,500 – square – meter murals from the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties.

The building, which integrates the styles of Han, Tibetan and Mongol architecture, is the oldest monastery in Inner Mongolia autonomous region, and a precious cultural relic for the study of ancient Turmd history.

The monastery is also a red tourism spot, where Ulanhu, the former vice president of China, carried out revolutionary strategies for Mongolians. The rooms and some artifacts Ulanhu used are still well-preserved.

Address: Meidaizhao village, Meidaizhao town, Tuyou banner, 60 km away from downtown Baotou

Tel: +86-472-8850-012