[2025 Hure Banner Attraction] Travel Guide for Three Principal Monasteries (Updated Mar)

| Explore the Treasure of Inner Mongolia. Tongliao, a treasure city in Inner Mongolia, is full of endless charm and surprises. If you are longing for a unique grassland journey, be sure to save this guide! Preparation Before Departure Documents: ID card, various discount certificates. Clothing: Tongliao has a large temperature difference between day and night. In addition to light summer clothing, you also need to bring a thick coat. Skincare and Sunscreen: High SPF sunscreen, after-sun repair mask and lotion, moisturizing skincare products. Others: Power bank, common medicines. Recommended Attractions • Xiaozhuang Cultural Tourism Zone: This is the place of birth of Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang. The buildings in the scenic area are magnificent and have distinct Mongolian characteristics. Stepping into it is like traveling through time and space, and you can deeply feel the profound history. • The Three Great Temples of Kulun: Consisting of Xingyuan Temple, Fuyuan Temple, and Xiangjiao Temple, they are a historical testament to the Mongolian people's reverence for Buddhism. The architectural style of the temples is unique, blending Mongolian, Tibetan, and Han cultural elements. The murals and Buddha statues inside the temples are exquisite. • Zhur River Grassland: The vast grassland is Tongliao's calling card. Here, you can gallop on horses and feel the wind whistling past; you can also stay in traditional yurts and experience authentic Mongolian life. Lying on the grassland at night, the stars seem to be within reach. Food Guide • Hand-Grabbed Mutton: Fresh mutton, simply stewed, retains the most original deliciousness. Paired with sauces like leek flower sauce and minced garlic, it is tender and unforgettable. • Tongliao Milk Tea: Salty and rich milk tea is a traditional Mongolian drink. Drink a bowl, and pair it with milk skin and fried rice for a satisfying meal. • Beef Jerky: The meat is firm and chewy, and the more you chew, the more fragrant it becomes. It is a rare and delicious snack and a great gift. Itinerary • Day 1: Arrive in Tongliao - Check in to hotel - Taste local cuisine • Day 2: Xiaozhuang Cultural Tourism Zone - The Three Great Temples of Kulun • Day 3: Zhur River Grassland - Experience grassland activities • Day 4: Free activities - Buy local specialties - Return trip Transportation Guide • External Transportation: You can choose to fly to Tongliao Airport or take a train to Tongliao Railway Station. • Internal Transportation: Taxis or buses are available for traveling within the city; for suburban attractions, it is recommended to charter a car or rent a car for more freedom and convenience. Tongliao has both the boldness of the vast grasslands and the profound cultural heritage. Here, every step you take can trace the marks of history, every glance can take in the stunning scenery, and every bite can savor authentic cuisine. A journey is not just about beautiful scenery, but also about the comfort and satisfaction of the soul. Pack your bags and come to Tongliao for a romantic encounter with the grassland!

| Your Treasure Trove of Inner Mongolian Experiences. Hey friends, Tongliao is an amazing place that's definitely worth a visit! I recently returned from a trip there and put together a super detailed guide to share with you all. Get ready to discover the unique charm of this city! Pre-Trip Preparations • Documents: ID card, various discount certificates (student ID, senior citizen card, etc.). • Clothing: Tongliao experiences significant temperature differences between day and night, so even in summer, pack a warm jacket. For other seasons, bring plenty of warm clothing, including down jackets and sweaters. • Skincare and Sun Protection: The local climate is dry, so choose moisturizing skincare products. Also, the UV rays are strong, so high-SPF sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are essential. Recommended Attractions • Daqinggou: Known as the "Jiangnan in the Desert," this area boasts unique landscapes and rich vegetation. Take a stroll through the primeval forest, listen to the birds sing, and experience the tranquility of nature. You can also try rafting down the river, enjoying the scenery on both sides – it's both thrilling and fun. • Xiaozhuangyuan Cultural Tourism Zone: This is the place of birth of Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang, the mother of the Qing Dynasty emperor. The architecture within the scenic area is magnificent, showcasing traditional Mongolian architectural styles. Here, you can delve into the history, culture, and customs of the Mongolian people and experience this rich history. • The Three Great Temples of Horqin: Comprising Xingyuan Temple, Fuyuan Temple, and Xiangjiao Temple, these temples symbolize the Mongolian people's reverence for Buddhism. The temple architecture blends Mongolian, Tibetan, and Han styles. The murals and Buddha statues inside are exquisite, and the solemn atmosphere offers a sense of spiritual purification. Food Recommendations • Hand-Grabbed Mutton: Fresh mutton is boiled directly, preserving its original flavor. When eating, hold the meat in one hand and a knife in the other, slicing off tender pieces of mutton. Dip it in sauces like chive flower sauce or mashed garlic for a juicy and flavorful experience. • Tongliao Milk Tea: Savory and rich, it's completely different from the sweet milk tea you usually drink. Paired with roasted rice, milk skin, and beef jerky, it's both filling and warming, an essential drink in the daily life of Mongolians. • Beef Jerky: Tongliao beef jerky is firm and chewy. It comes in various flavors, such as original and spicy, making it a perfect souvenir for friends and family. Transportation Guide • External Transportation: You can arrive at Tongliao Airport or take a train. Both the airport and train station offer convenient access to the city center. • Internal Transportation: Taxis are a convenient way to get around the city. For surrounding attractions, it's recommended to hire a car or join a local tour group to avoid transportation hassles. A trip to Tongliao, with its vast natural scenery and profound history and culture, is truly unforgettable. Pack your bags and come experience the unique charm of Tongliao – you're sure to fall in love with it! 💕

Tongliao Travel Guide Tongliao is located in the eastern part of Inner Mongolia and is a tourist destination that combines natural scenery, history, culture, food, and shopping. Here is a detailed guide to traveling in Tongliao. Main attractions: Horqin Grassland Known as the "green ocean," visitors can experience traditional Mongolian activities such as horseback riding and archery, and taste authentic local cuisine. Daqinggou National Nature Reserve Located on the southern edge of the Horqin Desert, it is a well-preserved ancient relic forest plant community, known as the "sacred valley of the grassland," offering a variety of activities such as horseback riding, rafting, and grass skiing. Kulun Three Temples One of the important temples of Tibetan Buddhism, it has rich religious and historical value. Xiaozhuang Cultural Tourism Area With the birthplace of Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang of the Qing Dynasty as its theme, it showcases the history and folk culture of Horqin. Zhurihe Grassland Tourist Area Known for its vast grasslands and beautiful natural scenery, it is a paradise for photography enthusiasts. Food recommendations Horqin Fat Beef Hot Pot: Offers authentic Mongolian hot pot with delicious flavors. Hanshan Beef Jerky: Taste the local specialty beef jerky, a must-try for tourists. Roast whole lamb and hand-held meat: These traditional Mongolian delicacies are very popular in Tongliao!

In recent years, when it comes to Tongliao, many netizens will think of the Tongliao Universe, the center of the universe in Tongliao 😂. In fact, Tongliao has a long history, especially during the Qing Dynasty, it was an important town in the Manchu and Mongolian regions. Kulun Banner, a subordinate of Tongliao, was the only Lama Banner in Inner Mongolia during the Qing Dynasty that implemented the integration of politics and religion. Against this background, a relatively complete set of Gelug temples was built, integrating Mongolian, Tibetan, and Han styles 😊 . We navigated to the Three Great Temples of Kulun. There were not many tourists at noon, and the parking lot was empty. There were a few old men playing chess. The visitor center is opposite the parking lot. After buying the tickets there, you can enter and visit . 👉Fuyuan Temple From the parking lot, go up the steps all the way, turn right to Fuyuan Temple, and turn left to Xingyuan Temple. We went to Fuyuan Temple first. In the seventh year of Qianlong in the Qing Dynasty (1742), the twelfth Zasakda Lama Awang Zamuyang Hutuktu of Xiletukulen presided over the construction of a "Gendong" white pagoda and "Fuyuan Temple". Since then, successive Zasakda Lamas have built to varying degrees, covering an area of about 5,000 square meters, with four halls along the central axis from south to north. That is, the mountain gate, the Great Sutra Hall, the Buddha Hall, and the Laoye Temple, etc. 👉Xingyuan Temple After leaving Fuyuan Temple, we went to Xingyuan Temple, and we met a snake 🐍 at the door. In the sixth year of Shunzhi in the Qing Dynasty (1649), Xingyuan Temple was built under the auspices of the third Zasakda Lama Xibuzagunruke of Xiletukulen. After the completion, the Shunzhi Emperor of the Qing Dynasty gave the "Xingyuan Temple" plaque in Mongolian, Chinese, and Tibetan. The temple covers an area of about 14,000 square meters. After passing through the second courtyard and 13 steps, you will reach the famous "Nine-Nine Eighty-One Rooms" Hall - the Great Sutra Hall. Not to be missed, there is also a bell and drum hall on each side 👉Xiangjiao Temple Finally, we came to Xiangjiao Temple, with a total area of 13,861 square meters. In the ninth year of Kangxi in the Qing Dynasty (1670), Xiangjiao Temple was built to the east of Xingyuan Temple. Although Xiangjiao Temple has a mountain gate, it is not open to the public. You need to turn into the mountain gate of Xingyuan Temple. The layout and structure are different from Xingyuan Temple 📍Location: Intersection of Zhongxin Street and Xingyuan Road, Kulun Town, Kulun Banner, Tongliao City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region

🌸The courtyard is full of lilacs, and the fragrance is coming... Although it is a century-old temple, it is too good to take pictures 🪷From the Shunzhi to Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty, the Qing Dynasty built many Lama temples in Kulun Banner, and enjoyed the reputation of "Little Wutai Mountain". Among them, Xingyuan Temple, Fuyuan Temple, and Xiangjiao Temple were once the highest religious centers of the 49 banners of Monan Mongolia. It is a "holy place" admired by the Mongolian people, collectively referred to as the "Three Temples" of Kulun Banner ⛩️Xingyuan Temple is the center of politics and religion, Fuyuan Temple is the financial center, and Xiangjiao Temple is the office of Zhasak Dalai Lama. The three temples have coexisted for more than 300 years. Their architectural layout, architectural style, and architectural system have absorbed a large amount of Chinese culture and formed a unique local architectural style. At the same time, it is also an architectural masterpiece with more multi-ethnic cultural connotations created by the combination of Tibetan and Mongolian cultures. ⛩️Fuyuan Temple Built in the seventh year of Qianlong (1742), it is the smallest in scale and has four layers of temples. The chanting hall is a typical Tibetan-style two-story loft. The big red wall is my favorite, and it looks good in photos. The three Buddhas enshrined in the main hall, the caisson craftsmanship is superb. ⛩️Xiangjiao Temple Located to the east of Xingyuan Temple, it was built in the ninth year of Kangxi (1670). Although there is a mountain gate, it is not open to the outside world. You need to enter from the mountain gate of Xingyuan Temple and turn east. Xiangjiao Temple is actually the office and residence of the seal holder Zhasak Dalai Lama, so the layout is completely different from Xingyuan Temple. The main hall of Xiangjiao Temple is Maitreya Hall; the drama painting on the lintel of the Jade Pillar Hall is very exquisite. ⛩️Xingyuan Temple It was built in the sixth year of Shunzhi (1649), and a large-scale expansion was carried out in the 58th year of Kangxi (1719). It is the largest of the three temples. The main hall of Xingyuan Temple is built on a large platform, a two-story brick-wood structure combining Tibetan and Han, and the main hall is a typical form of "ninety-nine eighty-one rooms" in Tibetan Buddhism. The sun shines outside the hall, the light and dark are staggered, mysterious and simple. The three temples of Kulun have gone through more than 370 years of wind and rain, and the successive seal holders have built to varying degrees. It is a relatively complete existing temple building complex in Inner Mongolia that integrates Tibetan, Han and Mongolian styles. The three temples are also the biggest surprise of my trip to Tongliao! 📍Address: Intersection of Central Street and Xingyuan Road, Kulun Banner, Tongliao City, Inner Mongolia 🕗Opening hours: 8:00-17:00, stop admission at 16:30 🎫Ticket: 25 yuan/adult

The Three Great Temples of Kulun are located at the intersection of Zhongyang Street and Xingyuan Road in Kulun Town, Kulun Banner, Tongliao City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, covering an area of about 30,000 square meters. In the sixth year of Shunzhi of the Qing Dynasty (1649), the Xingyuan Temple was founded, and after its completion, the Shunzhi Emperor bestowed a trilingual plaque with the name 'Xingyuan Temple' in Mongolian, Chinese, and Tibetan. In the ninth year of Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty (1670), the 'Xiangjiao Temple' was built to the east of Xingyuan Temple. In the seventh year of Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty (1742), the 'Fuyuan Temple' was constructed under the supervision of Awangzhamuyang Huttuktu, the twelfth Zasak Dalai Lama of the Xilertu Kulun, and since then, successive Zasak Dalai Lamas have carried out renovations to varying degrees, preserving it to this day, with a history of over 370 years. Kulun Banner was the only Lama Banner in Inner Mongolia during the Qing Dynasty that practiced the integration of administrative and religious governance, and is considered a 'holy land' of religion revered by the Mongolian people. The Three Great Temples of Kulun represent a relatively intact group of Gelug sect temple architectures in Inner Mongolia that integrate Mongolian, Tibetan, and Han styles, possessing high historical, scientific, and artistic value, as well as profound ethnic cultural connotations. Among them, Fuyuan Temple serves as a venue for religious activities, while Xingyuan Temple and Xiangjiao Temple function as cultural relics museums. On May 10, 1986, the Three Great Temples of Kulun were announced by the People's Government of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region as the 'Second Batch of Key Cultural Relics Protection Units of the Autonomous Region'. On May 25, 2006, the Three Great Temples of Kulun were included in the sixth batch of national key cultural relics protection units by the State Council. In December 2010, the Three Great Temples of Kulun Banner were officially approved by the National Tourism Administration as a national 4A-level tourist attraction.