Lying on the pilgrim route from Tibet to Outer Mongolia, this handsome, Tibetan-style monastery saw considerable foot traffic from the time of its establishment in 1749. At its height it was the largest monastery in Inner Mongolia, housing 1200 monks belonging to the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Around 60 monks are resident here these days, but the monastery’s numerous outlying buildings, now occupied by local villagers, are a reminder of how important Wǔdāng once was.
Climb the steps leading up the hill opposite the car park for views of the complex and across the prayer-flag-draped landscape. There's a little compound beside the public toilet offering basic beds (¥50, no showers) and home-cooked meals if you wish to stay the night.
The monastery is 67km northeast of Bāotóu. A direct bus (¥20, 1½ hours) departs from the bus parking lot in front of East Bāotóu's train station at 9am and 3.20pm. Buses return at 7am and 1pm. Alternatively, bus 7 (¥10, one hour), from the same parking lot, goes to Shíguǎi (石拐), 40km from Bāotóu. From Shíguǎi you can hire a taxi to the monastery (one-way/return ¥50/100).
