Dazhao Temple was built in 1579, during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD), and was rebuilt in 1640. Today much of the temple retains the look from this period. The complex is also known as the Silver Buddha Temple (Yinfo si), after the 400-year-old statue of Sakyamuni inside, that was cast mostly from silver. The temple holds many interesting artifacts, including some antique Buddhist scriptures and many musical instruments.

Dazhao Temple received fame in the early periods of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911 AD), through a visit by the emperor Kangxi. After his soujournment, a few days, the temple was dedicated to him, and a gold tablet proclaiming in characters "Long Live the Emperor" was set before the silver Sakyamuni. In respect to this imperial favour, from this time onwards the temple also became one of the few in the province that nullified the practice of choosing a new living Buddha after the old had passed away.