1. Lingyin Temple Overview
Located on the northwest side of West Lake in Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China, with the backdrop of Beigaofeng Peak and facing Feilaifeng Peak, Lingyin Temple was built in the first year of Xianheyuan of the Eastern Jin Dynasty (326 A.D.), with a history of 1,700 years since then. As one of the important temples of Chinese Zen Buddhism, Lingyin Temple is not only an iconic cultural attraction in Hangzhou, but also part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple retains a large number of ancient buildings, Buddha statues and stone carving art, and the natural landscape is blended with humanistic history, making it an excellent destination for in-depth experience of Chinese Buddhist culture.
2. 5 Must-See Attractions in detail
① Flying Peak: a treasure trove of stone carving art for thousands of years
- Features: Flying Peak is the “front” of Lingyin Temple, named after the legend that it flew in from Tianzhu (India). The mountain is covered with more than 470 Buddhist stone statues, covering the carving styles from the Five Dynasties to the Yuan Dynasty, among which the Southern Song Dynasty monk statue and the Yuan Dynasty Duo Bao Tian Wang statue are the most famous.
- Must-see highlights:
- Chinglin Cave: Northern Song Dynasty Rushena Buddha will be carved in relief, showing a three-dimensional scene of Buddhist stories.
- One Line Sky: A ray of light coming out of a natural stone crack, regarded as a symbol of spirituality.
- Jigong Bed: A huge rock where monk Jigong is said to have rested.
- Practical Information:
- Admission: 45 RMB (including Feilaifeng Scenic Spot), Lingyin Temple Incense Flower Coupon needs to be purchased separately for 30 RMB.
- Suggested tour time: 2 hours, less crowded in the early morning and the light is suitable for taking photos.
② Daxiongbao Hall: the core hall of Lingyin Temple
- Features: The 24.8-meter-high statue of Sakyamuni Buddha is enshrined in the hall, which is made of balsam camphor wood carved and gold-plated, and is one of the tallest indoor wooden statues of Buddha in China. The eighteen Luohan statues on both sides of the statue are in different forms, vividly displaying the delicacy of Buddhist art.
- Historical Story: Premier Zhou Enlai allocated funds to rebuild this hall in 1953, and the design of the Buddha statue combines Tang Dynasty style with modern craftsmanship, symbolizing the protection of cultural heritage by the new China.
- Precautions: Photographs are prohibited inside the hall, and you need to take off your hat for a silent visit.
③ Hall of Medicine: Pray for health and peace Featured: Dedicated to the Buddha, the temple is a place of worship.
- Features: Dedicated to the Medicine Buddha and the Bodhisattvas of Sunlight and Moonlight, symbolizing the elimination of illnesses and disasters. Mural paintings inside the hall depict the twelve Medicine Fork Gods and Generals of Medicine Buddha, showing the majesty of the Dharma Protector God.
- Interactive experience: Visitors can light up the blessing lamps here (RMB20rmb/lamp) or participate in the health blessing pujas held regularly in the temple.
④ Hall of Heavenly Kings: the first gate of Lingyin Temple
- Characteristics: A plaque with “Yunlin Zen Temple” written by Kangxi hangs at the entrance of the hall, and statues of the smiling Maitreya Buddha and the Four Heavenly Kings are enshrined in the hall.
- Cultural significance: The four heavenly kings are holding a pipa, a sword, a snake and an umbrella, symbolizing “good weather” and reflecting the connection between Buddhism and the ancient agricultural society.
⑤ Five Hundred Luohan Hall: the world’s only bronze and gilded group of Luohans.
- Featured: 500 bronze and gilded Luohan statues are displayed in the hall, which are arranged in a “Tian Zigzag” layout, and each one of them is unique in expression and gesture.
- Hidden Egg: The 295th Lohan is holding a miniature model of Lingyin Temple, which is considered to be the signature work of the craftsman.
3. Practical Tips for Visiting the Temple
Modes of Transportation
- Public Transportation:
- Subway: Line 1 to “Longxiangqiao Station” and transfer to No. 7 bus directly; Line 3 to “Huanglong Sports Center Station” and transfer to Lingyin special line (RMB 5).
- Bus: No. 7, No. 278, No. 505, etc. can be reached, and the fare is 2-5 RMB.
- Driving Tips: The parking lot around the scenic spot charges 10-20 RMB/hour, and it is recommended to arrive before 9:00 am on holidays.
Tickets and Opening Hours.
- Combined Ticket Recommendation: 75RMB (including Feilai Peak + Lingyin Temple), saving 10RMB yuan compared to purchasing tickets separately.
- Opening Hours:
- Feilai Peak: 6:30-17:30
- Lingyin Temple: 7:00-18:00 (extended to 18:30 in summer).
Best Season
- Spring (March-May): Cherry blossoms and magnolias are in full bloom, with a Zen atmosphere.
- Autumn (September-November): osmanthus blossoms and cool climate.
- Avoid Peak Advice: Avoid the first and fifteenth days of the lunar calendar and the National Day Golden Week, weekday mornings from 7:00-9:00 am are least crowded.
Recommended Itinerary
- Half-Day Essential Tour: Feilaifeng Statue → Hall of Heavenly Kings → Hall of Great Heroes → Hall of Medicine → Hall of Five Hundred Lohans.
- One Day In-Depth Tour: visit the core area of Lingyin Temple in the morning, and in the afternoon, go to the neighboring Yongfu Temple (free of charge) and Taoguang Temple (included in the Feilaifeng ticket), and climb to the top to have a panoramic view of West Lake.
Specialty Experience
- Vegetarian Food: The temple’s “Ten Square Garden” offers 22 RMB Luohan noodles, recommended to be served with mushroom soup.
- Blessing Bracelet: You can buy “Eighteen Seeds” (RMB 46) at the Dharma Circulation Office, symbolizing peace and wisdom.
4. Cautions and Tips
- Dress code: Avoid short skirts, tank tops, and comfortable sneakers (some of the stone paths are slippery).
- Code of Etiquette: Do not step on the threshold when entering the temple, use your left hand to light incense, and use the three joss sticks to represent “Precepts, Determination, and Wisdom”.
- Safety Tips: It is dark inside the Flying Peak Cave, so it is recommended to carry a cell phone for illumination.
- Language service: Rent an electronic interpreter (RMB 30/day) or download the “Voice of West Lake” APP to get an English guide.
5. Peripheral Extended Attractions
If you have enough time, you can combine the following routes to enrich your trip:
- West Lake Day Trip: Lingyin Temple → West Lake Cruise (San Tan Yin Yue) → Leifeng Pagoda.
- Tea Culture Experience: Tea Picking in Longjing Village (April-May) → Tea Tasting in China Tea Museum.
Conclusion
Lingyin Temple is not only a thousand-year-old temple, but also a cultural landmark that combines natural wonders, Buddhist art and historical legends. From the mysterious stone carvings at Feilai Peak to the solemn statues of Buddha at the Da Xiong Bao Dian, every detail tells a story that spans thousands of years. When planning your trip, we recommend combining the serenity of early morning with the glow of dusk to experience the unique atmosphere of the “hidden spirit of the immortals”.
