1. Why Is Lingyin Temple So Special?
Lingyin Temple, also known as Yunlin Temple, was founded during the Eastern Jin Dynasty with a history of over 1,600 years. It is the time-honored ancient temple in the region, south of the Yangtze River in Hangzhou's history, and is said to be the place where Jigong became a monk. The main hall, Grand Hall of the Great Hero (Daxiong Baodian), is a single - storey building with three eaves. With the altitude of 33.6 meters, its large scale is rarely seen in China. On the back wall of the Buddha statues in the Grand Hall of the Great Hero is the "Fifty - Three Visits" relief, which tells the story of Sudhana Boy traveling around 110 cities, paying homage to 53 masters, and achieving Buddhahood. Among these 53 masters, there are two special figures, namely Jigong and the Crazy Monk, who are widely known among the people and Lingyin Temple has thus become famous.
2. The Potential Benefits Bring To Tourists
Lingyin Temple is an ideal place for tourists to thoroughly relax both physically and mentally. As a great destination for tourists to experience China's long - standing history and culture, the following is the potential benefits bringing to them.
Enjoyment of Natural Beauty: Lingyin Temple is situated in the northwest corner of West Lake in Hangzhou. With mountains at its back and facing water, it is embraced by numerous mountains, presenting a picturesque scenery. There are many ancient stone carvings on Feilai Peak in front of the temple and Tourists climbing Feilai Peak can overlook Lingyin Temple and the surrounding lake and mountain views, therefore experiencing the magic and beauty of nature.
Edification of History and Culture: A large number of cultural relics and historic sites are preserved in the temple, such as the stone carvings on Feilai Peak and the Buddha statues in the Grand Hall of the Great Hero (Daxiong Baodian). These cultural relics not only exhibit the exquisite craftsmanship of ancient Chinese architecture but also carry profound Buddhist cultural connotations, so visitors can further their understanding about the broad and profound culture during their visit.
Spiritual Purification and Mental Relaxation: Not only is Lingyin Temple a Buddhist temple, but also it is an excellent place for meditation. Meditation activities are often held in the temple, giving tourists the opportunity to experience the meditative life and learn meditation methods so as to free the mind. Through meditation, one can better understand themselves, purify their soul, and even achieve the harmonious state of body and mind, as well as spiritual cleansing and peace.
Gourmet Experience: Inside Lingyin Temple, one can taste vegetarian cuisine and experience the pure and peaceful life of Buddhism. Vegetarian food is not only nutritious but also in line with the Buddhist concept of compassion, which can nourish one's body and purify the soul.
3. The Origin Of Lingyin Temple
The name "Lingyin" originated from a misunderstanding by an Indian monk. It is said that in the first year of Xianhe during the Eastern Jin Dynasty, an Indian monk named Huili was traveling around China. One day, when he came to the foot of Feilai Peak by the West Lake in Hangzhou, he mistook it for a mountain in India. He couldn't help sighing, "This is a small ridge of Lingjiu Mountain in Tianzhu (an ancient name for India) and I wonder in which year it flew here. In the days when Buddha was alive, it was often hidden by fairies and spirits." According to this legend, later generations built a temple opposite Feilai Peak and named it Lingyin Temple. With the prosperity of Buddhism and its good location with beautiful mountains and waters, it gradually became one of the ten major Buddhism temples in China.
4. Religious Activities
4.1 The Laba Festival 腊八节
Distributing Laba congee on the Laba Festival has been a tradition of Lingyin Temple in Hangzhou for many years. Every year on the first day of the twelfth lunar month, Lingyin si Temple starts boiling Laba porridge punctually, and the process lasts until noon on the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month. Meanwhile, on the day of the Laba Festival, a series of Buddhist cultural activities such as large - scale prayer ceremonies and the abbot's sermon will be held in the temple, which is very worth visiting by visitors and they may feel the grand ceremony and the culture shock brought by them.
4.2 The Water And Land Dharma Assembly 水陆法会
Every year in the ninth lunar month, it holds the Water - and - Land Dharma Assembly in Lingyin Temple. The Assembly is mainly aimed at delivering sentient beings in the six realms of water, land, and air. Relying on the meritorious virtues of all Buddhas' original vows, it helps the living to increase their good roots, extend their blessings and wisdom. It also prays that the deceased can be reborn in the Pure Land and ascend to the lotus land as soon as possible. The scale of this grand event can be regarded as the most solemn and special large - scale Buddhist ceremony in Chinese Buddhism. The Water - and - Land Dharma Assembly of Lingyin Temple lasts for seven days. Every day, Buddhist ceremonies such as sutra - chanting and repentance - making are held to pray for blessings and eliminate disasters for believers together with express gratitude for ancestors of past generations and parents of previous lives.
4.3 Alms - Seeking And Pilgrimage 托钵行脚
In 2009, Lingyin Temple in Hangzhou launched the charity activity-- the "Alms - Seeking and Pilgrimage".
Master Guangquan, the president of the Hangzhou Buddhist Association, said that the "Alms - seeking and Pilgrimage" activity serves the following purposes:
Firstly, it puts the compassionate spirit of Buddhism into practice in daily life and spreads it throughout society.
Secondly, the Prajna wisdom of Buddhism offers people the opportunity to get close to the Three Jewels (Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha) through this activity, allowing them to have the chance to practice good deeds and provide more chances to cultivate the field of blessings and support Buddhism.
Thirdly, it is with the purpose of conveying the spirit of Buddhism to everyone and unveil the demeanor of Buddhist monks in the new era.
Lastly, it shows concern for all sentient beings and gives back to society with a grateful heart.
5. How To Get To Lingyin Temple
The main transportation modes to Lingyin Temple include subway, bus, and special - line coaches, here is a detailed transportation guide.
Subway:
Subway Line 1: Arrive at Longxiangqiao Station (Exit A), and then transfer to Bus No. 7, which will take you directly to Lingyin Temple.
Subway Line 3: Reach Huanglong Sports Center Station (Exit B), and then transfer to the special - line coach to Lingyin Temple.
Subway Line 7: Get to Wushan Square Station, and then transfer to Bus No. 7. This bus passes by Yuewang Temple, Su Causeway, Qu Yuan Feng He (Breeze-ruffled Lotus at Quyuan Garden), Botanical Garden, and finally arrives at Lingyin Temple.
Bus:
Take No.324, No.7, No.807, No.807 holiday line, No.Y2 /You2 line to Lingyin Station, you can walk to Lingyin (Feilai Peak) scenic spot.
Tickets for Lingyin Temple: 30 yuan.
Tips: The ticket for Lingyin Temple is not included in the entrance ticket of the scenic area, so you need to buy a separate ticket to enter Lingyin Temple after you enter the entrance of scenic area, it is recommended to buy tickets online in advance.)
The ticket price for Feilai Peak is 45 yuan (including Yongfu Temple and Taoguang Temple, excluding Lingyin Temple).
Opening Hours: Summer: 6:30 - 18:00; Winter: 07:30 - 17:00
6. Highlights Of Lingyin Temple
Lingyin Temple in Hangzhou is centered around a central axis consisting of the Hall of the Heavenly Kings, the Grand Hall of the Great Hero (Daxiong Baodian), the Hall of the Medicine Master Buddha, the Dharma Hall, and the Huayan Hall. Flanking this axis are structures such as the Hall of Five - Hundred Arhats, the Hall of Jigong, the Huayan Pavilion, the Hall of Great Compassion, and the Abbot's Chamber.
6.1 The Hall Of The Heavenly Kings 天王殿
In the niche facing the mountain gate of the Hall of the Heavenly Kings, there is a statue of Maitreya Buddha. He reveals his chest and belly, sits cross - legged on a rush cushion with a beaming smile. In the niche facing away from the mountain gate, there is a statue of Skanda, the Buddhist Dharma protector. The statue is 2.5 meters tall, with a golden helmet on his head and armor covering his body, looking energetic. This statue is carved from camphor wood and is a precious relic remaining from the Southern Song Dynasty. On both sides of the Hall of the Heavenly Kings are painted statues of the Four Heavenly Kings, each 8 meters tall, all wearing heavy armor. Two of them look powerful and majestic, while the other two have kind expressions. They are commonly known as the Four Guardians.
6.2 The Great Buddha's Hall 大雄宝殿
Originally named the Hall of the Awakened Emperor, it is the second major hall. In the center of the hall stands a 24.8 meter high seated statue of Sakyamuni on a lotus throne. The statue features "a solemn and wonderful appearance" and "vivid charm". It is one of the tallest seated camphor - wood Buddha statues in China and also a rare religious art masterpiece.
6.3 Medicine Hall 药师殿
It is the third major hall of Lingyin Temple, enshrining "The Three Sages of the East": the statue of the Medicine Master Buddha, along with the statues of Emperor Sunlight and Emperor Moonlight. There is a rebuilt Hall of Arhats, where the line - engraved stones of the statues of the Five - Hundred Arhats are displayed. Seated in lotus position on the lotus pedestal in the hall is the Medicine Master Buddha, who is known as "the Great Physician Buddha". He can help all living beings escape suffering and attain happiness, relieve illnesses and disasters, and is also called "the Medicine Master Buddha for Dispel - disasters and Prolong - life".
7. Best Time To Go
The best time to visit Lingyin Temple is during spring and autumn, especially from March to May and from September to November. During these two periods, the climate is pleasant with moderate temperatures, making it suitable for a leisurely walk to explore the temple and the surrounding natural scenery. At this time, the flowers around the temple are in full bloom, creating a charming landscape. In particular, the maple leaves in autumn and the flowers in spring offer a unique charm.
Although the temperature is relatively high in summer (from June to August), the mountains where Lingyin Temple is located are covered with thick green trees. The air is humid and the temperature is relatively cool. Choosing to visit in summer allows tourists to escape the hot city climate and enjoy the cooler mountain scenery.
Winter (from December to February) is cold, but there are relatively fewer tourists, making it a good choice for those who prefer tranquility and want to avoid the crowds. At this time, the atmosphere inside and outside the temple is more serene, which is suitable for in - depth experiences such as meditation practice.
In addition, it is recommended to arrive at Lingyin Temple before 7:30 am. There are fewer tourists at this time, allowing you to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the temple.
8. Nearby Attractions
8.1 Yongfu Temple 永福寺
Yongfu Temple is located at the foot of Shisun Peak (石笋峰), about half a kilometer west of Lingyin Temple. It has a history of over 1,600 years, dating back to the time when Master Huili established it during the Eastern Jin Dynasty. According to Volume 32, "Temples and Monasteries" of Annals of Hangzhou Prefecture during the reign of Emperor Kangxi in the Qing Dynasty, Yongfu Temple is situated at the foot of Xingsheng Mountain, opposite Huyuan Cave on Feilai Peak. It was originally divided into an upper temple and a lower temple. Like Xi Tianzhu (formerly known as Fanjing Courtyard) and other temples, it was founded by Master Huili.
8.2 Taoguang Temple 韬光寺
Taoguang Temple, located halfway up Beigao Peak (北高峰), is one of the three major temples in the scenic area. Compared with the crowded Lingyin Temple, Taoguang Temple appears much quieter, yet its incense is still thriving. The surrounding mountains undulate, and the temple is shaded by lush trees. The buildings in the temple are small and delicate, mostly two - storey. The exposed blue bricks, white walls, jujube - red doors and windows, along with a clear spring that never dries up, create a unique charm when combined.
The most famous spot in Taoguang Temple is the Sea - Viewing Pavilion. The famous lines by Song Zhiwen, a poet of the Tang Dynasty, "Viewing the sun rising over the sea from the pavilion, facing the Zhejiang tide at the gate" originated from here. It is said that this was the most suitable place to view the sea in ancient Lingyin. What's more, the West Lake can be also seen from here.
8.3 Feilai Peak 飞来峰
Feilai Peak, also known as "Lingjiu Peak", implies a rock that has flown here. The peak of Feilai Peak features a unique and delicate shape, which is both elegant and charming. It stands aloft with open space all around, offering a broad view. One can admire the majestic appearance of the seven peaks to the west and the stone scenery of Yuping Peak to the east. Legend has it that this rock originally came from the fairyland of Penglai. Tieguai Li, one of the Eight Immortals, got drunk and kicked it, causing it to land here. "Among the peaks around the lake, Feilai Peak ranks first." Due to long - term corrosion by groundwater, many fantastically changeable grottoes have formed here, such as Qinglin Cave, Yuru Cave, Longhong Cave, etc. It is worth noting that there are 345 relatively complete Buddhist - themed statues on Feilai Peak, making it the largest grotto statue group along the southeast coast of China.
9. Useful Travel Tips
The travel suggestions for visiting Lingyin Temple are as follows:
Buy tickets and make reservations in advance: It is recommended to buy the tickets for Feilai Peak (45 yuan per person) online in advance. After entering the Feilai Peak scenic area, then go to Lingyin Temple to buy tickets (30 yuan per person). If you need to reserve a Buddhist ceremony, you should go to the guest hall of Lingyin Temple to register, fill out a registration form and finally confirm the date and time.
Avoid peak hours: To avoid the peak time, it is advisable to visit Lingyin Temple in the early morning, which is more serene and it provides a better visiting experience. In addition, there are larger crowds during holidays and weekends, so it is recommended to plan your itinerary in advance and allow sufficient time.
Follow the temple regulations: After entering Lingyin Temple, the staff will distribute incense for free, so there is no need to buy it at the entrance. When walking in the temple, follow the clockwise direction. Enter each main hall from the left and exit from the right. After lighting the incense, do not blow it out with your mouth. Instead, gently extinguish it with your hand and this is a sign of respect and courtesy to Buddhism.
Surrounding attractions: There are many other temples around Lingyin Temple, such as Taoguang Temple and Yongfu Temple, which can be visited together. In addition, there are three places in Lingyin Temple where you can taste vegetarian food, they are Shifang Zhai (十方斋) in Lingyin Temple, Fuquan Noodles in Yongfu Temple, and Taoguang Teahouse in Taoguang Temple. The vegetarian food tastes excellent and is highly recommended for tourists.
Free - admission dates: In 2025, Lingyin Temple will be free of charge on the following dates: January 7, January 28, March 18, April 4, May 5, June 24, July 13, September 6, October 6, November 8, December 13, December 21.
