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Buddhism has been a profound part of Hangzhou’s culture and history. The establishment of Lingyin Temple in 328A.D. was when Buddhism began to flourish in Hangzhou. Apart from temples there are also pagodas which symbolize the prevalence of Buddhism throughout the city. To experience the Buddhist Culture of the city visiting the famous temples and attractions are one of the best ways to learn about the development of Buddhism in Hangzhou.
Lingyin Temple and Feilai Feng Grottoes
Lingyin Temple is the most important Buddhist Temple in Hangzhou and one of the largest temples in China. At its largest Lingyin Temple had 18 pavilions, 9 buildings and 72 halls. Throughout the course of history Lingyin Temple has been rebuilt 16 times and the restoration of the temple is largely based upon the Qing Dynasty architecture. A part of Lingyin Temple is the Feilai Feng Grottoes which has many carvings and sculptures of Buddha that are across the face of the peak. There are a total of 300 carvings that date back to different dynasties and eras. One of the most notable carvings is the Laughing Buddha which also happens to be one of the largest.
Ticket Prices: Lingyin Temple 30 Yuan, Feilai Feng Grottoes 40 Yuan
Transportation: Buses 7, 807, 1, 2, 4 getting off at Lingyin Temple stop.
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Hangzhou Buddhist Academy
Wandering through Hangzhou Buddhist Academy there should be no corners left undiscovered. There are many historical relics in the library and other areas of the temple. You can tour the academy to learn more about the studies of the monks from painting to calligraphy the connection with Yen is crucial for the understanding and development.
Location: No.112 Tianzhu Road, West Lake District, Hangzhou
Telephone: + (86) 0571- 87978350
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Yongfu Monastery
Yongfu Monastery is another one of the famous temples of Hangzhou and was also built by the Indian Buddhist Monk Hui Li. The temple has a history of over 1,600 years and was at its peak during the Wuyue Kingdom period. The monastery covers 20 hectares of land and has 5 main courtyards. Yongfu Monastery is much more peaceful and has fewer crowds in comparison to Lingyin Temple. The scenery of the gardens of Yongfu Monastery is truly beautiful, you can also enjoy some tea at Fuquan Tea Garden whilst admiring the view.
Ticket Prices: 45 Yuan
Public Transportation: Buses 103, 324 getting off at Zhongtianzhu stop.
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Jingci Temple
Jingci Temple is located at the foot of Nanping Hill and is the second most important Buddhist Temple around the West Lake Scenic Area. Both Lingyin Temple and Jingci Temple are known as “The Jewel of the Southern and Northern Hills”. Jingci Temple was first built in 954 A.D by Yongming Yanshou, a famous monk of the Wuyue Dynasty. The temple was destroyed several times over the course of history, the temple which is seen today is largely part of the 1980 reconstruction. Within the temple is a copper bell that has the Lotus Sutra carved on its surface that consists of 68,000 characters.
Ticket Price: 15 Yuan
Telephone: +(86) 0571- 87962880
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Leifeng Pagoda
The original Leifeng Pagoda was built in 975 A.D. and was a 5 storey octagonal building. The structure was made of woods and bricks and was unfortunately burned down by Japanese pirates during the Ming Dynasty. Only the brick skeleton remained of the Leifeng Pagoda for many years and it officially collapsed in 1924. In 2001 a mausoleum was discovered under the pagoda and was excavated. The government rebuilt the Leifeng Pagoda and it was opened to the public in 2002.
Ticket Price: 40 Yuan
Public Transportation: Buses K4, K808, Y1, Y3, J5, 822/K822, Y6, Y9, Y7 getting off at Jingci Temple stop.