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Lingyin Temple
Introducing Lingyin Temple
Lingyin Temple is a renowned Buddhist temple located in Hangzhou. Lingyin Temple has a history dating back over 1,600 years. Nestled at the foot of lush hills and surrounded by picturesque natural beauty, Lingyin Temple offers a serene and spiritual atmosphere for visitors.
Lingyin Temple Fast Facts
• Chinese Name: Ling Yin Si 灵隐寺
• Best Time to Visit: April, May, Sept & October
• Recommended Visiting Hours: About 1 to 2 hours
• Type: Buddhism, garden
• Opening Hours: 6:30 to 17:30 (Nov – Apr); 6:30 to 18:00 (May – Oct)
• Entrance Fee: CNY30
• Address: No.1 Fayun Alley, Lingyin Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province
History of Lingyin Temple
Founded in 326 AD by an Indian monk named Huili, Lingyin Temple quickly gained renown in the region south of the Yangtze River. Its prosperity reached its peak under the Wuyue Kingdom (907-978), boasting an impressive array of structures and accommodations for over 3000 monks. In the later Southern Song Dynasty (1127–1279), the temple was considered one of the top ten temples of the Chan sect in the area south of the Yangtze River. Despite its significance, the temple has not been immune to attacks. It has been reconstructed 16 times since its initial construction. The present structures are modern versions of late Qing Dynasty (1644-1912) buildings.
What to expect at Lingyin Temple
The main axis of Lingyin Temple features a traditional five-hall Chan sect structure from the Song Dynasty (960-1279), extending up Lingyin Hill. Although the current five-hall arrangement is a modern reconstruction, the front three halls are original remnants from the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912). This blend of original Qing-style halls with the modern layout provides insight into the temple’s historical development. Moreover, the serene atmosphere and beautiful surroundings of Lingyin Temple offer visitors a peaceful and spiritually enriching experience.
The Hall of Heavenly Kings
The main entrance of the temple is the Hall of the Heavenly Kings, a grand double-eaved building with a plaque (Chinese: 云林禅寺; literally “Chan temple of the Clouds and Forests”) written by Emperor Kangxi (1654-1722). Inside, the principal statue is the Laughing Buddha, with Skanda Bodhisattva at the back. The hall also houses the Four Heavenly Kings and features ornate paintings of phoenixes and dragons on the ceiling. This impressive hall reflects the temple’s historical importance in southeastern China as a center of Buddhism.
Mahavira Hall
The Mahavira Hall, the main hall of the temple, is separated from the Hall of the Heavenly Kings by a courtyard with a lawn and trees. It houses a large wooden statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, carved in Tang Dynasty(618-907) style in 1956. The statue is coated with 60 taels (Chinese unit of weight) of gold and is the largest wooden Buddhist statue in China. The hall also contains a statue of Avalokiteśvara and carved images of 150 Buddhist figures. The interior features a gold-painted ceiling with traditional Buddhist symbols, integrating elements of spirituality and artistry into the sacred space.
The Hall of Bhaisajyaguru
Further up the hill behind the Mahavira Hall is the Hall of Bhaisajyaguru, which houses a statue of the Medicine Buddha. Rebuilt in 1993, this single-layer building has a double-eaved hip roof and features the Medicine Buddha flanked by two Bodhisattvas, Suryaprabha and Candraprabha, symbolizing sunlight and moonlight. Together, they are known as the “Three Sages from the East” or the “Three Great Medicine Bodhisattvas”.
Dharma Hall
The Dharma Hall at Lingyin Temple is a significant and sacred place where Buddhist teachings are shared and practiced. The symbolism of the “Zhizhi Hall” and the “Lion Seat” is quite profound, reflecting the power and authority of the masters who expound the Buddhist sutras. The concept of the “Wheel of Dharma” as a teaching that can solve human troubles and be passed down through generations is a beautiful metaphor for the enduring wisdom of Buddhism.
Huayan Hall
Constructed in 2002, the Avatamsaka Hall, also known as the Huayan Hall, is the final hall on the main axis. It contains statues of the three sages from the Avatamsaka Sutra: Shakyamuni, Manjusri, and Samantabhadra.
How to get to Lingyin Temple
• Take bus No. K7 or Y2 and get off at Lingyin Station.
• Take bus No 103, 121 or 324, and get off at Lingyin Dong Station.
• Rent a car/bus from GGC to enjoy a hassle free private transfer from hotels in Hangzhou to Lingyin Temple.
Additional travel advice on Lingyin Temple
• Lingyin Temple is within the Peak Flown From Afar scenic area. Admission ticket to Peak Flown From Afar is a must to visit the temple.
• Vistors can have vegetarian meals at the restaurant of the temple at a reasonable price.