Lingyin Temple

Lingyin Temple ('Temple of the Soul's Retreat') is one of the largest, wealthiest, and most important Buddhist temples in China, a serene, forested complex nestled in the wooded hills just west of Hangzhou's famous West Lake. Founded in 328 AD, it has been destroyed and rebuilt many times over its long history, and today its grand halls rise impressively up the hillside, filled with magnificent statues, including a towering, beautifully carved camphor-wood seated Buddha. But what makes Lingyin truly special is the adjacent Feilai Feng ('Peak That Flew Hither'), a limestone hill riddled with grottoes and carved with hundreds of Buddhist rock sculptures dating back nearly a thousand years, among the finest such carvings in southern China.

Set amid ancient trees and drifting incense, it's a deeply atmospheric place, both an active monastery and a major cultural treasure. Combine it with West Lake for a classic Hangzhou day. Allow a couple of hours to explore the halls and the grotto carvings; arrive early to beat the crowds.

Niet missen

• One of China's largest, most important Buddhist temples
• Grand halls rising up the forested hillside
• A towering carved camphor-wood Buddha
• The Feilai Feng grottoes and rock carvings
• A serene, incense-filled atmosphere near West Lake

Tickets & tours

Manieren om Lingyin Temple te bezoeken

Goedkoopste optieAuthentic Hangzhou Longjing Tea Culture Experience Tour4.8★ · 38 reizigers2-4 uurGratis annulerenVanaf$53 per persoonBekijk data →Beste hele dagFlexible Hangzhou Private Tour from Shanghai by Bullet Train5★ · 244 reizigers10-11 uurGratis annulerenVanaf$331 per persoonBekijk data →Privé en flexibel4-Hour Hangzhou City Private Customized Tour with Options5★ · 15 reizigers4-5 uurGratis annulerenVanaf$131 per persoonBekijk data →

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Goed om te weten

• Don't miss the Feilai Feng grottoes and their ancient rock carvings.
• There's usually a scenic-area ticket plus a separate temple entry.
• Arrive early, it's popular and can get crowded.
• Combine it with nearby West Lake for a classic Hangzhou day.

Een stukje geschiedenis

Founded in 328 AD by an Indian monk, Lingyin Temple flourished as a major centre of Buddhism, particularly during the Five Dynasties and Song periods, when the Feilai Feng grottoes were richly carved. Repeatedly damaged and restored through the centuries, it remains one of China's most renowned temples.