Buddhist Culture in Hangzhou

Buddhism has been a profound part of Hangzhous 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.

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

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.

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

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.
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