24 Hours Hotline: +86 137-3541-1378

Email:

Your Location: Home > Hangzhou Attractions > Lingyin Temple

Lingyin Temple

Screen Wall of Lingyin Temple

Overview
The Lingyin Temple, west of the lake, stands at the foot of the Beigao Peak and faces the Feilai (Peak That Flew Here) Peak across a stream. With many old trees, groves of bamboo, and quiet and beautiful surroundings, the Lingyin Temple is one of the most famous temples south of the Changjiang (Yangtze) River.

Lingyin temple, commonly translated as "Temple of the Soul's Retreat" is one of the largest and wealthiest temples in China. Despite some damage inflicted by red guards during the Cultural Revolution, the temple and grounds escaped much of the wholesale destruction that other temples in China suffered because of the protection of Premier Zhou Enlai. Today the temple is thriving, though most of the thousands of visitors who come do so for sightseeing and not for religious reasons.

History of Lingyin Temple
The presence of a temple on this site can be traced back to the Eastern Jin Dynasty (317 - 420AD) when, according to local legend, Huili an Indian monk came to the area where he was inspired by the spiritual nature of the scenery to be found here. To his mind this had to be a dwelling of the Immortals and so he gave the temple a name "Ling Yin (Temple of the Soul's Retreat). The Chinese name is translated into English as either "Temple of the Soul's Retreat' or 'Temple of Inspired Seclusion' for the setting has a quiet and beautiful grandeur that encourages a feeling of peace and for contemplation.

From its inception, Lingyin was a famous monastery in the Jiangnan region. At its peak under the Kingdom of Wuyue (907-978), the temple boasted nine multi-storey buildings, 18 pavilions, 72 halls, more than 1300 dormitory rooms, inhabited by more than 3000 monks. Many of the rich Buddhist carvings in the Feilai Feng grottos and surrounding mountains also date from this era.

During the latter Southern Song Dynasty, the monastery was regarded as one of the ten most important temples of the Chan sect in the Jiangnan region. However, its prominence has not saved the temple from marauders. It has been rebuilt no less than sixteen times since then. The current buildings are modern restorations of late Qing buildings. During the Cultural Revolution, the temple and grounds suffered some damage at the hands of Red Guards. However, they escaped large scale destruction partly because of the protection of Premier Zhou Enlai.

Today the temple is thriving as a destination for both pilgrims and tourists. It is regarded as one of the wealthiest monasteries in China, and regular pilgrims have included former paramount leader Deng Xiaoping.

Main Buildings Of Lingyin Temple :
The main axis of Lingyin follows a traditional Song dynasty five-hall Chan sect structure. The main axis stretches up the Lingyin Hill. However, the five-hall axis is a recent recreation. Only the front three halls are a part of the Qing dynasty axis.

The hillside to the south of the temple is also famous as a site of old Buddhist caves and rock carvings. Many of these date back to the time when the temple was first founded and a great many were carved during the blossoming of Buddhism during the Tang dynasty.

Heavenly King watching for the East and the windHall of the Heavenly Kings(???)
The formal entrance of the temple is the Hall of the Heavenly Kings (Chinese: ???; pinyin: Tianwáng Diàn). This hall is a double-eaved building. The front of the building carries a plaque (Chinese: ????; pinyin: Yúnlín Chán Sì; literally "Chan temple of the Clouds and Forests"), written by the Kangxi Emperor. The principal statue in this hall is that of the Maitreya Buddha in his manifestation as the cloth bag monk, or the Laughing Buddha. At the back, facing up the hill, is the Skanda Buddha, or Weituo as he is known in Chinese. This statue dates from the Southern Song Dynasty. Arranged along the left and right are the Four Heavenly Kings. The ceiling is ornately painted and decorated with phoenixes and dragons.

Visitors to the temple are often impressed by the size and majesty of the entrance hall and its statues of the heavenly kings. Indeed, the hall of the Heavenly Kings at the Lingyin Temple is as large or larger than the main hall at many temples, reflecting its status as the centre of Buddhism in south-eastern China.

The Hall of the Heavenly Kings is the formal entrance to the temple. However, this entry has been closed in recent years, with visitors funneled instead through side doors, where separate ticket offices are set up for admission to the temple.

ShakyamuniGrand Hall of the Great Sage (????)
The second and principal hall is the Mahavira Hall, or the Grand Hall of the Great Sage (Chinese: ????; pinyin: Dàxíong Baodiàn). It is separated from the Hall of the Heavenly Kings by a large courtyard, featuring a raised lawn bordered with trees. To the left of the courtyard stands the Hall of the Five Hundred Arhats. The Grand Hall of the Great Sage is triple eaved and stands 33.6 metres tall. It houses, as is traditional, a statue of Shakyamuni, the historical Buddha. The present statue was carved in 1956 from camphor wood in Tang Dynasty style and coated with 60 taels of gold. It is the largest wooden Buddhist statue in China. At the back of the main statue is a statue of Guanyin, backed by a large screen that features the carved images of some 150 Buddhist personalities, including the pilgrims of the Journey to the West, Daoji, and arhats. Arranged along the sides of the hall are images of the 18 principal arhats, and other prominent Buddhists. The interior of the hall reaches about 30 metres, with a gold-painted ceiling featuring base relief images of traditional Buddhist symbols.

Hall of the Medicine Buddha (???)
Further uphill and behind the main hall is the Hall of the Medicine Buddha (Chinese: ???; pinyin: Yàoshi Diàn), housing a statue of the Bhaisajyaguru Buddha, commonly called the Medicine Buddha.

Sutra Library (???)
Uphill from the Hall of the Medicine Buddha is the Sutra Library (Chinese: ???; pinyin: Cángjing Lóu). This, and the Huayan Hall behind it, were built from 2000 to 2002 to re-create the five-hall main axis. The Sutra Library does not house a major statue and is not open for worship.

Huayan Hall(???)
The fifth and last hall on the main axis is the Avatamsaka Hall, or Huayan Hall (Chinese: ???; pinyin: Huáyán Diàn). Also built in 2002, this hall houses statues of the three sages of the Avatamsaka Sutra, known as the Huayan Sutra in Chinese - Shakyamuni, Manjusri, and Samantabhadra.

Hall of the Five Hundred ArhatsHall of the Five Hundred Arhats (?????)
The Hall of Five Hundred Arhats (Chinese: ?????; pinyin: Wubai Luóhàn Táng), also a modern addition, faces onto the western side of the court yard in front of the main hall. The building has a complex floor plan, shaped like a Buddhist swastika. Along the arms of the swastika are arranged the five hundred arhats as slightly larger-than-life bronze statues. Each statue is seated on a unique ornate seat. At the centre, where the arms of the swastika join, stands a bronze canopy housing statues of four bodhisattvas representing the four cardinal directions. This is currently the tallest solid bronze structure in the world.

Vegetarian Restaurant in Yinglin Temple:
To add a final memorable touch to your visit, it is very pleasant to dine at the Ling Yin Vegetarian Restaurant located near to the Temple. The vegetarian dishes on offer are typical of the Chinese culinary style and it is little wonder that in such a setting the excellent repast is frequently regarded as 'food for the gods'.

Why is the Lingyin Temple special?
Lingyin Temple is one of the most significant and beautiful Buddhist monasteries in China. "Ling-yin", meaning "Soul's Retreat" in Chinese, is indicative of its peaceful natural surroundings.

Lingyin Temple Highlights
Ling Ying Temple as a significant Buddhist temple, it holds an intensive collection of artifacts and treasure related to the religion. Thousands of people come here every day to worship and find peace.

Buddhist Architecture
The Hall of the Heavenly King has a statue of Maitreya, the smiling, belly-baring Buddha, seated in the middle. The main hall, not far away, displays a prominent statue of Sakyamuni who founded Buddhism.

One Thread of Heaven
On the ceiling of the main grotto, which is dedicated to the bodhisattva Guanyin, is a crack in the rock that stretches up to its surface. If one stands in a single position, a tiny sliver of sunlight can be seen. This phenomenon is described as seeing "one thread of heaven".

Culture Relics
The Temple contains an important collection of Buddhist literature together with many other treasures. Therefore, it is a great storehouse of information for those who wish to study aspects of Chinese Buddhism in detail.

The palaces, pavilions, and halls together with their many figures of Buddhist deities represent a splendid and unique collection of architectural and artistic cultural relics. The various buildings and pagodas date from the Southern Song, Ming, and Tang Dynasties.

Among the ancient writings are scriptures written on pattra leaves, the Diamond Sutra copied by Dong Qichang in the Ming Dynasty, and a wood cut edition published during the Qing Dynasty.

Admission Fee:  CNY 30 (Ling Yin Temple); CNY 45 (Fei Lai Feng)
If visitors want to visit Lingyin Temple, they have to enter Fei Lai Feng Scenic Area first and can not avoid the admission fee for Fei Lai Feng.
Opening Hours:  07:00 - 18:15 (Stop selling ticket at 17:30)
Bus Routes: Tourism Bus No. 1 (Y1), Tourism Bus No. 2 (Y2), 7/K7, Y13, K807/K837. Get off at Lingyin Station.

Tour Lingyin Temple with Hangzhou Private Tour 
We design private and tailor-made Hangzhou Tours customized to your style of travel at affordable local prices.  We will provide a private & spacious car and a local professional tour guide with over 5 years guiding experience only work for you or your group. Transport, ticket, and dining (We find the most authentic dishes popular with locals) all we will arrange for you according your requirements. Please check our most popular Hangzhou Tours including The Hangzhou Westlake as below: 

{????}
Are the above sample tour programs not suitable for you? We have more Hangzhou Tours. Our tours can be tailor-made based on your requirements and budget to create unique Hangzhou experiences that allow you to interact with the local people and culture. We are Hangzhou travel experts who know what your guidebook and foreign agencies don't.  Our enthusiastic tour expert will promptly reply you in details within 24 hours.

Questions & Answers or Review
* Full Name
* E-mail
* Title of your review
* Your review
 

The following Best Hangzhou Tours may also interest you!

Duration:6 - 8 Hours

Attractions(Cities):The hangzhou Westlake(including a boat cruise), Fish Viewing at the Flower Pond, Guo Garden, Drangon Well Tea Plantation, Bamboo lined path at Yunqi, Qinghefang Ancient Street

Tour Style:Embark on an enchanting Hangzhou journey with our seasoned expert and a skilled driver. Glide gracefully across West Lake's tranquil waters, escaping crowds for an intimate boat ride. Immerse in Chinese traditions with a mesmerizing tea ceremony at Longjing Green Tea Plantation. Wander the Bamboo-lined path at Yunqi, savoring Hangzhou's serene beauty. Our expert guide shares captivating tales of history, complemented by a skillful driver navigating effortlessly. Indulge in a day of discovery, each corner revealing Hangzhou's captivating allure, leaving you with cherished memories.

View Details
From $70 p/p

Duration:6 - 8 Hours

Attractions(Cities):The hangzhou Westlake(including the boat cruise), Fish Viewing at the Flower Pond, Lingyin Temple and Meijiawu Tea Plantation, Anmanfayun Village, The Song Dynasty Imperial Street

Tour Style:Embark on a hassle-free and time-efficient exploration of Hangzhou with our comprehensive Skip-The-Line full-day tour. Cruise around the UNESCO-listed West Lake on a boat, marvel at the scenic beauty of Fish Viewing at Flower Park, explore the tranquil Zen monastery of Lingyin Temple, indulge in a tea-sipping experience at Meijiawu Tea Village, and wander through the historical Song Dynasty Imperial Street. Our guided tour ensures you skip the queues, allowing you to seamlessly access each scenic spot. Make the most of your time with a well-organized itinerary, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey through the captivating sights of Hangzhou.

View Details
From $80 p/p

Duration:6-8 hours

Attractions(Cities):Boat Ride on West Lake, Leifeng Pagoda, Meijiawu Longjing Tea Village, Bamboo Lined Path at Yunqi, Yue Temple

Tour Style:Do you recall the tales your grandparents shared about Hangzhou? Stories like "The Butterfly Lovers," "Legend of the White Snake" and "Yue Fei's Loyalty to His Country". These narratives carry profound emotional memories, resonating deeply with Chinese and overseas Chinese alike. Our one-day Hangzhou tour is thoughtfully tailored for Asian visitors and overseas Chinese, celebrating these shared cultural sentiments. Guided by our bilingual expert with a profound historical and cultural background, this journey brings these tales to life against the backdrop of breathtaking landscapes. Experience a serene West Lake boat ride, a poignant visit to the Leifeng Pagoda, an enchanting exploration of the Longjing tea village, a soul-enriching journey to Yuewang Temple, and a tranquil escape to the Bamboo Forest. It's an ode to history, a celebration of the senses, and an invitation to wholeheartedly embrace the enchantment of Hangzhou's spirit.

View Details
From $69 p/p

Duration:10+ Hours

Attractions(Cities):The hangzhou Westlake(including a boat cruise), Guo's Garden, Meijiawu Tea Plantation, Bamboo Lined Path At Yunqi, Qinghefang Street, Impression WestLake Show

Tour Style:Discover the famous Paradise City Hangzhou on a fully customized sightseeing day trip from Shanghai by bullet train. Accompanied by your private guide, stroll around Flower Harbor Park and take a relaxing boat on the West Lake. Visit the famous Lingyin temple; See the traditional Meijiawu tea mountain; wonder along the old Hefang Street and enjoy the magnificent Impression Westlake show. Local lunch and dinner, tea tasting at Meijiawu, round trip bullet train tickets, private guide and private vehicle service are inclusive.

View Details
From $100 p/p

Duration:12 hours

Attractions(Cities):West Lake(Boat Cruise), Lingyin Temple, Meijiawu Tea Plantation, Cheng Huang Pavilion

Tour Style:Independent travelers will love the flexibility of this private door to door day tour. This is the ideal tour for travelers with limited time in Hangzhou. Take the stress out of booking train tickets from Shanghai to Hangzhou and planning an itinerary by having everything arranged for you. Accompanied by your knowledgeable guide over 5+ years guiding experience and skillful driver over 10+ years driving experience, you'll immerse yourself in its world renowned natural, historical and cultural features.

View Details
From $95 p/p
Live Chat
Share to

Certificate of Excellence
2012~2024

Tripadvisor

China Private Tours-Day Tour

Your Idea of Your Trip
Adults:
(>11 years old)
Children:
(2 - 11 years old)
Babies:
(< 2 years old)
Date of trip
Hotel Class
Any specific requests/interests?
Contact Information

(Your Privacy is Protected)

Full Name: *
E-mail: *
Your Age: *
Nationality: *
Online Chat ID: *
Leave your online Chat ID here. We will get in touch with you within 10 minutes.
Submit
Tailor-Made

1 to 1 tailor-made service from our professional travel advisors for the most sophisticated

Authentic

Constantly excellent reviews for attraction, hotel and service Competitive price

Value Guarantee

Local experts provide quality tours Best selected knowledgeable local guides Authentic local restaurants

Stress-free Guaranteed

7*24 hours available to create you a worry-free tour. No Hidden Fees and absolutely no pressure to buy. Secured

Who choose us
TripAdvisor
ASTA Pata CATS IATA

We accept:

We accept

Email:

Copyright © 2017 Hangzhouprivatetour.com All rights reserved.  浙ICP备18056007号-1 

WhatsApp
Wechat
Skype
To Top