Among the largest and most ornate temples in China, this fourth-century structure has hundreds of statues under its lofty ceilings.
Lingyin Temple is an aesthetic marvel that is regularly included in lists of China’s 10 most famous Buddhist temples. Its impressive statues and carvings fill the attraction with a sense of wonder and intrigue. The spiritual hub sits in a picturesque setting in the middle of woodland at the foot of Lingyin Mountain.
A famous monk called Hui Li founded the temple in A.D. 326, in the middle of the Eastern Jin Dynasty. Among his inspirations to build the mystical site was the spiritual nature of his surroundings. Lingyin translates to English as “Soul’s Retreat”, which summarises the tranquil and spiritual energies often commented on by visitors. At one point, 3,000 monks lived among the temple’s 72 palaces and halls.
Visit Feilai Feng (Flying Peak) near to the entrance to the temple. Marvel at the exceptional Buddhist statues that are carved into the limestone walls. The site’s name is inspired by folklore suggesting the rock flew to Hangzhou overnight from India.
Make your way to the Hall of the Heavenly Kings in the temple. Wonder at the vast size of the colourful sculptures of the four kings. Gaze up at the ceiling painting of mystical beings, such as dragons and phoenixes.
Traverse the courtyard leading to the Grand Hall of the Great Sage, which is equipped with a 33.6-metre (110-foot) high ceiling. There is an impressive statue of Shakyamuni, made in 1953 out of camphor. Locals claim it is the largest wooden Buddhist statue in the country.
Ascend the hill to the Hall of the Medicine Buddha and the Sutra Library, which is not open for worship. See the three sages of the Avatamsaka Sutra, which is an important piece of literature in the Buddhist religion.
Note the Buddhist swastika-shaped floor in the Hall of Five Hundred Arhats. There are 500 large bronze statues of the arhats, who are people that have attained Nirvana.
The Lingyin Temple opens every day to the public with a small entrance fee. Take a bus from Hangzhou’s principal train station to the Lingyin stop.
