Lingyin Temple in Hangzhou, Zhejiang - a treasure of Buddhist culture.
Hangzhou Lingyin Temple is located at the foot of Lingyin Feilai Peak in Xihu District, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China. It is one of the famous Buddhist temples in China and an important Buddhist holy place in the Jiangnan region. The history of Lingyin Temple can be traced back to the Eastern Jin Dynasty. It was built around 326 AD. An Indian monk named Huili came here and felt that the mountains, rivers, forests and springs here were spiritual, so he built this temple, hence the name "Lingyin". The architectural complex of Lingyin Temple is built along the mountainside and is mainly composed of the Hall of Heavenly Kings, the Hall of the Great Buddha, the Hall of Medicine Buddha, the Hall of Avatamsaka, etc. The entire temple has a rigorous layout and a grand appearance. The most famous of these is the three-character stone inscription "Fei Lai Feng", which is said to have been written by Mi Fu, a famous calligrapher in the Song Dynasty. The Main Hall is the most important hall in the temple. It houses a seated statue of Sakyamuni Buddha and statues of the Eighteen Arhats on both sides, which are of great artistic value.
Heavenly King Hall:
The Hall of Heavenly Kings is the first hall of Lingyin Temple. Inside are statues of the Four Heavenly Kings, each holding a different magical instrument to guard the peace of the temple. The Heavenly King Hall is a magnificent building and is one of the landmark buildings of Lingyin Temple.
Main Hall:
The Main Hall is the main hall of Lingyin Temple and is also the central area where monks chant scriptures and believers worship. Inside the hall is a solemn and dignified statue of Sakyamuni Buddha, and on both sides are statues of the Eighteen Arhats, with vivid images.
Medicine Master Hall:
The Medicine Buddha Hall is a place where Medicine Buddha is enshrined. Medicine Buddha is regarded as a Buddha who can cure diseases and bring health. The statue of Medicine Buddha in the hall is solemn and dignified, with statues of the Twelve Yaksha Goddesses on both sides. They hold herbs and medical instruments, symbolizing the power of medicine and treatment.
Fahai Cave:
Fahai Cave is an important attraction of Lingyin Temple. Inside the cave is a statue of Monk Fahai, who is revered as the founder of Lingyin Temple. Fahai Cave is not only a place to commemorate the monk Fahai, but also an important relic for studying the history of Lingyin Temple.
Wulongtan Park:
Wulongtan Park is located near Lingyin Temple. It is a park that combines natural scenery and cultural landscape. There are five connected lakes in the park. The water is crystal clear and surrounded by green trees. It is a great place for a leisurely walk.
Feilai Peak:
Feilai Peak is the iconic landscape of Lingyin Temple. There are many Buddha statues and cliff carvings on the peak, which is an important representative of Chinese grotto art. These Buddha statues and stone carvings not only demonstrate a high level of artistic skill, but also reflect the spread and development of Buddhist culture in China.
Abbot's Room:
The abbot's room is where the abbot of Lingyin Temple lives and handles temple affairs. The architectural style of the abbot's room is simple and elegant, reflecting the monks' simple life and spiritual practice. Here, the abbot can receive guests and conduct academic research and Buddhist teachings.
Bell Tower and Drum Tower:
The bell tower and drum tower are important buildings in the temple. In the early morning and evening, monks will ring the bells and beat the drums here to tell time and pray for blessings. The unique architectural style and the melodious sounds of bells and drums add a sense of tranquility and peace to the temple.
Dining hall and meditation room:
The dining hall is where monks eat, and the meditation room is where monks practice and rest. The architectural style of the dining hall is simple and practical, providing the monks with daily food needs. The Zen room is decorated simply and peacefully, providing a suitable environment for monks to practice.
Lingyin Temple Museum:
The Lingyin Temple Museum houses a large collection of historical relics and Buddhist artworks, including Buddha statues, scriptures, and ritual implements. These cultural relics not only show the historical changes of Lingyin Temple, but also reflect the development and influence of Buddhist culture in China.
In addition, Lingyin Temple often holds various Buddhist activities and ceremonies, attracting many believers and tourists to participate. There are teahouses and snack bars around, which provide tourists with opportunities to rest and enjoy local food. Lingyin Temple's profound Buddhist culture and historical value, beautiful natural scenery and unique cultural environment make it one of the most attractive tourist attractions in Hangzhou and even in China.
Tickets: Feilai Peak 45 yuan/person, Lingyin Temple entrance 30 yuan/person, Beigaofeng Temple 8 yuan/person, cable car 20 yuan/person.
Transportation: Metro Line 1 to Hangzhou East Station - Longxiang Bridge Station, Line 2 to Gucui Road Station, Line 3 or Line 10 to Huanglong Sports Center Station.
Address: No. 1, Fayun Lane, Xihu District, Hangzhou