Lingyin Temple

I. Overview
Lingyin Temple is located at No. 1 Fayun Lane, Lingyin Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou. Backed by Beigao Peak and facing Feilai Peak, it was founded in 326 AD (the first year of the Xianhe era of the Eastern Jin Dynasty), giving it nearly 1,700 years of history. It is one of the ten great ancient Chan Buddhist temples in China. Legend has it that the eminent Indian monk Huili arrived in Hangzhou, saw the extraordinary peaks here, believed "immortal spirits were hidden" within them, and built a temple named "Lingyin" (meaning "hidden spirits"). Over more than a millennium, Lingyin Temple has risen and fallen, destroyed and rebuilt many times. The existing structures were mainly rebuilt during the Guangxu reign of the Qing Dynasty and restored several times after the founding of the People's Republic of China. Incense burns brightly here, and emperors, scholars, and poets throughout history have left behind numerous poems and calligraphy works, making it Hangzhou's most influential Buddhist sanctuary and tourism landmark.

II. Getting There
Lingyin Temple is easily accessible:
Bus: Take bus 7, 103, 121, 324, or 1314 (the popular "love route") to the "Lingyin" stop and walk to the scenic area entrance.
Metro + Bus: Take Metro Line 1 to "Longxiangqiao" Station, then transfer to bus 7 directly to Lingyin; or take Metro Line 3 to "Huanglong Sports Center" Station and transfer to bus 505 or the Huanglong Cave–Lingyin special line; you can also take Metro Line 10 to "Huanglong Sports Center" Station and transfer there.
Driving: Navigate to "Lingyin Temple Parking Lot" or "Feilai Peak Parking Lot."

III. Highlights
Feilai Peak in front of Lingyin Temple is a major highlight. The mountain features over 380 stone carvings dating from the Five Dynasties to the Yuan Dynasty, forming the largest grotto carving group in southern China. The most famous are the Laughing Buddha and the Eighteen Arhats, carved during the Song Dynasty. Vivid and smiling, they are must-see photo spots for visitors.
The buildings along Lingyin Temple's central axis rise in impressive tiers. The Hall of Heavenly Kings enshrines Maitreya in the center with Skanda behind, flanked by the imposing Four Heavenly Kings. The Mahavira Hall is the temple's core building, housing a 24.8-meter-tall seated Sakyamuni statue carved from camphor wood and covered in gold leaf, solemn and majestic. On the hall's back wall is a three-dimensional sculpture of "Sudhana's 53 Pilgrimages," featuring numerous figures in varied poses. The Medicine Buddha Hall enshrines the Three Sages of the East, and the Huayan Hall enshrines the Three Sages of Huayan. The temple also houses a grand Hall of Five Hundred Arhats with 500 uniquely posed arhat statues.
Lingyin Temple is the busiest temple in Hangzhou, with an endless stream of worshippers and visitors praying every day. Upon entering, you can receive three incense sticks for free. Please worship respectfully.
Vegetarian dining: Lingyin Temple vegetarian noodles
The vegetarian food at Lingyin Temple is well known. Try the temple's vegetarian noodles (about ¥20-30/bowl) — clear broth, fresh flavor, and generous toppings.

IV. Tickets & Reservations (Important Update)
Starting December 1, 2025, the Lingyin–Feilai Peak Scenic Area (including Lingyin Temple, Yongfu Temple, and Taoguang Temple) is free of charge. Opening hours are 7:30–17:30 daily (last entry at 17:00). The previous ¥45 scenic area ticket and ¥30 Lingyin Temple incense fee have both been abolished.