Welcome to Lingyin Temple: The Abode of the Soul's Retreat.
Lotus in the breeze
Tucked away in the lush, mist-shrouded valleys west of West Lake, Lingyin Temple (literally translated as the "Temple of the Soul's Retreat") stands as one of the largest, wealthiest, and most influential Chan (Zen) Buddhist monasteries in China. Founded in 326 AD by the Indian monk Huili, this sacred sanctuary has served as a sanctuary of spiritual peace and architectural grandeur for over 1,700 years. The Feilai Peak Grottoes with over 340 limestone rock carvings dating from the 10th to 14th centuries.
Here you will in the Mahavira Hall meet the largest sitting wooden Shakyamuni Buddha in China, standing 33.6 meters tall and coated in gold and 500 distinct, life-sized bronze statues of Buddhist arhats in the ”Hall of Five Hundred Arhats. The Feilai Peak Grottoes with over 340 limestone rock carvings dating from the 10th to 14th centuries are another top attraction.
Whether you are seeking deep historical roots, breathtaking Buddhist art, or a peaceful escape into nature, Lingyin Temple is an unmissable crown jewel of your Hangzhou journey. The temple remains an active working monastery where hundreds of monks practice daily chants, attract pilgrims, and serve traditional vegetarian
