Lingyin Temple灵隐寺
Lingyin Temple, also known as Yunlin Temple, was founded in 326 AD (the first year of the Xianhe era of the Eastern Jin) and is the largest and best-known Buddhist monastery in Hangzhou. Ancient trees tower over its halls, and the Feilai Peak grottoes beside the temple hold one of the greatest collections of Yuan-dynasty rock carvings in southern China.
Hangzhou · Visitor Guide2026-10-27
Quick Answer
Is Lingyin Temple worth visiting?
Hangzhou's oldest temple, founded in the Eastern Jin dynasty, still thronged with worshippers and rich in precious stone carvings. Combo ticket for Feilai Peak and Yongfu Temple CNY 75.
Quick facts
| Ticket | Lingyin Temple CNY 30 plus Feilai Peak CNY 45 (combo CNY 75); Yongfu Temple ticketed separately |
|---|---|
| Hours | 06:30-18:00 (slightly extended in summer) |
| Recommended duration | Allow 2-4 hours |
| Best time to visit | Best in spring (flowers in March-April); autumn is also good, and summer is pleasantly cool |
| How to get there | Bus 7 or 324 to Lingyin stop; transfer from Longxiangqiao station on metro Line 1; about 40 minutes from Hangzhou East station via Line 1 and a bus connection |
| English signage | Partial |
| Wheelchair accessible | Partial |
| Founded | Eastern Jin dynasty, Xianhe 1 (326) |
| Standing | Ancient Chan monastery, Hangzhou's largest temple |
| Feilai Peak carvings | Yuan-dynasty stone statuary, over 470 figures |
| Ticket | CNY 75 (Lingyin + Feilai Peak combo) |
| Setting | Between Beigao Peak and Feilai Peak |
What to expect
Lingyin Temple stands on Fayun Lane off Lingyin Road in Hangzhou's West Lake District, tucked between Beigao Peak and Feilai Peak and ringed by forested hills and ancient trees. The monastery is vast and finely built, with the Heavenly Kings Hall, the Grand Hall of the Great Sage, the Medicine Buddha Hall and the sutra library among its principal buildings. The incense never dies out; on the first and fifteenth of each lunar month and at major festivals the courtyards fill with worshippers. The Sakyamuni statue in the Grand Hall — 19.6 m tall, carved from 24 blocks of camphor wood — is a monumental sight.
Tradition holds that the Indian monk Huili, founding the temple here, gazed at Feilai Peak and marvelled that a spur of Vulture Peak from Central India had "flown in" — hence the name Lingyin, "hidden souls". The Feilai Peak carvings date chiefly from the Yuan dynasty: more than 470 stone figures scatter across the cliffs and woods, rich in subject and finely cut, precious physical evidence of Yuan sculpture. Yongfu Temple, just west of Lingyin, is another millennium-old monastery set in tranquil grounds.
Come early to beat the crowds. Enter through the main gate, climb Feilai Peak for the carvings first, then descend to tour Lingyin's halls. The temple's vegetarian restaurant serves noodles at lunchtime. Observe Buddhist etiquette as you worship and never point at the statues. Tea shops cluster around the scenic area — buying is entirely optional. Mosquitoes are plentiful on the hill in summer, so pack repellent.
How to get there
Bus 7, 324 or 807 to Lingyin stop, then about 500 m along Lingyin Road. From Longxiangqiao station (metro Line 1), exit A, transfer to bus 7, about 20 minutes. A taxi from Hangzhou East station costs about CNY 30 and takes 30 minutes.
Best photo spots
- The Feilai Peak climbing path with its gallery of stone carvings
- Lingyin's mountain gate (ancient memorial archway)
- The forecourt of the Grand Hall of the Great Sage
- The stone steps of Yongfu Temple against autumn leaves
- Beigao Peak summit, overlooking the whole Lingyin valley
Tips
- Arrive before 7:00 am — fewest visitors, best light, the best photographs
- Book tickets with real-name reservation on the official Hangzhou West Lake account; 3-5 days ahead over holidays
- The vegetarian noodles at Zhizhu Zhai queue for about 30 minutes at midday — eat early or late
- Bracelets and amulets at the temple's dharma shop are fairly priced souvenirs
- With energy to spare, climb Beigao Peak (298 m) — about 2 hours return, with a God of Wealth temple on top
Scams to avoid
- Touts at the gate promising "inside-track" tickets lead you to commission shops, not shortcuts
- Tea houses nearby push overpriced Longjing under the banner of free tasting
- Fake monks hand out "blessed" trinkets then demand donations — real temples never press for money
Frequently asked questions
Does Lingyin Temple require advance booking?
Not on ordinary weekdays; over holidays and in peak season, reserve and buy tickets on the official platform ahead of time. When Hangzhou temples require reservations, it is done through the Hangzhou West Lake account.
Are Lingyin Temple and Fayun Temple the same place?
No. Fayun Temple lies about 500 m northwest of Lingyin — a separate ancient monastery with its own ticket; the combo ticket does not cover both.
Can I burn incense at Lingyin?
Yes. There are designated incense areas; do not light incense inside the halls. Incense is free (occasionally a small cleaning fee applies).
How long does a visit take?
A brisk tour runs 1.5-2 hours; if you climb Beigao Peak, take in Yongfu Temple and study the carvings slowly, allow 3-4 hours or more.
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