Shangtianzhu Faxi Lecture Temple

I once went to Kyoto in search of Tang Dynasty style. The day before yesterday, on my way from Lingyin Temple to Songcheng, I walked along a path at Santianzhu Temple that resembled the path outside Tenryu-ji Temple in Kyoto. The forecast predicted rain, so I took a taxi to Shangtianzhu Temple at 8:00 AM and walked along a carefully planned tourist trail lined with maple leaves and a stream. As a Buddhist enthusiast, I've visited many temples. While Dajue Temple gave me a sense of flow, elsewhere I saw monks with incense money raised and no solemnity on their faces. The temples were also filled with strange slogans. It was the first time I truly appreciated the words on banners and gates. In the first hall, a young woman found a copy of the "Disciple Rules" and recited them. She then offered a coin to the Bodhisattva and, of course, received a candy in return. The place was not crowded, and the atmosphere was pleasant, perfectly matching my image of a temple from Tang Dynasty poetry. The other attractive amulets in Fengfeng are no longer available. This year, there are only five, similar to those found in a typical ten-yuan store.

I really like this beautiful temple with few people. I went there to visit it.

At that time, I took bus No. 324 at a very unique station called Lima Huitou and got off at Shangtianzhu Station.

The ticket costs 10 yuan and can be paid via Alipay. When you enter, someone will give you three incense sticks for free.

On the right side of Kinmen is a place where you can eat vegetarian food. It costs five yuan per serving, but you need to pay in cash.

Faxi Temple is very large, built along the mountainside, with layers of temple buildings and steps. It is the largest architectural complex among the upper, middle and lower Tianzhu.

Faxi Temple is truly worth a visit; any photo you take is beautiful! I heard that Faxi Temple is where Hangzhou locals go to burn incense and worship Buddha. The temple is small, and you'll be given three incense sticks upon entering. You can climb to the highest point of the temple and overlook the entire temple. The corridors in the temple are truly breathtaking (though it was a bit crowded the day I went). Tickets to Faxi Temple are 5 yuan (cash only; Alipay and WeChat are not accepted). Vegetarian meals are 5 yuan per person, and amulets are 20 yuan each.

During the Tianfu period of the Jin Dynasty, the monk Daoyi built a thatched hut here. One night, he saw a ray of light emanating from the stream ahead. In the evening, he discovered a rare piece of wood carved with the image of the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara. During the Qianyou period of the Later Han Dynasty, the monk Congxun brought ancient Buddha relics from Luoyang and placed them on a mountaintop. The statue was majestic and beautiful, emitting white light during the day, and was revered by the people. Prince Qian Wusu often dreamed of a white-robed man asking him to repair his residence. Upon waking, he was inspired and built the Tianzhu Guanyin Sutra Reading Hall. During the Xianping period of the Song Dynasty, a prolonged drought struck western Zhejiang. County Magistrate Zhang Quhua led his officials with banners and canopies to welcome the man down the mountain, but the rain soaked his feet. Since then, his prayers have been answered, but the rain has been heavy and continuous. Legend has it that he is the Dragon King of Rotten Rice. During the Southern Migration, he donated precious treasures, including Sun and Moon Pearls, Ghost Valley Pearls, and Cat's Eye Pearls, rare even in the imperial court. During the Jiayou reign, Shen Wentong, the governor of the county, believed that Guanyin, as a voice-hearer, preached the Buddha's power and was not suitable for meditation. He therefore chose to teach Zen and appointed the monk Yuanjing, also known as Biancai, to preside over the temple. He carved out the mountain and built a hall, nearly ten thousand pillars tall. During the Zhiping reign, the prefect, Cai Xiang, presented a memorial to the emperor and granted him the name "Linggan Guanyin." Biancai then carved further into the mountain, clearing twenty-five feet of land and adding a double eaves to the temple. In the fourth year of the Jianxian reign, Wuzhu entered Lin'an, while Emperor Gaozong sailed. Arriving in India, Wuzhu was delighted by the statue of Guanyin and loaded it onto a carriage, along with the Tripitaka, and moved north. A monk named Zhiwan, along with his followers, followed him. Arriving in Yan, they settled in Yuhe Township, five miles southwest of the capital, and built a temple to enshrine the statue. The Indian monks then re-carved another wooden statue, falsely claiming, "It had been hidden in a well and has only recently emerged." This was, in fact, not the original statue. In the third year of the Qiandao reign, Sixteen Guantang Halls were built. In the seventh year, the courtyard was converted into a temple, with plaques bearing imperial calligraphy on the gates. In the third year of the Qingyuan reign, the temple was renamed Tiantai Temple. It was destroyed in the third year of the Yuan Dynasty's Zhiyuan reign. In the fifth year, the monk Qingsi rebuilt it, still naming it the Tianzhu Temple. It was destroyed at the end of the Yuan Dynasty. It was rebuilt in the early years of the Ming Dynasty's Hongwu reign and renovated in the 27th year of the Wanli reign. It was destroyed again in the late Chongzhen reign and rebuilt in the early Qing Dynasty. At that time, the road to Putuo was cut off, and pilgrims from all over the world flocked to Tianzhu Temple. Its popularity was the highest in the southeast. On February 19th, so many men and women stayed in the mountain that there was no place to stand inside or outside the temple, making it comparable to Chaoyin Temple in Nanhai.

The temple was founded during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period (907-960 AD) and was originally named Tianzhu Sutra Reading Academy. It was renamed "Faxi Temple" during the reign of Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty. It is the largest of the three temples and the entrance fee is 10 yuan.

Faxi Temple is said to be the most effective place for finding love and is also very popular among young people. It is said that Leslie Cheung's tablet is also here.

You also receive three incense sticks when you enter the temple. Singles pray for a good marriage, and couples pray for happiness and perfection. I think Faxi Temple is the most beautiful and suitable for taking pictures among the temples.

1. Faxi Temple is located at No. 239, Tianzhu Road, Xihu District. Tickets are 10 yuan per person, and three incense sticks are given to pilgrims at the entrance.

2. The shop where you can get the amulet is on the right side after entering the shop and seeing the sign "Entering Samadhi".

3. Bus routes: 103, 1314 are all available

4. Clothing: It's still recommended to wear simple clothes in the temple. I wore a white top and dark green suspender skirt; Zhenzhen wore a white cheongsam. Both are relatively simple and look good in photos.

Faxi Temple was the biggest surprise of my Hangzhou trip. Walking from the bustling Lingyin Temple into the woods, I passed tea plantations, bamboo groves, and streams along the way, creating a tranquil and peaceful experience. The only sounds at Faxi Temple were the chirping of summer cicadas, and the only lively scene was the amulet counter. During the Mid-Autumn Festival, I even had vegetarian mooncakes, which were quite affordable. Buddhist scriptures were displayed in the main hall, and regular readings were given. Vegetarian dishes were only five yuan. The entire temple exuded a sense of tranquility and faith.

Shangtianzhu Temple, approximately one kilometer from Zhongtianzhu Temple, was founded during the Wuyue Kingship of the Five Dynasties (907-960 AD). Originally named Tianzhu Sutra Reading Academy, it was renamed "Faxi Temple" during the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty. It is the largest of the three Tianzhu temples. It houses the Sutra Repository, Liangfeng Hall, Thousand Buddha Pavilion, Shuiyue Tower, and Huanghua Pavilion, and is renowned both domestically and internationally. Surrounding the temple are scenic spots such as Baiyun Peak, Rudou Peak, Rudou Spring, and Baiyun Spring.

Internet celebrity check-in spot, everyone is very civilized queuing up to take pictures haha, not bad, but the equipment is poor, can't take that kind of effect

This is a popular temple for Hangzhou locals. Many people line up for photos. Due to the pandemic, reservations must be made online.

The largest of the Three Tianzhu Temples, also known as Shang Tianzhu, is quite far from the other two Tianzhu Temples. Admission is very affordable at 10 yuan. It is said that these temples were all built during the Jin Dynasty, dating back thousands of years. Once inside, it's a long walk to the main hall at the back.

There are too many people in Linyin, and Santianzhu is more suitable for quietly experiencing the tranquility of Buddhism. I personally recommend Santianzhu.

At Zhongtianzhu, you need to walk a distance or take the bus. It seems that locals do not need to pay tickets, but tourists pay 10 yuan per person.

A very quiet ancient temple. You can choose a morning and walk up from Xiatianzhu.

I didn't read the guide in detail before setting off, I just went for the less crowded ones. As it was close to May Day, there were many people at Lingyin Temple. I walked at a brisk pace and followed the path to Santianzhu. The scenery was picturesque and quiet. I could hear the birds singing and the leaves falling, which was very pleasant!

I like all the three Tianzhu, especially the quiet and comfortable road.

If you look closely, you'll notice that Faxi Temple is frequented by young people. There are two reasons for this: first, the temple's charming amulets are particularly popular among young people; second, it houses Leslie Cheung's memorial tablet. To the right of the Main Hall is the Ksitigarbha Hall, a dedicated space for memorial tablets. Leslie Cheung's memorial tablet is also housed here, having been established with funds raised by fans in Zhejiang. It's said that fans chose Faxi Temple for its tranquility, ensuring it wouldn't disturb Leslie Cheung.

Check in at the niche internet-famous temple Faxi Temple, which has an excellent location. It can be reached by shuttle bus directly next to Lingyin Temple. The bus ticket is 10 yuan per person and the entrance ticket is 10 yuan per person.

This temple was built the latest of the three Tianzhu temples, but it is the largest. Upon entering, you can pick up three incense sticks for free. Visitors are rare, with only a few pilgrims paying their respects. From a high vantage point, the buildings appear layered.

Entering the Dizang Hall of Faxi Temple, the memorial tablet dedicated to Leslie Cheung is just behind the first row on the right. Flowers from fans were placed beneath the tablet, with messages like, "May the once-brilliant Leslie Cheung be happy in the other world. We will always remember him, a unique fireworks display in this world." Out of respect for Leslie Cheung, no photos were taken here.

I came here for the amulet, but when I got here I found out that the good-looking one is sold out. There is a shop outside the temple that sells amulets that are not as good as the ones inside.

Faxi Temple is not as crowded with tourists as Lingyin Temple, but the vegetarian meals there for five yuan taste quite good.

Faxi Temple is built on the mountain, with one hall higher than the other. It is a bit tiring to climb to the highest hall. The temple is full of red lanterns, which echo the wintersweets in the distance. The scenery is very nice.

It's a very quiet place, but it's quite famous and recommended by many friends.

There were many pilgrims and photographers! Most importantly, we had to try the vegetarian food at Faxi Temple, which was all you could eat for 5 yuan! We usually eat too much greasy food, but when we had a vegetarian meal, we found it very delicious.

This is a very famous temple in Hangzhou, with a lot of incense. You can go there to eat vegetarian food. It is located a little away from the west of West Lake.

Since the Southern Song Dynasty, Faxi Temple has been the most popular Guanyin temple in Hangzhou. It has more locals than tourists, unlike Lingyin Temple which is crowded with people. Shangtianzhu has three good things: amulets, vegetarian food and seeking marriage, which I personally like very much.

Most of the people who go there are locals, and there are very few tourists, so you can take pictures in peace.

The largest of the Three Tianzhu temples, also known as Shang Tianzhu, is located quite a distance from the other two Tianzhu temples. Admission is very affordable at 10 yuan. It is said that these temples were first built during the Jin Dynasty, dating back over a thousand years.

Once you enter the temple, you have to walk a long way to the main hall at the back. A ritual was being performed in the Yuantong Hall that day. There were many different kinds of scriptures at the entrance for those who were interested to take. It really was a way to save all living beings.

In the main hall at the back, there are huge statues of the Three Holy Ones of the West. On both sides are carvings of various gods and Buddhas in heaven and Buddhist fables, and the characters are lifelike.

Friends who drive can drive directly to the parking lot at the entrance of the temple and park for free. Other parking lots in the surrounding area are charged and require a walk.

The environment is very beautiful, and there are not many tourists. It is quiet and peaceful.

The vegetarian food is really delicious and the temple scenery is also good.

The large-scale Tianzhu Temple - Fashan Temple, even has to climb a few steps, the building is magnificent and worth a visit

Compared with Lingyin Temple, this place is quieter and more suitable for meditation.

When I read the Complete Works of Yuan Dynasty, I often saw articles mentioning Santianzhu, so I went there on purpose. I didn't expect to be scammed in Tianzhu, so I was in a bad mood when I visited.

I arrived around 4pm, the sun was setting, the air was filled with mist, and it felt like a spiritual place.

There are three famous temples on Tianzhu Mountain in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, which were called "Tianzhu Three Temples" (commonly known as Upper Tianzhu Temple, Middle Tianzhu Temple and Lower Tianzhu Temple). They are all famous temples in ancient Hangzhou.

It is said that locals come here to burn incense and worship Buddha. It is very quiet, and there are many Buddhist scriptures that can be collected by yourself. Of course, the most impressive thing is that the vegetarian food is delicious and inexpensive, and you can eat it cleanly hahaha!

If you want to burn incense sincerely, I recommend Faxi Temple. The temple retains the most traditional atmosphere, and those who go there to burn incense are all genuine pilgrims who have been doing so for many years.

Standing at the highest point of Faxi Temple, you can see the distant mountains and forests covered in layers of color. The colors of the mountains and forests in early winter are the richest.

The monks at Faxi Temple have the widest age range, all of them young monks practicing. Winter evenings in the temple are always a bit chilly, and watching them finish their classes makes me want to go home too.

Perhaps the most famous thing about Faxi Temple is the vegetarian meal that costs only five yuan and is enough to fill you up. Although it is light, it has a unique flavor.

I entered the ancient temple early in the morning, and the first rays of sunlight shone through the tall trees.

Early in the morning we came to Faxi Temple to appreciate the great way.

Tianzhu Mountain in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, is home to three famous temples, sometimes called the "Three Tianzhu Temples." All three are renowned ancient monasteries in Hangzhou. Lower Tianzhu, the oldest, dates back 1,660 years, boasting a rich cultural heritage that makes it unique. Adjacent to the temple is the Hangzhou Buddhist College. During evening classes, the air is filled with Buddhist music and the sounds of chanting from the college, creating a sense of divine power that inspires calm and tranquility.

Buy a ticket and enter through the main gate, and each person will be given three incense sticks.

Walking along the quiet path, there are many Buddhist quotes hanging on the path, such as "be generous and tolerant, smile often, be happy and joyful", which can instantly let you escape from the world, forget the shackles of the body, and pass through the gate of "entering samadhi", which means you have officially entered.

The temple as a whole has a garden design concept, with small bridges, flowing water, fountains, a quiet environment, not too many people, and a garden design that allows you to steal a half day of leisure from your busy life.

As a photography enthusiast, I'm still a bit confused about Buddhist philosophy, which emphasizes inaction and purity. I gently capture every moment of the Faxi Temple with my camera. I love temples and their serene, elegant yellow.

The entire temple is built on the mountainside. Our tour can be arranged in order: starting from the right and climbing up, we will reach the top of the main hall, where we can see the entire temple. After feeling the grandeur of nature, we can descend from the left side with satisfaction.

The temple grounds are home to a lush ancient village, adorned with vibrant flowers. Faxi Temple displays different flowers in different seasons, always offering a pleasant surprise. Monks, dressed in their simple, quaint robes, can be seen hurriedly passing by on the streets.

Life is full of ups and downs. If you want to find a pure land, then come with me to this quiet Faxi Temple. May your original intention always remain. I will wait for you here.

Tianzhu Mountain in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, is home to three famous temples, often referred to as the "Three Tianzhu Temples." These temples are all renowned in Hangzhou. This time, we visited Faxi Temple in Upper Tianzhu, the largest of the three. Faxi Temple's greatest distinction is that it has long been a Guanyin temple, and its visitors are primarily Hangzhou locals.



"Lingshan Records" states: "During the Song Dynasty, the area south of Feilai Peak was named Tianzhu, and the area north of Feilai Peak was named Lingyin. Because there was Lingjiu Temple at the northern foot of the mountain, the peak was named differently." There is more than just Lingyin Temple in Hangzhou. It is said that the locals like to visit the "Three Tianzhu Temples."



Tickets are 10 yuan, and each person receives three incense sticks upon entering. Lighting three incense sticks and prostrating three times before the Buddha is a sign of respect for the enlightened being, a vow, and a symbol of cause and effect. The three incense sticks are called the incense of precepts, the incense of concentration, and the incense of wisdom. The first stick expresses one's resolve to abandon bad habits and delusions before the Buddha; the second, a hope for concentration; and the third, a prayer for wisdom. Only by abandoning bad habits and delusions can the mind find peace; and only after the mind is settled can wisdom emerge from concentration.



In a pool of clear water, red and white koi fish swim freely, and the boy on the lotus stone sculpture comes alive.



Everyone who comes will be captivated by the koi in the pond. Koi have long been considered a symbol of wealth and good fortune. In ancient times, koi were often kept in ponds at temples, shrines, wealthy families, and prominent merchants, the symbolic meaning of which is self-evident. The red and white koi are known for their agile swimming style, strong reproductive capacity, and the longest-lived koi, earning them the name "fish of longevity and good fortune."



Centuries-old trees, lush and verdant, interwoven with branches and festooned with red lanterns, add a touch of liveliness to the solemn temple. It's the first time I've seen so many vibrant flowers in a temple. I can't help but wonder why, amidst our vibrant lives, we often see so much devastation and desolation.



When we went there, it was not an important day for worshiping Buddha like the first and fifteenth day of the lunar month, so there were very few tourists. The temple seemed extremely quiet and peaceful, pure and untainted. The leisurely and free Buddhist music echoed throughout the temple, soothing the body and mind.



The most famous thing about Faxi Temple is not the temple architecture, nor the Buddha statues, nor the monks who preside over it, but the vegetarian meals, which are made of vegetables grown by the monks themselves, for 5 yuan per person. Unfortunately, we didn't have the chance to taste it this time.



The cute merchandise produced by Faxi Temple is almost as good as the Forbidden City. We didn't get any when we went, so sad. Besides the stunningly beautiful amulets, there are also super cute canvas incense bags and unapologetically cute Buddhist postcards—they really have it all. Guanyin, Jigong, Tathagata, and the God of Wealth are all presented in super kawaii cartoon form. The Buddha says, "You're so great, I must love you!" Guanyin whispers, "Don't worry, singlehood is destined!" And the Hangzhou-style God of Wealth guarantees you "a lot of salary and bonuses" ("Mu Lao Lao" means "a lot"). They're hilarious yet still serious. Most importantly, every one of them has been blessed, so it's no wonder they're out of stock (but you can pre-order them). It's a shame they're not popular.

If you go to the Tianzhu Faxi Zen Temple, be sure to prepare change. Mobile payment is not accepted here. When I went there, I saw people transferring money to cash.

Local small attractions, if you don't have an in-depth tour, you probably won't be able to visit them.

The vegetarian meals at the Faxi Zen Temple dining hall in Shangtianzhu are only five yuan a portion, guaranteed to keep you full! Located within the Faxi Temple, the dining hall is spacious, with numerous tables for seating. A small ticket window is located to the left of the entrance. It's very clean, with cleaners on duty. Since it's self-service, service may be a bit lacking, but dining in such a quiet place is not only a feast for the taste buds, but also a spiritual cleansing. The aroma of food permeates the air before you even enter, and the simple dishes exude a sense of Zen.

I've had the vegetarian food here, it's delicious and the environment is great.

Hangzhou has been home to numerous Buddhist temples throughout its lakes and mountains since ancient times. It is often called the "Southeast Buddhist Kingdom" and its reputation has been passed down through the ages.

The most famous is Lingyin Temple, bustling with tourists daily, seemingly built for tourists. However, few people know that starting from Lingyin, along a quiet path called "Buddha Fate Pedestrian Street," and further into the mountains, there are three lesser-known temples, collectively known as the Tianzhu Three Temples: Upper Tianzhu Faxi Temple, Middle Tianzhu Fajing Temple, and Lower Tianzhu Fajing Temple.

The Faxi Temple, located at the deepest part, is the crown of the three temples in Tianzhu. Its gate is tall and majestic, and it looks like a large temple at first glance.

After purchasing a ticket and entering through the main gate, each person will be given three incense sticks.

Walking along the quiet path, there are many Buddhist quotes hanging on the path, such as "be generous and tolerant, smile often, be happy and joyful", which can instantly let you escape from the world, forget the shackles on your body, and pass through the gate with "Enter Samadhi", which means you have officially entered.

The temple as a whole has a garden design concept, with small bridges, flowing water, fountains, a quiet environment, not too many people, and a garden design that allows you to steal a half day of leisure from your busy life.

As a photography enthusiast, I'm not entirely sure about the Buddhist philosophy of non-action and purity, but I'm just taking my camera to capture every moment of the Faxi Temple. I love the temple, and I love that vibrant yellow.

The entire temple is built on the mountain. We can visit it in order, starting from the right, following the route up the mountain, reaching the top of the main hall, where you can have a panoramic view of the entire temple. Then we can go down the mountain from the left.

The temple grounds are home to a lush ancient village, dotted with vibrant flowers. Different flowers bloom in different seasons, ensuring a pleasant surprise.

Monks can be seen hurriedly walking along the road, wearing simple blue robes. If you like quiet temples, I recommend visiting Faxi Temple.

In addition to praying to Buddha and sightseeing, the 5-yuan vegetarian meal is also a major feature of Faxi Temple. At mealtime, come to the main dining hall, order a vegetarian meal, and you will be full for 5 yuan, which is a very reasonable price.

When going out, remind everyone not to seek help outside.

Ticket information: 10 yuan per person (must bring cash)

Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 8:30-17:00

Transportation: Take bus No. 103, 121b, 121, 122, or 324 to Shangtianzhu, or take a taxi to Shangtianzhu Faxi Temple.

How to play: Go up the mountain on the right and go down the mountain on the left, which takes about 1 hour. You can go there around dinner time and enjoy the special vegetarian meal.

The 5 yuan vegetarian meal at Tianzhu Zhaitang is the best value in Hangzhou. Even the bowls are so neatly stacked that even someone with obsessive-compulsive disorder would find it impeccable. You won't be disappointed with the taste, and I absolutely give it a 5 out of 5 rating! While there's no air conditioning, it's still a nice place to chill.

Shang Tianzhu is the largest of the Lower Tianzhu, and the only one that requires an entrance fee. As soon as I entered, I lit a stick of incense, then sat in the Buddhist hall with a fan for about 20 minutes. My mind was empty and I felt very quiet.

Shangtianzhu Temple is approximately one kilometer from Zhongtianzhu Temple. Founded during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period (907-960), it was originally named Tianzhu Sutra Reading Academy. It was renamed "Faxi Temple" during the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty. It is the largest of the three Tianzhu temples. It houses the Sutra Repository, Liangfeng Hall, Thousand Buddha Pavilion, Shuiyue Tower, and Huanghua Pavilion, and is renowned both domestically and internationally. Surrounding the temple are scenic spots such as Baiyun Peak, Rudou Peak, Rudou Spring, and Baiyun Spring. Named Faxi Temple, it was first built during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period (Wuyue) and the Warring States Period.

Faxi Temple, also known as Faxi Lecture Temple, is located in the Upper Tianzhu Temple among the Three Tianzhu Temples. Although it was built the latest among the Three Tianzhu Temples, it also has a history of a thousand years.

Faxi Temple is the most famous of the three great temples, attracting visitors year-round. Every time I visit, it's always crowded with pilgrims, and I often hear the monks chanting sutras. Many Buddhists also bow their heads, close their eyes, and clasp their hands together as they chant, creating a truly spectacular scene. (Even more impressively, they once staged an event, perhaps for some reason, where a group of people in robes marched into the temple, chanting Buddhist mantras and forming a battle formation. Of course, I don't see this often.)

You need to buy a ticket to enter, and you will be given three incense sticks after buying the ticket

It's a bit big inside, so it's not easy to walk around it all at once

It is recommended to visit in the morning and have lunch there at noon. The food is delicious and you can add more if you don’t have enough, but don’t waste it. Sometimes there will be Guanyin cakes.

You can visit the three temples in turn. The three temples are not far from each other and you can walk from one temple to another.

Not far from Xixi Wetland and West Lake Scenic Area

Compared to the bustling Lingyin Temple, Shangtianzhu feels more like a place for prayer than just a tourist attraction. Admission to Shangtianzhu costs 10 yuan. Upon entering, a monk hands you three incense sticks. After lighting them, you raise them to your eyebrows, bow to the four directions, and make three bows. I stood there, stunned and bewildered, watching others burn incense, bow, and press their hands together. I felt awkward and didn't dare to follow suit. But then I thought, aren't we praying for our families? Since everyone is so respectful, why should I worry about being laughed at? So, I too raised the incense to my eyebrows, closed my eyes, and bowed three times with all my heart. Then, growing bolder, I knelt and bowed again at each step to a Buddhist temple, until I reached the top, where I could no longer walk and descended the mountain.

I happened to come across monks performing a ritual in the temple, so I curiously stepped inside to take a look. Once the doors were closed, they remained there for an hour and 15 minutes. Dozens of monks lined up in three rows on either side. In the center, a monk in robes performed a ritual. Nearby, a man held a wooden mallet in front of a large drum. Another, holding a microphone in his left hand and a gong hammer in his right, chanted beautiful Buddhist music for an hour and 15 minutes.

Faxi Temple has a history of more than 1,000 years. It was founded during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period and is the birthplace of the White-robed Guanyin in China.



Formerly known as Tianzhu Sutra Reading Institute, it was renamed Faxi during the reign of Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty. It is the largest of the three Tianzhu temples.



If you happen to be there during lunchtime, you can try the vegetarian meal at Faxi Temple, which is full for 5 yuan. Compared with the one at Lingyin Temple, it is more down-to-earth.

Shangtianzhu is a very quiet place, with tea plantations on one side and temples and mountains on the other, mixed with a clear stream. Walking towards the Amanfayun Hotel, you will see dense bamboo forests, which is very artistic. Apart from the high prices, the guest rooms converted from the old houses of the villagers are also unique.

You can buy incense for free at Tianzhu Temple and there are free Buddhist scriptures to take away and spread. The scenery is quiet, there are almost no tourists, and you don’t have to queue up to burn incense.

Upon entering the temple, you're greeted with three sticks of incense, and the sound of Buddhist chanting instantly brings a sense of peace. For a thousand-year-old temple, Faxi Temple is more approachable than you might expect. From the large red lanterns hanging high to the free Buddhist scriptures, it exudes a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

It's worth mentioning that the most authentic and delicious vegetarian meal in Hangzhou is said to be served at Faxi Temple. It's all made with vegetables grown by the monks themselves, and comes with rice and soup for just 5 yuan per person. It's simple, refreshing, and a great way to beat the greasiness.

If you like quietness and vegetarian food, it is right to come to this thousand-year-old temple

The three Tianzhu temples are quite far away, so not many tourists go there, but there are still many locals who go there to burn incense.

Tickets are 10 yuan, vegetarian meals are 5 yuan, payable in cash.

Vegetarian restaurant opening hours: 10:00 to 12:30; 4:00 to 5:30

Faxi is a very large temple with a lot of worshippers.

The words on the Buddha wall touched me deeply:

Life is a drama, don’t try to be stubborn about right and wrong.

In an instant, the sound of gongs and drums sounded, and I didn’t know where my hometown was.

I prayed for the blessings of peace and joy for my father, hoping that he would be safe and healthy.

Opening hours: 07:30~17:00, ￥10

Since the Southern Song Dynasty, Shangtianzhu Faxi Temple has been Hangzhou's most popular Guanyin temple. It's a place where Hangzhou locals regularly burn incense. On the day we visited, a ritual was underway in the main hall, and the monks' chanting could be heard from afar. It was a truly moving moment... Inside the Ksitigarbha Hall of Faxi Temple is the memorial tablet of Leslie Cheung. Every year on April 1st and September 12th, fans from all over the country come to visit him. Flowers and fruit are placed before the tablet, including his beloved lilies and mangoes and papayas. Two days ago, April 1st, many fans were mesmerized again...

Faxi Temple is the most popular temple in Santianzhu. Strings of small red lanterns hang everywhere in the temple, with messages like "Peace and Prosperity for the Country and the People" and "Everything Goes Well" written on them...

Compared with the bustling incense at Lingyin Temple, there are very few people visiting Shangtianzhu in the early morning. After entering the temple and reaching the highest point, you will be surrounded by green mountains, birds singing and flowers blooming, and a thin mist filling the mountains. You can vaguely see the mountains in the distance. Big red lanterns are hung high on the big trees in the temple, and they are covered with Zen-like words.



Address: No. 239 Tianzhu Road

Transportation: Take Bus No. 103, get off at "Shangtianzhu", and walk about 1.2 kilometers

Recommended play time: about 2 hours

Tips: Tickets are 10 yuan

Among the temples in Hangzhou, Lingyin Temple is the most famous, but I prefer Shangtianzhu (Faxi Temple).

The ticket price for Faxi Temple is 10 yuan. The ticket office is on the right side of the ticket gate. The dining hall is on the right side of the temple. There are many red lanterns hanging on the trees in the temple. The yellow temple and the red lanterns are particularly bright and beautiful against the backdrop of white snow.

If you arrive early, it is recommended to walk around the Zen temple first, go up the mountain to pray, and then come down to eat vegetarian food. To eat vegetarian food, you need to buy a meal ticket (5 yuan/ticket) first and must arrive before 12:30, otherwise it will be closed.

In fact, vegetarian dishes are very simple, just a bowl of vegetables and a serving of rice. The vegetables are just the most common cabbage, tofu and gluten. Maybe because I was hungry, I found them very delicious and finished them all quickly.

The tall wooden windows of the closed dining hall were covered with a layer of mist, but it could not block out the red, yellow and green colors outside.

Per person: 10 yuan for admission, 5 yuan for vegetarian meal (arrive before 12:30)

It's worth a visit. I like the temple very much. The vegetarian food is cheap!

Living in Hangzhou, it's a wonderful pleasure to visit a temple on your free day and smell the incense. There's no need to travel all the way from other places. The names of the Three Tianzhu Temples evoke a sense of reverie. They're perfect for Buddhists, but also for those without religious beliefs who simply want to soak up the Buddhist atmosphere.

The incense of Faxi Temple is still very prosperous, and there are many local elderly people. The vegetarian food at noon is 5 yuan per portion and tastes good. If you are not satisfied, you can add more. If you come to Lingyin area, you can come here to have lunch.

It's often said that Lingyin Temple resembles a scenic spot, while Faxi Temple is more like a Zen monastery. I couldn't agree more. Faxi Temple is the largest of the three Tianzhu Temples and a truly iconic one. We approached it from the back of the mountain, a winding path with occasional encounters with snakes and insects, a truly fascinating experience. We had a delicious vegetarian lunch at the temple, which was truly memorable.

Tianzhu Mountain in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, boasts three renowned temples, known as the "Three Tianzhu Temples" (commonly referred to as Upper Tianzhu Temple, Middle Tianzhu Temple, and Lower Tianzhu Temple). These temples are renowned ancient monasteries in Hangzhou. Lower Tianzhu Temple, founded the earliest, dates back over 1,660 years, while Upper Tianzhu Temple, the latest, also boasts a thousand-year history. Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty named the three temples "Faxi Temple," "Fajing Temple," and "Fajing Temple," personally inscribing their plaques. The three temples share a similar history, proximity, and shared teachings, resulting in their shared rise and fall, earning them the nickname "The Buddhist Kingdom of Tianzhu."

Passing by Faxi Temple during the hike

There is a tablet dedicated to Mr. Leslie Cheung in the temple, and there are more pilgrims than tourists.

Located in Shangtianzhu, this is a local Guanyin temple. It is said to be a relatively effective place, with more incense than Zhongtianzhu and Xiatianzhu. The environment here is very quiet and comfortable, and I saw several very happy cats.

My girlfriend and I went there once. Although it is a little out of the way, this temple is very good. I happened to catch the abbot and the monks in the temple giving a lecture. I felt the joy of the lecture. The name of the temple is also very special.

Overall: Recommended! There were very few people there when I went. Very quiet. Loved it.

Views: It's so beautiful! It's a Feng Shui treasure land after all~ There are Zen sounds inside. It makes people feel very peaceful. Of course, after listening to it for an hour, you will feel very annoyed because it's all a female voice and the same tune. But if you use it as background music, it won't be so painful. It's quite comfortable. Surrounded by vegetation. The temple is not too popular. After all, not many people know about it. This is quite good. It is 1000 times better than Lingyin Temple. Hahaha. At least I personally recommend it very much. The entrance fee is 10 yuan. It's just a token of my appreciation. But it's definitely worth a visit. There will be three sticks of incense.

Local: Most people who go there are locals. Remember to avoid so-called festivals or something like that. Otherwise, it will be crowded.

Services: Take bus No. 7 to Lingyin Temple and get off. Don't go inside, but walk straight up the mountain. There's a gate with three Tianzhu characters. Then keep walking. Keep walking. It's all along Meiling North Road until you reach the end. Don't be put off by the distance. It's truly worth it! The scenery along the way is stunning!

The incense is also prosperous, the buildings are also magnificent, and the red lanterns are in strings. It's great! My heart is also comfortable and peaceful!

I went to Faxi Temple once a few years ago. I heard that Hangzhou locals would go to Faxi Temple, while outsiders only knew about Lingyin Temple. However, when I went there, Faxi Temple was still very popular and there were quite a lot of people going there. I have the impression that it was higher up and a little further than Lingyin Temple. Sincere sincerity will bring you success~

This place is a place where sincere prayers will be answered, so the incense is always popular.

The building's exterior is yellow. Vegetarian food is available in the temple, but you need to pay for it.

The vegetarian food at Faxi Temple is very famous. You can eat a full meal for only five yuan. However, the vegetarian food is only served from 10 am to 12 pm. If you miss it, it will be gone.