Introducing Lingyin Temple
Lingyin Temple, also known as Yunlin Temple, is located in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. It is nestled against Beigao Peak and faces Feilai Peak. Construction began in the first year of the Xianhe reign of the Eastern Jin Dynasty (326 AD). The temple's founder was Huili, a monk from Western India. Emperor Wu of the Liang Dynasty granted land and expanded the temple. During the Five Dynasties, King Qian Liu of Wuyue commissioned Master Yongming Yanshou to rebuild and expand the temple, bestowing the name Lingyin New Temple upon him.
During the Jiading reign of Emperor Ningzong of the Song Dynasty, Lingyin Temple was hailed as one of the "Five Mountains" of Zen Buddhism in Jiangnan. During the Shunzhi reign of the Qing Dynasty, the Zen master, Master Jude, became abbot of Lingyin and raised funds for its reconstruction. Construction of the halls alone took eighteen years, and its grandeur made it the "largest temple in the southeast." In the 28th year of the Kangxi reign of the Qing Dynasty (1689), Emperor Kangxi bestowed the name "Yunlin Zen Temple" on the temple during his southern tour.
Climate and best time to travel
Suitable for all seasons
Recommended number of days and locations for visiting
Recommended play time: 2-3 hours
Tickets
Feilai Peak: 45.00 yuan, Lingyin Temple: 30.00 yuan. (You must purchase a Feilai Peak scenic area ticket before entering Lingyin Temple. Entry to Feilai Peak scenic area before 05:30 in the morning is free.)
Attraction opening hours
07:00~18:15 Ticket sales stop at 17:30 Ticket checking stop at 17:45
Open 30 minutes earlier on Buddha's birthday, new moons and full moons, and national holidays
Most Popular FAQs for Lingyin Temple
What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?
Lingyin Temple, meaning “Temple of the Soul’s Retreat,” is one of China’s oldest and most famous Buddhist temples, founded in 328 AD during the Eastern Jin Dynasty. It has been a major center of Chan (Zen) Buddhism for centuries, housing ancient statues, scriptures, and cultural relics. The temple has been rebuilt many times and remains an active monastery attracting pilgrims and visitors worldwide.
Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?
- Location: Lingyin Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province.
- By bus: Take Bus 7, 807, or Y2 to Lingyin Station.
- By taxi: About 20 minutes from West Lake or downtown Hangzhou.
- By walking: It’s a scenic walk of about 3 km from West Lake’s northwestern side.
What are the opening hours and best times to visit?
- Opening hours: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM (daily).
- Best time: Early morning for a peaceful atmosphere or spring/autumn for pleasant weather.
What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?
- Feilai Peak area: Around ¥45.
- Lingyin Temple admission: ¥30 (separate ticket required).
- Tickets can be purchased on-site or through official travel apps such as Alipay or Ctrip.
Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?
Advance booking is not required. Tickets are easily available at the entrance or through online platforms on the same day.
How much time is needed to fully explore it?
Plan 2 to 3 hours to explore both Lingyin Temple and Feilai Peak comfortably.
What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?
- Hall of the Heavenly Kings (Tianwang Hall).
- Great Hall of the Great Hero (Daxiong Baodian) with the grand Buddha statue.
- Feilai Peak grotto carvings.
- Hall of the Medicine Buddha and Avatamsaka Hall.
- Monastic courtyard and incense-burning area.
Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?
Audio guides are available in Chinese and English. Some English-speaking guides can be hired at the entrance or through tour agencies.
What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?
- The front of the Great Hall for grand architecture shots.
- Feilai Peak grottoes for ancient stone carvings.
- Viewpoints on the nearby hill overlooking the temple and West Lake forested area.
What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?
- Start at the Feilai Peak grotto area.
- Proceed to the main Lingyin Temple entrance.
- Visit halls in ascending order: Heavenly Kings Hall → Great Hero Hall → Medicine Buddha Hall.
- End with a short walk through the forest path and exit near the souvenir shops.
Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?
No night tours or light shows are available; the temple closes before sunset.
Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?
- It can be crowded on weekends and Chinese holidays.
- Visit early in the morning or on weekdays for fewer crowds.
What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?
- Restrooms and drinking water stations inside the complex.
- Tea house and vegetarian restaurant within the grounds.
- Souvenir and incense shops near the exit.
Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?
Yes, main paths are paved and accessible. Some hillside areas may require moderate walking or steps.
Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?
Mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay) and cards are widely accepted; cash is optional.
What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?
- Lingyin Temple Vegetarian Restaurant (inside the temple).
- Longjing Tea Village cafes nearby.
- Local eateries on Lingyin Road serving Hangzhou cuisine.
Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?
Yes, the temple’s vegetarian restaurant offers vegan and Buddhist-style meals; halal food options can be found in downtown Hangzhou.
What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?
- Tea Boutique Hotel West Lake.
- West Lake State Guesthouse.
- Lingyin Temple Hostel (budget option).
What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?
- West Lake Scenic Area.
- Longjing Tea Plantation.
- Yue Fei Temple and Tomb.
- Hangzhou Botanical Garden.
Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?
- Incense, prayer beads, Buddhist statues, and local teas.
- Souvenir shops near the entrance and exit areas.
What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?
- Bus or taxi to West Lake (10–15 minutes).
- Direct bus or Didi to Hangzhou East Railway Station for onward travel.
- Bike rental for a scenic ride toward Longjing Tea Village.
