Lingyin Temple, Hangzhou

Lingyin Temple is a prominent attraction in the West Lake area and holds distinction as one of China's ten most renowned Buddhist temples. It attained provincial historical and cultural protection in 1961 and remains a focal point for research into Chinese Buddhist culture.

The temple's origins trace back to the Eastern Jin Dynasty (317 - 420 AD). According to local legend, an Indian monk named Huili was captivated by the spiritual essence of the surroundings and christened the temple "Temple of the Soul's Retreat." Its Chinese name translates to either "Temple of the Soul's Retreat" or "Temple of Inspired Seclusion," reflecting the serene and majestic ambiance conducive to peace and contemplation.

During the Five Dynasties (907-960 AD), Lingyin Temple thrived with royal support, expanding to nine buildings, eighteen pavilions, and seventy-seven halls, housing about three thousand monks. Despite wars and suppression, the temple endured, undergoing various changes. Renovations in 1974 restored the main structure after the Cultural Revolution.

In Lingyin Temple's main hall, an inscription by Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty names it the "Cloud Forest Buddhist Temple." The Hall of the Heavenly Kings impresses with its grandeur, featuring double eaves and a ceiling adorned with phoenixes and dragons. Further inside is the Da Xiong Bao Dian, housing a monumental statue of Sakyamuni surrounded by saints and disciples.

Lingyin Temple is a treasure trove of Buddhist texts and artifacts, spanning dynasties and showcasing China's cultural heritage. After your visit, enjoy traditional Chinese vegetarian cuisine at Lingyin Vegetarian Restaurant, praised for its divine dishes in a serene setting.