Yaowang Temple, Hangzhou
Yaowang Temple is a small historic temple linked to traditional Chinese medicine. It is dedicated to the Medicine King, a title often connected to Sun Simiao, a Tang dynasty doctor who lived from 581 to 682 AD. He was known for his medical writings and ethical ideas, and people came here to pray for health and recovery.
The site has a layered history. It was first built during the Song dynasty to honor Zhang Sen, a local figure known for clearing markets of poisonous plants and scorpions. Later, the temple was linked to Sun Simiao and became associated with medicine and healing. The buildings seen today come from later periods, with a major restoration completed in 1997.
The temple is quiet and easy to walk through, with small courtyards, stone paths, and wooden halls with tiled roofs. Inside are statues and carvings of medical figures such as Sun Simiao, Bian Que, and the mythical Shennong. Today, locals come to light incense, while visitors can learn how medicine and belief were part of everyday life.
The site has a layered history. It was first built during the Song dynasty to honor Zhang Sen, a local figure known for clearing markets of poisonous plants and scorpions. Later, the temple was linked to Sun Simiao and became associated with medicine and healing. The buildings seen today come from later periods, with a major restoration completed in 1997.
The temple is quiet and easy to walk through, with small courtyards, stone paths, and wooden halls with tiled roofs. Inside are statues and carvings of medical figures such as Sun Simiao, Bian Que, and the mythical Shennong. Today, locals come to light incense, while visitors can learn how medicine and belief were part of everyday life.
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Yaowang Temple on Map
Sight Name: Yaowang Temple
Sight Location: Hangzhou, China (See walking tours in Hangzhou)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Hangzhou, China (See walking tours in Hangzhou)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Hangzhou, China
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Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 6.8 Km or 4.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 6.8 Km or 4.2 Miles
West Lake Tour
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.2 Km or 2.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.2 Km or 2.6 Miles