Lingyin Temple in Hangzhou | A millennium-old temple in the south of the Yangtze River known for its highly efficacious blessings

🌟 When it comes to temples in Hangzhou, Lingyin Temple is often the first that comes to mind for many. With a history spanning a thousand years and a reputation for highly efficacious blessings, perhaps this is why Lingyin Temple is always bustling with activity. ⛰️ Lingyin Temple is located at the foot of Lingyin Mountain, nestled between Feilai Peak and North Peak. It was founded in the Eastern Jin Dynasty in the year 326, which means it is just 3 years shy of its 1700th anniversary. According to legend, an Indian monk named Huili came here and felt that Feilai Peak was a place 'where the spirits hide', hence he built a temple on the mountain and named it 'Lingyin'. 🙏🏻 Praying at Lingyin Temple for career success, marriage, and health is said to be very effective. The main halls of the temple, from top to bottom, from outside to inside, are as follows: the Hall of Heavenly Kings that worships Maitreya, the Mahavira Hall that worships Shakyamuni, the Medicine Buddha Hall, the Straightforward Pavilion (Sutra Storage Tower) for storing scriptures, and the Huayan Hall that worships the Three Saints. (You can worship at the corresponding hall according to your wishes) ☘️ In spring, Lingyin Temple is filled with the vitality of greenery. The higher you climb, the more you can look back down the mountain to see the distant undulating scenery and the quaint ancient buildings. The breeze carries the sound of the Buddha, and the rustling of leaves breaks the momentary silence within the temple. ✨ A while ago, the eighteen-seed Buddhist prayer bead bracelets from Lingyin Temple were extremely popular. They symbolize the Eighteen Arhats and serve as amulets. The style of the prayer beads has now reached the third generation, and there is no longer a purchase limit; they can be bought in many places within the temple. ('Eighteen seeds' are made by stringing together various plant seeds or types of crystals to form the bead bracelet) 📝 Notes: ► Bringing your own incense is not allowed ► Do not wear revealing clothing ► Do not step on the temple threshold 🍜 You can eat vegetarian noodles at the temple entrance, and there are also vegetarian dishes to choose from 🗿 With the purchase of a ticket, you receive three sticks of incense; it is recommended to offer incense at the entrance of the Mahavira Hall and pray in all four directions (the incense given cannot be used to make personal wishes) 🔺 This time, I joined a 2-hour in-depth tour group for Lingyin Temple. From Feilai Peak to Lingyin Temple, from the stone Buddha statues to devout prayers, it was a great new experience in Buddhist studies, no longer just a brief and superficial visit. 🌿 Nearby attractions: Feilai Peak, Yongfu Temple, Fajing Temple, and Fajing Zen Temple; 📍 Address: No.1 Fayun Alley, Lingyin Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 🚇 Transportation: Bus routes 1314, 79, etc. ⏱️ Opening hours: 6:30-17:30 💰 Admission: Feilai Peak 45 yuan, Lingyin Temple 30 yuan