The Lingyin Temple 灵隐寺

Travel photos of the Lingyin Temple

Presentation of the Lingyin Temple

Located west of Xi Lake in Hangzhou, Lingyin Temple is one of the 10 most famous Buddhist monasteries in China. It is also one of the largest and its enclosure includes many pagoda and Buddhist caves.The Monastery was founded in 326 AD by a monk from India, Hui Li. In the Southern Song Dynasty, the monastery is considered one of the most important. The current temple was rebuilt in the 19th century during the Qing Dynasty.

What to visit at Lingyin Temple?

Buddhist caves

Before arriving at the Temple itself, you will be led through a Buddhist cave and along a small cliff on which stands many Buddhist statues

The hall of heavenly kings

It is the official entrance of the Temple, 20 meters long and 15 meters wide. There is a statue of Buddha Maitreya.

The room of Buddha Bhaisajyaguru (Buddha medicine)

Rebuilt in 1993 and located behind the Great Hall, there is the statue of the medical Buddha with 2 Bodhisattvas on each side (Suryaprabha and Candraprabha).

The Great Hall (Hall of the Great Wise Men)

This is the main room of the Temple where the statue of Buddha Sakyamuni (the one who teaches the foundations of Buddhism) is displayed.

The 500 Arhats Hall

Built in the late 1990s, it is the largest Arhats hall in China. There are 500 statues of bronzes of Arhats (an Arhat is the one who has reached the last level of wisdom).