Lingyin TempleLingyin Temple
🏛️ What It Is
Lingyin Temple is Hangzhou’s most famous ancient Buddhist temple, dating back nearly 1,700 years to 326 AD. The temple is nestled among the lush forests of Feilai Peak. Inside the Great Hall of the Buddha stands a 24.8-meter-tall wooden seated statue of Shakyamuni.Note: You’ll need to purchase two tickets: an admission ticket for the Feilai Peak Scenic Area (45 yuan) + an offering ticket for Lingyin Temple (30 yuan).
✨ Why Visit
The serenity and solemnity of Lingyin Temple set it apart from other Chinese temples, which are heavily commercialized. The “Eighteen Seeds” prayer beads (38 yuan) are sold exclusively at the temple’s religious goods shop—the stalls outside the entrance all sell counterfeits.
Tips for Visitors
Buy the 18-bead prayer beads only inside the temple
The stalls outside the entrance all sell counterfeits. Genuine bracelets cost 38 yuan each and are sold exclusively at the temple’s religious goods shop.
Vegetarian noodles are available at Shifangyuan
The longsheng vegetarian noodles (20 yuan per bowl) at Shifang Yuan next to Lingyin Temple are simple but heartwarming.
Common Mistakes
❌ I bought a fake “Eighteen Seeds” bracelet at the entrance.
I bought a bracelet from a street vendor outside the temple.
Consequence: Paid a high price for a fake item. The genuine article is sold only inside the temple.
Ticket Information
- Price
- Feilai Peak: 45 yuan + Lingyin Temple: 30 yuan
- Foreign Visitor Price
- Same price
- Student Discount
- ✅ Yes
- Booking
- ⚠️ Must Book Ahead
- Book in Advance
- Book 1 days in advance
Location
No. 1 Fayun Lane, Xihu District, Hangzhou
Opening hours
Open 7:00–18:00, daily
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings. Must book online in advance — no walk-in ticket sales. Incense vouchers are free on the 1st and 15th of each lunar month.