Yongfu Zen Temple: Lingyin Temple's low-key neighbor, unique garden style
Yongfu Temple, a tranquil Zen temple, is located just a few hundred meters up from Lingyin Temple, but few tourists know about it. As the poem says, "Roaming through the empty mountains, seeking the traces of Zen, only to see the moonlight playing with clear springs."
Faxi Temple: Probably the most beloved temple for locals in Hangzhou
Faxi Temple, located by West Lake, can almost be said to be one of the favorite temples for local people in Hangzhou. Originally inconspicuous in the eyes of tourists, in recent years, it has gradually become popular as a fantastic scenic spot. Built in 939 AD and flourishing during the Tang and Song dynasties, Faxi Temple has always been loved and respected by emperors and especially Emperor Kangxi, who visited it five times during his tours in Jiangnan and left many inscriptions here. At that time, there was a saying: "The best Buddhist temples in the southeast are in Qiantang; among the Qiantang Buddhist temples, Tianzhu Temple is the best; there are three Tianzhu, and the upper Tianzhu is the best."
Jingshan Temple: An exemplary manifestation of Song Dynasty's minimalist aesthetics, the precursor of Japanese temples
Jingshan Town, located in the northwest of Yuhang District, Hangzhou, is home to Jingshan Temple. Jingshan Temple, an ancient temple hidden in the deep mountains and bamboo forests, was built in the Tang Dynasty over 1,200 years ago. At its peak during the Southern Song Dynasty, the temple had nearly 2,000 monks. However, due to the changes of dynasties and constant warfare, the buildings suffered damage and neglect. Only remnants of the ancient bell and Buddha statues remain today.
Jingci Temple: Excellent view with West Lake on the left and Leifeng Pagoda on the right
Jingci Temple is located on the south bank of West Lake, nestled at the foot of Nanping Mountain, facing the Leifeng Pagoda from a distance. You may have heard of the famous summer verses by Yang Wanli: "Endless green lotus leaves under the sky, reflecting the red sun and lotus flowers on another day." The poem is titled "Dawn Farewell to Lin Zifang at Jingci Temple," and the Jingci Temple mentioned in the poem is here.
Futu Temple: A hidden Zen retreat nestled in the deep mountains on the outskirts
Futo Temple, located in Baizhang Town, Yuhang District, has a picturesque landscape surrounded by mountains and bamboo forests. It was built in 912 AD during the Liang Dynasty and has a history of destruction and reconstruction. The only remaining ancient relic is the Great Hero Hall inside the temple.
Huiyin Goryeo Temple: A small and exquisite Buddhist temple hiding world's smallest size
The Huinyin Gaoli Temple is located in the Santai Mountain Scenic Area in Hangzhou, about one kilometer away from the Sudi. It was built during the reign of the Wu Yue King in the Later Tang Dynasty. The name "Gaoli" is related to the visit of a Korean prince seeking enlightenment here. The overall area of the temple is not large, but it appears delicate and exquisite. Inside the Huinyin Gaoli Temple, there is a world's tallest Nanmu wooden pagoda, filled with scriptures. The base of the pagoda is equipped with a handle that can be pushed to rotate the main wheel in the center, which is a way of comprehending Buddhist teachings.
