Poets Treading Snow, Monks Chanting Sutras—Lingyin
The Zen charm of Lingyin Temple is not just the Buddhist melodies resonating within the temple; its preciousness also lies in the classical Zen beauty scattered across all the nearby mountains and roads. Lingyin Road, nestled among the mountains and forests, is lined with towering pine trees covered in thick snow. This ambiance is difficult to describe in words; it is a kind of beauty that surrounds you and fills your heart with joy.
Delving into the Grandeur—Beigao Peak
Beigao Peak is located behind Lingyin Temple, with hundreds of stone steps and thirty-six winding turns. At the top, there is the Huaguang Temple, dedicated to the Five Saints. The county town lies between rivers and lakes, winding and twisting, flanked by buildings and lush bamboo and trees. The scenery is vibrant and verdant, with a sense of grandeur. At the foot of the mountain, there is the pagoda of Chan Master Wuzhuo. The master's name was Wenxi, a person from the Tang Suzong era, and his bones were buried here. Han Tuozhou chose this place for his burial site, opened the pagoda, and found a ceramic coffin. The master's appearance was lifelike, with hair draping to his shoulders, fingers curled around his body, and hundreds of relics that remained intact for three days before being cremated.
Red Walls Reflecting Candles, Blue Smoke Around the Beams - Fajing Temple (Lower Tianzhu)
The fairy palace and Buddhist temple are filled with golden and green hues, the sound of flutes and drums can be heard throughout the seasons. Traverse through the serene forest, calm your mind in the thousand-year-old temple by copying a scripture to cleanse your soul. Watch the snow dance between the temple courtyards, forget the troubles of the mundane world. As a place where locals frequently come to worship, Fajing Temple exudes a more rustic charm.
You Can't Go Wrong with Starbucks
If you're worried about encountering bad coffee and think Starbucks is the safest choice, then you don't need to worry at all when you come to Lingyin. There are two Starbucks stores facing each other across the street from Lingyin. It feels like only Starbucks could pull off such an operation!
The Zen Charm of Tea and the Exquisite Taste of Coffee—Yu Dian
Nestled at the foot of Lingyin Mountain, there is a classical pedestrian street that is not too long. On both sides are shops selling handicrafts. Unlike other commercial areas, the wooden buildings here exude an antique charm. Some of the crafts are handmade by artisans themselves. Every scenic spot in Hangzhou has its own commercial street, but this one is unique in that it doesn't feel off-putting. Most of the shops offer a true visual art experience. Yu Dian is located in the middle of this street. It appears to be a small coffee shop from the outside, but it holds many surprises inside. The decor reflects the elegant taste of the female owner. Further inside, there is a large area dedicated to a tea room for tea tasting. Additionally, there are now two unique guest rooms available. Visitors who match the refined atmosphere of Yu Dian can stay here for a couple of days during snowy weather, enjoying tea and the snow in perfect harmony.
Experience the Gentle Warmth of the South - Yishi Teahouse
If Dian (a form of Chinese art) represents a comprehensive aesthetic, then Yishi Teahouse has perfected the classical beauty of China. Stripping away the ostentatious Chinese elements, the interior is simple and rustic, with every arrangement exuding elegance. There are no overly bright, glaring lights; the entirely wooden structure of the building naturally brings a sense of tranquility. The small and exquisite tea sets, along with tea masters dressed in traditional attire, make brewing tea and watching the snow here one of the most beautiful experiences in life.
Tranquil Star-rated Experience in the Mountains - Mii Inn Hotel (Hangzhou Zen Heyuan Branch)
This is the only star-rated hotel in Bailiao Bridge. If you prefer a more standardized hotel compared to a homestay, Bailiao Bridge can fully meet your needs. Mii Inn's design features a Jiangnan Zen theme, which is very stylish. The rooms on the first floor have floor-to-ceiling windows, and there are several well-designed pools in the courtyard, creating a poetic ambiance. The floor-to-ceiling windows allow you to lie in bed and watch the snow falling in the courtyard, making it the best choice for snow viewing!
Art Stay at Lingyin - Malt Yard
Unlike Miyi, the overall style of Malt Yard exudes European artistic vibes. There is a café on the first floor, and many of the decorative paintings, utensils, and even tissues here are imported. The first floor is also equipped with a bar that offers coffee and cocktails. Due to its design aesthetics, this place is very popular for online photo shoots. The superb design paired with a snowy world creates another kind of beauty. No matter the season, it would be a pity not to stay at Malt Yard when visiting Lingyin. And if you're lucky, you might even spot celebrities taking photos here!
