Hangzhou, with a strong Buddhism atmosphere and a reputation as “Southeast Buddhism Center” has many famous temples with pious pilgrims, including the famous Lingyin Temple, where “the Living Buddha, Jigong” became a monk, Jingci Temple that is home to one of the Top Ten Views of West Lake – “Evening Bell Ringing at Nanping Hill”, Faxi Temple that is known for its internet-famous amulet …
In “On My Modest Room”, there is a sentence saying “Any mountain can be famous with the presence of an immortal regardless of its altitude”. Besides those famous temples, in Hangzhou city there is hidden another age-old and little-known ancient temple.
Today, let’s explore this ancient temple with undiscovered treasures– Fahua Temple (法华寺). Choose a sunny day coming here to find a pure land on earth!
The Past and Present of Fahua Temple
There is a mountain in Hangzhou called the Northern Peak (北高峰). At the southern foot of the mountain lie the famous Lingyin Temple and Tianzhu Three Temples, and at the northern foot, Fahua Temple.
Fahua Temple was originally built in the Eastern Jin Dynasty and now has a history of over 1,700 years. It is one of the earliest temples in Hangzhou. During the Song Dynasty, it was bestowed the name “Longgui (The Return of the Dragon) Temple” by Emperor Gaozong of the Song. It was the largest Buddhist site in Xixi during the Wanli years of the Ming Dynasty (1573-1620).
In 1958, it unfortunately collapsed and was reconstructed using raised money in 1999. The reconstruction was completed in 2003.
The Panorama of Fahua Temple
The current Fahua Temple covers an area of 100 mu (1 mu is roughly equal to 666 square meters) and consists of the entrance, Hall of Heavenly Kings, the Great Buddha’s Hall, Fatang Hall, Depository of Buddhist Sutras, Zushi Hall, Bell Tower, Drum Tower, etc. Amid verdant mountains and flowing water, a solemn and antique Buddhist temple stands with doors open, inviting tourists and pilgrims to come.
Zhaobi (literal meaning: a screen wall facing the gate of a house; simplified Chinese: 照壁) in front of the temple reads “Ju Zhu Jing Yan (literal meaning: be perfect with zero defect, observing precepts and be pious; simplified Chinese: 具足精严)”. It shows the strictness of Buddhism practice and the detached and indifferent state of a solitary life.
On the left side of Zhaobi is the spiritual pagoda of Zhao Puchu (赵朴初), a lay Buddhist. He was the former vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and president of the National Buddhist Association, and an outstanding Buddhist leader and patriot. It was with his support that Fahua Temple was able to be reconstructed.
The gate of Fahua Temple isn’t big. The black gilt plaque gives people a solemn impression. Two stone lion statues sitting on both sides to guard the thousand-year-old temple.
Fahua Temple may not be as popular as Lingyin Temple and Tianzhu Three Temples, but the low-key and tranquil Fahua Temple is a great choice for burning incense and worshiping Buddha, taking photos, touring, etc.
The structure of Fahua Temple is progressive as a whole. At the first row, it’s the Hall of Heavenly Kings, which enshrines and worships the four Heavenly Kings. The ribbons fluttering at the door carry people’s good wishes, either for good health or family safety.
On both sides of the Hall of Heavenly Kings are Bell Tower and Drum Tower. Monks arrange their daily life according to the bell ring in the morning and drum sound in the afternoon and practice Buddhism between sunrise and sunset.
The reconstructed Fahua Temple is mainly of Ming Dynasty style with red window frames, yellow walls, bluestone paths, and black tiles. It is of a strong Buddhism atmosphere. Wearing Qipao or Hanfu Clothing, you can get good retro-style photos even if you are not a professional.
Ascending along the steps behind Hall of Heavenly Kings, you will see the Great Buddha’s Hall, which enshrines and worships Sakyamuni, the founder of Buddhism. If you have trouble in determining where to pray, it is the right place to do so.
Fatang (法堂) is right behind the Great Buddha’s Hall. It is a place for monks to study the Dharma. It is no visitors allowed. If you come early in the morning, you may hear monks chanting Buddhism scripture.
Internet-Famous Amulet and Pilgrim Path
In the Faxi Temple, which has gained popularity in recent two years, the internet-famous amulets will definitely take the central stage. In fact, these cute amulets are also available in Fahua Temple.
They are cute as always. The delightful auspicious words and fragrance make people fondle them admirably and can’t help but want to take all of them home.
I believe that a lot of people have tried ascending the Northern Peak from Lingyin Temple, but have you tried it from Fahua Temple?
There is an ancient pilgrim path at the back of Fahua Temple. It has been there for over a thousand years. It winds its way through verdant trees up the mountain.
Step by step, you can climb up the steps and ascend the mountaintop where you can have a panoramic view of the entire Hangzhou city. The scenery is superior!
Also, on the mountaintop, there is the Lingshun Temple (灵顺寺), which is reputed to be the No. 1 Caisheng (the God of Wealth) Temple. You can pray and ring the bell here.
If you are tired on your way back, you can take the cableway directly down to the mountain foot and enjoy the scenery of the Northern Peak along the way. The day is then ended happily.
Address: Laodongyue Village, Xima Road, Xixi Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou (杭州市西湖区西溪路西马路老东岳村)
Opening hours: 8:00-17:00
Admission Fee: Free
Bus Route: take No. 179 bus and get off at the bus stop of Laodongyue (simplified Chinese: 老东岳; pinyin: lao dong yue)
Note: Hangzhou Green Health Code Needed.