Whenever Chinese New Year comes, many people in Hangzhou will go to temples to pray for good luck and a safe, healthy and prosperous new year…Thus it is obvious that the act of praying has carried within it people’s wishes and expectations for a better life. Now we've collected top temples to go in Hangzhou during the Spring Festival for your information.
Lingyin Temple 灵隐寺
With a history of over 1,000 years, Lingyin Temple, a renowned ancient temple in Hangzhou, has a tranquil environment. It receives endless offerings and worshippers, especially on the first day of Chinese New Year.
In the temple, the chanting of the monks, the rustling sound of leaves gently caressed by breezes, the gurgling sound of clear mountain springs have together created a Zen zone that people aspire to.
Get seated or kneel on a cushion to listen to the monks’ chanting. Everything seems to calm down here…
Jingci Temple 净慈寺
Jingci Temple, standing on the south bank of West Lake, opposite Leifeng Pagoda, is one of the four ancient temples in the West Lake and a famous temple in China.
“Evening Bell Ringing at Nanping Hill” is a highlight of the temple. At dusk, the melodious sound of temple bells reverberates on the West Lake shrouded in twilight. Most of the legends about Monk Jigong are related to the temple. After he became a monk in Lingyin Temple, Monk Jigong moved to Jingci Temple and passed away here.
Lingshun Temple 灵顺寺
Lingshun Temple on the top of the North Summit is known as “China’s No. 1 Temple of the God of Wealth” and one of the oldest temples in Hangzhou. It was built in Xianhe period of the Eastern Jin Dynasty and has a history of more than 1,600 years.
Nowadays, the temple is a popular destination for local people and visitors to Hangzhou to pray for good luck or enjoy an outing. It is more than 300 meters above sea level and there is a ropeway up to the top of the North Summit, but most people still choose to walk up the mountain on foot.
Yongfu Zen Temple 永福禅寺
Reputed as the most beautiful temple in Hangzhou, Yongfu Zen Temple features the architectural style of Jiangnan gardens. With courtyards as the main body, it perfectly combines Buddhist culture with natural ecology. The courtyards wrapped in mist are partially visible among woods and the Buddha statues in the halls look solemn and sacred.
To welcome the Chinese New Year, the coffee cups in Cibei Café inside the temple have been dressed up festively. If you are a coffee lover, you should try the Zen-inspired "Cibei" coffee here.
Taoguang Temple 韬光寺
In ancient times, Taoguang Temple was the best place on Lingyin Mountain to see Qiantang River flow into the East China Sea and it was known as the most blessed place in Qiantang, now Hangzhou.
From the temple, travelers can overlook the entire West Lake. But the temple itself is not visible from any spot in downtown Hangzhou. The temple has a peaceful and tranquil environment. As visitors walk up, they will see the Mahavira Hall, the Mani Hall and Fa’an Hall, etc.
Faxi Temple 法喜寺
Faxi Temple, also known as the Upper Tianzu Temple, is situated to the south of Lingyin Temple. Built in the Five Dynasties, it has a history of more than one thousand years. It is the largest of the three Tianzu Temples and the origin of Chinese White-Robed Guanyin. Its name was changed to Faxi during the reign of Emperor Qianlong and is still in use today.
The main buildings of the temple include the Hall of Heavenly King, Yuantong Hall, the Mahavira Hall, the dining room, the guestrooms and the main gate. And the 500 Lohan sculptures in the Mahamudra Hall have blended the artistic styles of different Lohan statues in temples throughout China.
Xiangji Temple 香积寺
Unlike other temples nestling on mountains, Xiangji Temple is very special. It is in a bustling location, with the secular life as its neighbor. In front of the temple, residents living nearby are often seen to set up a small table and play cards all afternoon and children also play under the big trees.
Wanshou Temple 万寿寺
With a history of over 1,200 years, Wanshou Temple on Jingshan Mountain was erected in Tianbao period of Tang Dynasty and has the reputation of being the No. 1 Zen temple among five in Jiangnan.
After going through the rise and fall of many dynasties and wars, the temple was severely damaged. Therefore it was rebuilt. The reconstructed Jingshan Temple reflects the simple and plain aesthetics of Song Dynasty everywhere and the wisdom of artisans.
Fahua Temple 法华寺
Fahua Temple stands in flat land in the northwest of North Summit and faces Lingyin Temple in the southeast. With a history of over 1,700, the current temple was restored in 2003.
After restoration, the temple looks solemn and sacred. It appears even more tranquil and secluded with mountains, lush green woods and the pleasant singing of birds surrounding it.
Warm Reminder
1. All visitors and worshippers to the temples in Hangzhou are required to wear masks, show their health codes and trip codes, and have their body temperature measured.
2. Before going, please make a reservation on the official WeChat account Hangzhou Temple Reservation Platform (杭州寺院参观预约平台) in advance.
3. Please keep a safe distance of 1 meter and burn incense and worship in an orderly manner. Do not stay or gather in the halls.
The Chinese New Year is coming. Why not go to any of these temples in Hangzhou to cultivate your mind and body with beautiful scenery? This Spring Festival, let’s start a meditation journey full of blessings and new hopes.