Jingci Temple

Jingci Temple is located at the foot of Huiri Peak of Nanping Hill in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. It is the second prominent Buddhist temple around West Lake together with Lingyin Temple.  Named the jewel of the southern and northern hills, the temple, in 1983, was listed as a national key Buddhist temple in Han nationality areas by the State Council. Jingci Temple proudly hosts one of the Ten Top Scenes of West Lake - "Evening Bell Ringing at Nanping Hill".

The Main Shrine Hall: Jingci Temple was initially called Huiri Yongming Temple. It was first built in 954 AD by Emperor Wuyue for a famous monk, Yongming. During the North Song Dynasty, its name was changed to Shouning Chan Temple. And finally, during the South Song Dynasty, the name was changed again, to what we call it today - Jingci Temple. During this time, the 500 Luohan Halls were built. Like many ancient structures, the temple was destroyed and rebuilt several times during its history. It has a newly forged copper bell, weighing over 100 kilograms. Upon it is carved The Lotus Sutra, with 68,000 characters. Many famed Buddhist monks used to stay and meditate in this monastery.