Lingyin Temple

Lingyin Temple, also known as Temple of Soul's Retreat (literally translated name), is the most celebrated place of interest around West Lake and one of the top ten Buddhist temples of China. In 1961, it was listed for protection as a key provincial historical and cultural site and considered a leading center for research related to Chinese Buddhist culture. Situated at the west end of the West Lake, the temple is confronted with the well-known Peak Flying from Afar (飞来峰, famous for its grotto carvings) and backed by Northern Peak (北高峰).

Lingyin Temple was founded in 328 AD during the Eastern Jin Dynasty by an Indian monk called Hui Li. In the 10th century, during the Kingdom of Wuyue with Hangzhou as its capital, the temple reached its peak and boasted nine multi-story buildings, 18 pavilions, 72 halls, and more than 1300 dormitory rooms, inhabited by more than 3000 monks. Since then, the temple has remained one of the ten largest Zen Buddhist temples in China. In its 1700-year history, it has experienced repeated destruction and renovation. Today the temple is thriving as a destination for both pilgrims and tourists.