The Stone Pagodas and Sutra Pillars of Lingyin Temple

The stone pagodas and sutra pillars of Lingyin Temple are located within the temple and were built during the reign of King Qian Chu of Wuyue. These structures are exquisitely carved and hold significant historical, scientific, and artistic value, and are currently designated as national key cultural relics protection units.

The two stone pagodas of Lingyin Temple are situated on the east and west sides in front of the Grand Hall of Great Sage. Both pagodas have identical structures, meticulously crafted from white stone, with eight faces and nine stories, resembling wooden tower-style pagodas. The finials of the pagodas have been destroyed. There is a small stone tablet on the third story inscribed with the Chinese characters "吴兴广济普恩真身宝塔 (Wuxing Guangji Pu'en True Body Treasure Pagoda)".

The two sutra pillars of Lingyin Temple are located on the east and west sides in front of the Hall of the Heavenly Kings, and were initially built by King Qian Chu of Wuyue in the second year of the Kaibao reign (969 AD) of the Northern Song Dynasty. Originally situated in the family temple of the Qians, the Temple of Fengxian, they were relocated to their current location by the abbot Yanshan of Lingyin Temple in the second year of the Jingyou reign (1035 AD) of the Northern Song Dynasty. Together, they witnessed the final disconsolateness and resolute decision of the king of Wuyue before "surrendering the land to the Song Dynasty".

The structures of the two sutra pillars are basically the same, both carved from lake stones and stacked layer by layer to form multi-layered octagonal sutra pillars. The lower part of the pillars adopts a three-layered Xumi Base, with Buddha statues carved in the waist section. Sutras are engraved on the body of the pillars, and the west stone pillar was inscribed with the record of the construction of the pillars, signed at the end: "Built by the Great Marshal, King of Wuyue, during the Second Year of Kaibao of the Song Dynasty".

Opening hours: 07:00-18:15

Address: No. 1 Fayun Lane, Xihu District

Telephone: +86 571 87968665