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Hangzhou has been a Buddhist center for more than 1,600 years. Its temples range from massive mountain complexes to quiet hillside retreats. Whether you are interested in architecture, spirituality, photography or simply escaping the crowds, Hangzhou’s temples offer something special. This guide covers the most important temples, the Three Temples of Tianzhu walking route, hidden gems, and how to visit them respectfully.
Buddhism in Hangzhou
Buddhism arrived in Hangzhou during the Eastern Jin Dynasty, and the city became an important religious center under the Southern Song Dynasty. Many temples were destroyed and rebuilt over the centuries. Today, Hangzhou’s temples are active places of worship, not just museums.
Must-Visit Temples in Hangzhou
1. Lingyin Temple (灵隐寺)
The largest and most famous temple in Hangzhou, set in the Feilai Feng scenic area.
Highlights:
- Massive main hall with a 24-meter camphor wood Buddha statue
- Feilai Feng rock carvings outside the temple
- Beautiful mountain setting
Entry: Feilai Feng scenic area ¥45, Lingyin Temple ¥30
Best time: Early morning on a weekday
Time needed: 2–3 hours
2. Faxi Temple (法喜寺)
Also known as Upper Tianzhu Temple, this is Hangzhou's most photogenic and social-media-famous temple — the yellow-walled corridors have become one of China's most-shared photo spots.
Highlights:
- Iconic ochre-yellow corridors — the most photographed temple feature in Hangzhou
- ¥5 vegetarian lunch at the temple canteen
- Famous "wish for love" reputation — draws young visitors from across China
- Part of the Three Temples of Tianzhu walking route
Entry: ¥10
Best time: Morning (before 9 AM for photos without crowds)
Time needed: 1–1.5 hours (3–4 hours for full Tianzhu route)
3. Jingci Temple (净慈寺)
Located across West Lake from Leifeng Pagoda. Famous for its evening bell ringing, one of the Ten Scenes of West Lake.
Highlights:
- View of Leifeng Pagoda and West Lake
- Evening bell ceremony
- Ancient trees and peaceful courtyards
Entry: ¥10
Best time: Late afternoon for sunset views
Time needed: 1 hour
4. Yongfu Temple (永福寺)
A smaller, more intimate temple near Lingyin, surrounded by tea fields and bamboo.
Highlights:
- Terraced layout with multiple halls
- Tea house with mountain views
- Peaceful atmosphere
Entry: Included with Feilai Feng ticket
Best time: Morning
Time needed: 1–1.5 hours
5. Jingshan Temple (径山寺)
Located about 90 minutes from downtown Hangzhou, this is one of the most important Chan (Zen) temples in China.
Highlights:
- Stunning mountain location
- Traditional Japanese temple architecture influence
- Famous for tea culture and vegetarian food
Entry: ¥20
Best time: Spring or autumn
Time needed: Half day
The Three Temples of Tianzhu (天竺三寺)
Behind Lingyin Temple, three smaller temples line a scenic valley road through tea fields and bamboo groves. Known collectively as the Three Temples of Tianzhu Hill, they offer a peaceful walking route that most tourists never discover — and a much more intimate temple experience than the crowded Lingyin complex.
Lower Tianzhu — Fajing Temple (法镜寺)
The oldest of the three, founded in 336 AD. A small, peaceful temple with a beautiful main hall and ancient trees. Entry ¥10.
Middle Tianzhu — Fajing Temple (法净寺)
The smallest and quietest of the three, with a charming courtyard. Currently being restored. Free entry.
Upper Tianzhu — Faxi Temple (法喜寺)
The largest and most famous of the three — the one with the iconic yellow walls, ¥5 vegetarian meals, and "wish for love" reputation. Entry ¥10.
💡 Recommended Walking Route
Start at Lingyin Temple early (7:00 AM), then walk to Lower Tianzhu → Middle Tianzhu → Upper Tianzhu (Faxi). Have the ¥5 vegetarian lunch at Faxi around 11:00 AM, then continue to Nine Creeks for an afternoon hike. The entire walk between the three Tianzhu temples takes 30–40 minutes at a leisurely pace along Meiling North Road.
Hidden Gem Temples
Hyein Koryoji Temple (慧因高丽寺)
A truly hidden gem — almost no monks, no worshippers, and very few visitors. This temple is famous for its extraordinary 13-meter-tall sutra wheel (转轮藏) made of nanmu wood, the largest of its kind in China. The wheel can be rotated by visitors, and each turn is said to equal reciting the entire Buddhist canon. The temple has a unique Korean connection — it was built to honor a Korean monk who studied in Hangzhou. If you seek absolute peace and meditation, this is the place.
Entry: Free | Location: Near Nanping Hill, south of West Lake
Jade Emperor Hill Temple (玉皇山道观)
A Daoist temple on Jade Emperor Hill with one of the best panoramic views of West Lake — yet it remains one of the least-visited temples in Hangzhou. The hilltop location provides a stunning 360-degree perspective that includes the lake, the Qiantang River, and the surrounding mountains. The temple itself is modest but atmospheric, with incense coils hanging from the ceiling and Taoist deities in the shrines.
Entry: ¥10 | Best time: Morning for clear views
Baopu Taoist Temple (抱朴道院)
Hangzhou's only Taoist temple on Ge Hill — dedicated to Ge Hong, the 4th-century alchemist and founding father of Chinese medicine. The temple offers a completely different atmosphere from the Buddhist complexes: intimate, unpretentious, and refreshingly peaceful. The upper courtyard provides one of the best lake viewpoints most tourists miss. Entry ¥5.
Temple Etiquette for Foreigners
- Dress modestly. Cover shoulders and knees.
- Speak quietly. Temples are places of worship.
- Do not point feet at Buddha statues. Sit with feet tucked.
- Ask before photographing monks or worshippers.
- Do not touch or climb statues.
- Remove hats and sunglasses when entering halls.
- Avoid visiting during prayer ceremonies unless you observe respectfully.
Best Temple For…
| Interest | Best Temple |
|---|---|
| Grand architecture | Lingyin Temple |
| Photography | Faxi Temple |
| Peace and quiet | Yongfu Temple |
| Lake views | Jingci Temple |
| Zen atmosphere | Jingshan Temple |
| Short visit | Jingci Temple |
| Vegetarian food | Faxi Temple (¥5) or Jingshan Temple |
| Wish for love | Faxi Temple |
| Absolute solitude | Hyein Koryoji Temple |
| Tea culture | Jingshan Temple |
| Best-value visit | Baopu Temple (¥5) |
How to Visit Lingyin Temple
- Take bus 7, 324 or 103, or a taxi to Lingyin Temple.
- Buy the Feilai Feng scenic area ticket first.
- Walk through the rock carvings to reach the temple entrance.
- Buy the Lingyin Temple ticket separately.
- Allow at least two hours to explore both areas.
Vegetarian Food at Temples
Many Hangzhou temples serve vegetarian meals:
- Faxi Temple: The famous ¥5 vegetarian lunch — rice, vegetables, tofu, and soup. Served around 11:00 AM. Best value in all of Hangzhou.
- Jingshan Temple: Famous for vegetarian noodles and temple-made tofu — considered the finest temple food in China. Served at 11:00 AM after the unique bamboo-plate ceremony. ¥20–30.
- Lingyin Temple: Vegetarian noodles and snacks near the entrance. ¥15–30. Convenient but more touristy.
- Jingci Temple: Simple vegetarian noodles in the temple canteen. ¥15–20.
FAQ
Do I need to be Buddhist to visit?
No. Temples welcome respectful visitors of all backgrounds.
Can I take photos inside temples?
Usually yes in outdoor areas, but photography may be restricted inside halls. Look for signs.
What should I wear?
Modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees. Comfortable shoes are essential.
Is Faxi Temple really good for praying for love?
Faxi Temple has a strong reputation among young Chinese visitors as a temple where prayers for love and marriage are especially effective. Whether you believe in its spiritual power or not, the atmosphere is genuinely peaceful and the setting is beautiful.
Can I eat at temple vegetarian canteens?
Yes. Faxi Temple serves lunch for just ¥5, Jingshan Temple offers the finest temple food for ¥20–30, and several other temples have simple noodle dishes. Arrive around 11:00 AM and follow the signs. Eat quietly and do not waste food.
What is the Three Temples of Tianzhu route?
A scenic 30–40 minute walk through tea fields connecting three small temples behind Lingyin: Lower Tianzhu (Fajing), Middle Tianzhu (Fajing), and Upper Tianzhu (Faxi). Far less crowded than Lingyin and a much more intimate temple experience.