Lingyin Temple

Listed for protection as a key historical and cultural site in 1961, a visit to this large Buddhist temple tucked between ‘Peak Flown From Afar’ and the North Peak of West Lake merits special attention.  Although it is one of the key attractions in Hangzhou, its location nestled between dense forested hills leaves a quiet and tranquil environment much to be desired.  Legend has it that an Indian monk named Huili built the temple in 326 AD after coming to Hangzhou and being inspired by the spiritual nature of the scenery.  It was during the Five Dynasties Period (907-960 AD) that the temple grew to be 9 buildings, 18 towers, and 72 halls with 1,300 rooms for more than 3,000 monks. 
Over it’s long history of 1,600 years; areas have been damaged, rebuilt, and restored on a number of occasions, with its present-day appearance attracting thousands of visitors.  Approach the temple and you will immediately encounter the first great hall, sixty feet in height with doubled eaves.  Move through the entrance to be greeted by a tablet inscribed with words from the Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), who was so inspired by the sight of the temple amongst the trees, he called it ‘Cloud Forest Buddhist Temple.’ Once inside, you’ll find ceilings meticulously decorated with phoenixes, dragons, and images of the Four Heavenly Kings flanking the laughing Buddha.  Proceed through the hall and cross the courtyard and there you will find the Hall of Great Hero, unique in size and stature.  The double eaved roof towers at 33.6 meters.  With only a single storey, this seven room wide, five rooms deep building is said to be the tallest single storey building in China.  In this incredible structure lies one of the tallest wooden statues in China, the gold leaf covered statue of Sakyamuni.  Standing at 24.8 meters, it’s carved from 24 sections of camphor wood and with twenty saints on either side.  The number of brilliantly carved wooden statues here is definitely a site to behold.