Is Feilai Feng the same visit as Lingyin Temple?

They sit side by side and are almost always done together. A combined ticket covers both, and most visitors walk the carving cliff loop first, then continue into Lingyin Temple. Allow roughly 1.5 to 2 hours for Feilai Feng and around 90 minutes for the temple, making a comfortable half-day.

What exactly am I looking at on the cliff?

Feilai Feng is a limestone outcrop carved with around 335 Buddhist figures dating from the 10th to the 14th century, the densest such collection in southern China. The plump, smiling Maitreya Buddha at the base is the famous photo spot, and the unusual Yuan-dynasty Tantric figures higher up show Indian-influenced styles rare for this region.

How do I get there from West Lake?

Several direct buses, including routes 7, 7K and Y2, run from the West Lake area to the Lingyin and Feilai Feng entrance. It's an easy ride and a logical morning outing. Go early to beat tour groups, then combine it with the adjacent temple before the midday crowds build up.

Feilai Feng Buddhist Rock Carvings, Hangzhou: Map & Visitor's Guide (2026)

335 Buddhist rock carvings (5th-14th c.) across a limestone cliff next to Lingyin Temple — China's most concentrated southern Buddhist sculpture site.

At a glance

What it is: Heritage Site
Also known as: 飞来峰造像 (Fēi Lái Fēng)
Opening hours: 6:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Time needed: 1.5-2 hours
Best time to visit: Combine with Lingyin Temple morning visit
Getting there: Metro to the door
English: Some English signage
Cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard
Entry: Walk-in — no booking
Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi
Address: 1 Fayun Lane, Lingyin Rd · 灵隐街道灵隐路法云弄 1 号

See Feilai Feng Buddhist Rock Carvingstickets & tours

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Feilai Feng ('Peak Flying From Afar') is a 168 m limestone outcrop next to Lingyin Temple containing 335 Buddhist stone carvings dated AD 951 (Five Dynasties) to 1342 (Yuan), the most concentrated collection of Buddhist rock art in southern China. The famous chubby Maitreya Buddha sculpture (1000 AD) on the cliff base is one of the canonical photo spots in Hangzhou. The Yuan-dynasty Tantric carvings (Vajra figures, Indian motifs) are unusual for the Jiangnan region. Combined ticket with Lingyin Temple ¥75 (Feilai Feng ¥45 standalone, but you almost always do both together). Allow 1.5-2 hours for the cliff loop. Best paired with Lingyin Temple (90 min) for a half-day combination. Easy buses from West Lake: 7, 7K, Y2.

Highlights

Chubby Maitreya Buddha1000 AD Song-dynasty masterpiece, base of cliff
335 carvingsFive Dynasties → Yuan, 5 centuries of styles
Yuan Tantric figuresRare in southern China; Indian-influenced

What Chinese travelers actually do here

Distilled from Chinese-language travel notes — the practical tips most English guides miss.

▸Arrive at opening to photograph the big-belly laughing Maitreya carving before tour groups cluster at its base.
▸Buy the combined ticket; almost nobody does the carvings without the adjacent temple, so the standalone option rarely makes sense.
▸Look up and along the gorge, not just at eye level; many carvings sit high on the cliff and in shaded niches.
▸The streamside path is cool and shaded, a welcome contrast to West Lake on a hot afternoon.
▸Do this as a morning, pairing it with Lingyin Temple before the lunchtime surge of visitors.
▸Wear grippy shoes; the cliff loop has uneven stone steps that get slick after rain.
▸The rare Yuan Tantric figures are easy to walk past; slow down past the main Buddha to find them.

Photos

Detailed view of ancient Buddhist stone carvings inside a weathered cave.

Close-up of historical Buddhist stone carvings in a cave.

Historic stone carvings depicting Buddhist figures, showcasing ancient religious art.

Ancient carved statues are displayed in a rocky alcove.

Serene Buddha statue carved into a rocky cave surrounded by nature, symbolizing tranquility.

Ancient buddhist carvings in a rock face

Historic Buddhist rock carvings showcasing ancient art and craftsmanship.

a group of statues sitting on top of a stone wall

What travelers say (3 reviews)

BuddhistArt·TripAdvisor·5/5

335 rock carvings (951-1342 AD) including the famous chubby Maitreya. Pair with Lingyin Temple — combined ticket ¥75. 1.5 hours.

2026-04-18

石窟艺术·Ctrip·5/5

飞来峰造像群是江南最大的佛教石刻群！五代到元朝跨度。绕灵隐寺东侧爬山道，整个山体都是雕像。

2026-03-22

Lisa P.·Google Maps·4/5

Often missed alongside Lingyin Temple. The Yuan tantric figures are rare in southern China. Indian motifs visible.

2026-02-10

Watch creators visit Feilai Feng Buddhist Rock Carvings

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Walking Tour of Fei Lai Feng — Ancient Buddhist Grottos

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Frequently asked questions about Feilai Feng Buddhist Rock Carvings

Is Feilai Feng the same visit as Lingyin Temple?: They sit side by side and are almost always done together. A combined ticket covers both, and most visitors walk the carving cliff loop first, then continue into Lingyin Temple. Allow roughly 1.5 to 2 hours for Feilai Feng and around 90 minutes for the temple, making a comfortable half-day.
What exactly am I looking at on the cliff?: Feilai Feng is a limestone outcrop carved with around 335 Buddhist figures dating from the 10th to the 14th century, the densest such collection in southern China. The plump, smiling Maitreya Buddha at the base is the famous photo spot, and the unusual Yuan-dynasty Tantric figures higher up show Indian-influenced styles rare for this region.
How do I get there from West Lake?: Several direct buses, including routes 7, 7K and Y2, run from the West Lake area to the Lingyin and Feilai Feng entrance. It's an easy ride and a logical morning outing. Go early to beat tour groups, then combine it with the adjacent temple before the midday crowds build up.