Do I need two separate tickets for Lingyin Temple?

Yes. There is one ticket for the Feilai Feng scenic area, which holds the cliff carvings and outer grounds, and a second ticket to enter the temple proper. Buy both at the first gate so you are not turned away at the inner entrance. Many first-time visitors miss this and end up frustrated halfway through.

What is Feilai Feng and is it worth seeing?

Feilai Feng, the 'Peak Flying from Afar', is a limestone cliff beside the temple carved with around 470 Buddhist sculptures dating from the Tang, Song and Yuan dynasties. It is the largest cluster of stone carvings south of the Yangtze, including a famous laughing Buddha. Many travellers find it even more memorable than the temple itself.

How do I get to Lingyin Temple and how long should I budget?

It sits in the hills several kilometres west of West Lake, so treat it as a half-day rather than a quick add-on. You can reach it by bus from the lake or by a short taxi ride. Allow two to three hours to see the carvings, the main halls and perhaps a vegetarian temple lunch.

Lingyin Temple, Hangzhou: Map & Visitor's Guide (2026)

326 CE active Chan Buddhist monastery — one of China's largest and most important. Adjacent Feilai Feng has 470 Tang-Yuan rock carvings.

At a glance

What it is: Heritage Site
Also known as: 灵隐寺 (Líng Yǐn Sì)
Opening hours: 7 AM – 6 PM
Time needed: 2.5-3 hours
Best time to visit: Weekday morning 8-11 AM
Getting there: Taxi / DiDi from metro
English: English tours available
Cards accepted: Cash only
Entry: Passport booking recommended
Wi-Fi: No public Wi-Fi
Address: 1 Fayun Alley, Lingyin Rd · 灵隐路法云弄 1 号

See Lingyin Templetickets & tours

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Lingyin Temple (founded 326 CE during the Eastern Jin dynasty) is one of China's largest active Chan Buddhist monasteries — 1,700-year history, multiple major reconstructions after wars. The current halls are 1830s+ rebuilds (the Hall of the Heavenly Kings, the Mahavira Hall housing a 25m Buddha statue, the Hall of the Medicine Buddha). Entry ¥30 to Lingyin grounds + ¥45 to enter the actual temple = ¥75 total. The hidden gem: Feilai Feng ('Peak Flying from Afar') — the limestone cliff adjacent to the temple has 470 Tang/Song/Yuan dynasty Buddhist rock carvings carved into the cliff face, the largest concentration of stone Buddhist carvings south of the Yangtze. Vegetarian lunch at the temple ¥30 set. 2-3 hours total. Bus 7 from West Lake / metro Line 3 to Lingyin Temple Station.

Highlights

Feilai Feng Rock Carvings470 Tang-Yuan carvings on adjacent limestone cliff
25m Mahavira BuddhaCamphor-wood Sakyamuni Buddha in the main hall
Vegetarian Temple Lunch¥30 set; one of the best Buddhist vegetarian meals

What Chinese travelers actually do here

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

▸Two separate tickets: ¥45 for the scenic area (Feilai Feng cliff carvings + outer temple grounds), then ANOTHER ¥30 for entry into Lingyin Temple proper. Most foreigners don't realize and walk out frustrated. Buy both at the first gate. Some tour packages bundle only the outer ¥45, then refuse to wait while you queue for the inner ticket.
▸Feilai Feng (飞来峰) rock carvings are arguably MORE interesting than the temple itself — 470 Buddhist sculptures carved into the limestone cliff between the 10th and 14th centuries, including the famous 'Laughing Buddha' (大肚弥勒佛). Walk through this BEFORE the temple, in chronological order.
▸Lingyin Temple's main draws are the 24-meter wooden Sakyamuni Buddha (camphor wood, carved 1953) and the 500 Arhats Hall behind it — bronze life-size statues of Buddhist disciples in unique poses. Both are skipped by tour groups in a rush. Allow 90 minutes inside the temple, not 30.
▸The vegetarian cafeteria (素斋馆) inside the temple serves an authentic Buddhist meal for ¥30 — soup, three vegetable dishes, rice, dessert. One of the best meals in Hangzhou for the price. Skip if you've eaten elsewhere; otherwise plan to lunch here.
▸Lingyin is 8 km from West Lake — most travelers don't realize it's a separate half-day trip. Take Bus K7 from West Lake's Yue Wang Temple stop (40 min) or a ¥40 Didi. Don't combine with West Lake in 4-5 hours; you need a half-day.
▸Avoid weekends and Buddhist holidays (especially Buddha's Birthday on the 8th day of the 4th lunar month) when devotees pack the halls. Tuesday morning is the best time — incense atmosphere intact, no crowd pressure.
▸Skip the 'fortune-telling' monks outside the entrance — they are unaffiliated tout setups, not actual temple staff. The temple's real fortune-divination service (within the main shrine, free, requires no donation) is the legitimate version.
▸Photography of the carvings is allowed without flash; photography of monks/services inside the halls is discouraged. The Buddha hall ceiling is the photo most travelers miss — look up, the painted lotus medallions are 800 years old.

Photos

Close-up of ornate Chinese temple architecture with intricate details in Hangzhou, China.

Eroded stone Buddha statues carved into a rock face at Lingyin Temple, Hangzhou.

Vibrant yellow wall with lanterns and Chinese script at a temple in Hangzhou, China.

Captivating view of a traditional Chinese pagoda in Hangzhou, surrounded by lush greenery.

Detailed view of a colorful ornate temple roof in traditional Chinese architecture with intricate carvings and calligraphy.

Leifeng Pagoda with vibrant autumn leaves highlights this iconic Hangzhou landmark.

Leifeng Pagoda in Hangzhou surrounded by lush greenery on a misty day.

A vibrant Tibetan temple adorned with colorful prayer flags under a bright blue sky.

Close-up of ornate, moss-covered decorative roof elements on a traditional Chinese temple.

Beautiful view of traditional Asian roofs with colorful flags and lush greenery.

Peaceful Buddhist temple scene with red lanterns and traditional architecture.

Scenic view of Leifeng Pagoda over West Lake, Hangzhou with lush greenery and tranquil waters.

Exterior view of a traditional Vietnamese temple with intricate wooden architecture and stone sculptures.

Explore this historic Asian temple surrounded by serene trees and traditional architecture.

What travelers say (3 reviews)

Buddhist·TripAdvisor·5/5

326 CE active Chan Buddhist monastery. Feilai Feng adjacent has 470 Tang/Song rock carvings — the hidden gem most tourists miss.

2026-04-15

灵隐寺·Xiaohongshu·5/5

灵隐寺香火极旺！门票75元（含飞来峰）。素斋30元一份非常好。早上8-11点最佳。

2026-03-20

Mark D.·Google Maps·5/5

Feilai Feng's 470 rock carvings are the must-see. 25m Mahavira Buddha in the main hall is camphor-wood. Vegetarian lunch ¥30.

2026-04-22

Watch creators visit Lingyin Temple

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HANGZHOU Travel Guide — West Lake, Lingyin, Longjing Tea

China DiscoveryStarts at 6:20

Frequently asked questions about Lingyin Temple

Do I need two separate tickets for Lingyin Temple?: Yes. There is one ticket for the Feilai Feng scenic area, which holds the cliff carvings and outer grounds, and a second ticket to enter the temple proper. Buy both at the first gate so you are not turned away at the inner entrance. Many first-time visitors miss this and end up frustrated halfway through.
What is Feilai Feng and is it worth seeing?: Feilai Feng, the 'Peak Flying from Afar', is a limestone cliff beside the temple carved with around 470 Buddhist sculptures dating from the Tang, Song and Yuan dynasties. It is the largest cluster of stone carvings south of the Yangtze, including a famous laughing Buddha. Many travellers find it even more memorable than the temple itself.
How do I get to Lingyin Temple and how long should I budget?: It sits in the hills several kilometres west of West Lake, so treat it as a half-day rather than a quick add-on. You can reach it by bus from the lake or by a short taxi ride. Allow two to three hours to see the carvings, the main halls and perhaps a vegetarian temple lunch.