Lingyin Temple
Lingyin Temple got it name from tranquil surroundings. Be sheltered by forested hills on three sides, the temple is really a quite sanctuary. It is the largest and most resplendent temple in Hangzhou. The temple was first built in 326 AD some 1,600 years ago by an Indian Monk Huili. It prospered and flourished during the Five Dynasties Period when there were 9 buildings, 18 towers, and 72 halls with 1,300 rooms and more than 3,000 monks. Over history, the temple has been ruined and undergone renovation several times. It has recently been rebuilt to its original style.
The temple consists of the Hall of the Heavenly King, Hall of the Great Hero, Hall of the Buddha of Medicine, the East and West Winding Corridors and some other buildings. In the center of the Hall of the Heavenly King, seats a statue of Maitreya, the fat-bare-bellied Buddha with a smiling face. In the hall of the Great Hero, the main hall in the temple, seated in the center is a magnificent statue of Sakyamuni, founder of Buddhism. The 19-meter-tall statue is seated on a 10.5-meter-high lotus flower amidst great red pillars and murals. Behind Sakyamuni is a colorful sculpture of 150 Buddhas.
As an important Buddhist temple in the region, the temple also houses a large collection of Buddhism treasure and relics which is of great significance to explore Buddhism development in that area. The temple now is very popular among tourists and pilgrims. It sees thousands of worshippers per day in peak season.
