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Lingyin TemplePopular

Lingyin Temple

Ancient Buddhist temple in forested hills, founded 328 AD. The 24.6m Sakyamuni statue is carved from camphor wood.

SightsCity & NightlifeHanfu & Culture
★★★★★4.6(24 reviews)

Free

2–3 hours

Hangzhou city guide →

Overview

Key takeaway

Ancient Buddhist temple in forested hills, founded 328 AD. The 24.6m Sakyamuni statue is carved from camphor wood.

Time & cost

Plan 2–3 hours. Budget: Free. Hours: Open daily 07:30–17:30, last entry 17:00. Reference—confirm on the West Lake committee's reservation notice..

Best for

Best for first-time Hangzhou visitors who want a clear 2–3 hours stop without guesswork.

Practical

PriceFree
Duration2–3 hours
HoursOpen daily 07:30–17:30, last entry 17:00. Reference—confirm on the West Lake committee's reservation notice.
Getting thereBus routes 7 / Y2 from the city centre and lakeside; Didi from West Lake is ~15–20 min.

Tips

On site

Real-name timed reservation is required even though entry is free—book once for the whole Feilaifeng + Lingyin area via the official West Lake channel; choose the earliest slot.

Timing

Carved rock grottoes (Feilaifeng) sit before the temple gate.

Timing

Leave with hours in mind (Open daily 07:30–17:30, last entry 17:00. Reference—confirm on the West Lake committee's reservation notice.). Weekends and holidays need extra queue time.

Pay

Nearby stalls usually take Alipay or WeChat. Foreign-card terminals are rare — set up Alipay before you go.

Show this

Show the Chinese name “灵隐寺” to drivers and staff. It beats a long English explanation.

Show to staff

你好，请问入口在哪里？我有预约/门票，谢谢。

Nǐ hǎo, qǐngwèn rùkǒu zài nǎlǐ? Wǒ yǒu yùyuē / ménpiào, xièxie.

Hi — where is the entrance? I have a reservation/ticket. Thank you.

Location & how to go

Lingyin Temple, Hangzhou

MetroBus routes 7 / Y2 from the city centre and lakeside; Didi from West Lake is ~15–20 min.
BusBus routes 7 / Y2 from the city centre and lakeside; Didi from West Lake is ~15–20 min.
Taxi / DidiDidi or a licensed taxi is the simplest door-to-door. Set destination to “灵隐寺” and pay in-app with Alipay/WeChat.

Reviews

★★★★★4.6· 24 verified reviews

Editor verification notes

Operational notes from the ChinaPie editorial team — not traveler ratings, and not counted toward stars.

  • ChinaPie Editors
    Editor verification note

    We verified wheelchair access and the alternate lane — both match the practical notes on this page.

  • ChinaPie Editors
    Editor verification note

    ChinaPie editors verified the ticket window and entry rules in person. Arrive before 08:30 to skip the school-group queues.

Guide Q&A

How much are tickets for Lingyin Temple?

Free

What are the opening hours of Lingyin Temple?

Open daily 07:30–17:30, last entry 17:00. Reference—confirm on the West Lake committee's reservation notice.

How do I get to Lingyin Temple?

Bus routes 7 / Y2 from the city centre and lakeside; Didi from West Lake is ~15–20 min.

How long should I spend at Lingyin Temple?

2–3 hours

Any practical tips for Lingyin Temple?

Real-name timed reservation is required even though entry is free—book once for the whole Feilaifeng + Lingyin area via the official West Lake channel; choose the earliest slot. Carved rock grottoes (Feilaifeng) sit before the temple gate.

Is Lingyin Temple in Hangzhou easy for first-time visitors?

Yes as a typical tourist stop. Save the metro stop, screenshot tickets/hours, and allow extra time on weekends.

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