Lingyin Temple, A Place to Retreat Your Soul

Lingyin Temple Located in Hangzhou China is one of the most famous and important Buddhist temples in China. In Chinese, the word "Lingyin" literally means "Soul's Retreat" , and therefore, the Lingyin Temple is also known as the Temple of Soul's Retreat. China travel guide for more details. The temple distinguish itself for its unique large number of religious rock carvings and grottos, of which the Feilai Feng is the most well-known.

The first sight as you entering the temple is hundreds of rock grottos of detailed religious rock carvings of the beer belly "Laughin Buddha". On the ceiling of the main grotto is a crack in the rock that stretches up to its surface. Standing in a single position, one can see a tiny sliver of sunlight which is considered as seeing "one thread of heaven".

The temple has collected significant treasures of Buddhist literature as well as many other treasures, making it a great treasury for those who want to learn Chinese Buddhism in detail. Lingyin Temple, with its pavilions, halls, palaces and other figures of Buddhist deities together present a splendid and incredible collection of architectural and artistic cultural Heritage. The various buildings and pagodas is originally bulit in Southern Song, Ming, and Tang Dynasties. Even on pattra leaves of Lingyin Temple, one can find scriptures of Diamond Sutra copied by Dong Qichang of Ming Dynasty.

Last but not least, try vegetaria dishes in Ling Yin Vegetarian Restaurant located nearby. The 'food for the gods' will add more memorable touch for your China travel to Lingyin Temple.