Visiting Upper Tianzhu Faxi Temple in Hangzhou
1. Upper Tianzhu Faxi Temple
The Three Tianzhu Temples in Hangzhou have a long history. Unlike the bustling Lingyin Temple, they offer a tranquil environment and temples brimming with Zen atmosphere.
Tianzhu Mountain in Hangzhou is home to three renowned temples, historically called the Three Tianzhu Temples (Upper Tianzhu Temple, Middle Tianzhu Temple, and Lower Tianzhu Temple). These temples share a similar history, are close to each other in location, follow the same teachings, and have risen and fallen together. They were once hailed as the "Tianzhu Buddhist Kingdom."
Faxi Temple, also with a thousand-year history, is the Upper Tianzhu Temple. The spread of Buddhism in Hangzhou and the construction of its temples are all linked to the West Indian monk Huili.
Address: 239 Tianzhu Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou.
Take bus 103, 121, 122, or 324 to the "Upper Tianzhu" stop, then walk through the underpass to reach the gate.
γOpening Hoursγ
8:30 β 17:00
γWhy Visitγ
Upon entry, you will receive three incense sticks. Walk along the mountain path into the temple; the vegetarian hall is on the right. Buy a paper ticket for 5 yuan at the window, then queue to receive your vegetarian meal.
The entire temple is built on the mountainside. Follow the long corridor to the very top and enter the Grand Hall, where you can overlook the whole temple.
Century-old trees are lush, and the red blessing lanterns hanging from their branches add a lively touch to the solemn temple.
Faxi Temple today has also kept pace with the times. You can find consecrated Buddhist postcards, adorable good-luck amulets (omamori), and incense-themed canvas bags.
Under the blue sky, the templeβs solemnity is imbued with a spiritual aura.
The steady stone-carved lion statues
Curtains inside the main hall
The Buddhist sayings throughout the temple offer many insights
The shadows of red lanterns cast on the yellow walls
A mosaic of mottled colors
Chant the Buddhaβs name wholeheartedly; may the nation be peaceful and its people safe
The vermilion main gate
The entrance ticket for Faxi Temple is 10 yuan.
Locals queue orderly at the window
Vegetarian dishes are already portioned out at the counter
There is a good variety of vegetarian food
The vegetarian hall also provides free soup
After eating, return your dishes to the designated area
Bowls in the hall are stacked in neat circles
After the temple reopened on June 2 this year,
located at 66 Tianzhu Road, Xihu District (near Fajing Temple)
Take a bus to Middle Tianzhu Fajing Temple. Follow the left-side wall to the foot of the hill, then take the steps up. There are simple signs along the way.
Admission: free park
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The Sansheng Stone (Three Lives Stone) is located on the eastern foot of Lotus Peak, connected to Feilai Peak. It is one of the "Sixteen Relics of West Lake."
The stone is about 10 meters high and over 2 meters wide, rugged and exquisite. The three large seal-script characters "δΈηη³" (Three Lives Stone) and the inscription "The Story of the Three Lives Stone by Monk Yuanze of the Tang Dynasty" are carved on it, recounting its origin.
Many inscriptions from the Tang and Song dynasties are carved on the stone, but most are now illegible. Only the inscriptions by Grand Historian Yang Yu and Hanlin Academician Zhang Zhu from the first year of the Zhizheng era in the Yuan Dynasty (1341) remain clearly visible.
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"Three Lives" originates from the Buddhist doctrine of karmic reincarnation and later became a symbol in Chinese culture for lifelong love destined across three existences. The "three lives" refer to "past life," "present life," and "future life." Many romances begin with a sense of dΓ©jΓ vu, and when people fall in love, they inevitably hope for a love "fated across three lives."
In summer, protect yourself from the sun and mosquitoes. When it gets dark, be careful on the mountain paths to avoid tripping.
3. Guili Yin B&B
Location: 246 Bailedao Bridge, Lingyin, Hangzhou
Parking: Available at the door.
Transport: Convenient. The Lingyin Temple bus terminal is nearby. You can take a bus and then walk, reaching the B&B in about 20 minutes.
Although you need to walk a little, the environment is much quieter, ensuring a better sleep.
The soundproofing between rooms is good, and the guests are considerate,
so there is no excessive noise.
However, noise from other farmhouse-style accommodations may drift over, but luckily everything quiets down after 9:30 p.m.
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The B&B has a courtyard where the ivy has grown lush and leafy.
The outdoor space includes a seating area and a long hanging chair.
There is also a long table with a checkered tablecloth, perfect for sitting and daydreaming.
A plum tree heavy with fruit, blooming hydrangeas πΈ,
the graceful shadows of emerald-green bamboo β a tranquil and unique B&B.
When you return at night, the warm lights give you the comforting feeling of coming home.
The housekeeper is exceptionally warm and makes you feel right at home.
Upon checking in, you receive not only a room key but also an access card β very thoughtful,
giving travelers exploring Hangzhou peace of mind when returning late.
The lobby is decorated warmly, with a tall bookshelf filled with books and various small ornaments.
If you enjoy tea, you can brew a cup yourself at the tea table in the living room,
making friends over tea β very much the cozy atmosphere of a welcoming youth hostel.
ππ Room Size:
We booked a twin room, and the layout was nice.
Besides the two 1.5-meter beds, there is also a small living room.
The living room has a blue-themed long sofa, a matching armchair,
a stylish floor lamp,
light blue printed linen curtains, white gauze drapes, landscape paintings on the walls, and laminate flooring.
It is a room with a natural, fresh, minimalist style.
πΏοΈπΏοΈ Room Facilities:
The bedding is of good quality, the mattress is just the right firmness,
the sheets and duvet covers are freshly laundered,
the quilt is soft and comfortable, and the pillows are nice,
with suitable height. The overall setup is high-end.
On the coffee table in the small living room, there is a delicate glass tea set.
If you like tea, you can enjoy a chat over tea in your room β very pleasant.
ππ WiFi:
Available. The WiFi password is posted on the wooden rack by the door; connection is fast.
β¨β¨ Value for Money:
Unlike B&Bs in Qingzhiwu or Siyanjing, the ones here are much quieter.
These boutique B&Bs are not expensive, generally between 400 and 500 yuan, offering great value.
Cleanliness is excellent, bathroom amenities are high-end, with wet and dry separation.
Under the sink cabinet, slippers, a hairdryer, dental kit, shower cap, and comb are provided.
The toilet is a smart type, with comfortable washing and drying functions.
There is a prominent and warm reminder in the shower room.
The shower gel, shampoo, and conditioner have a sandalwood scent,
with a mild, refreshing texture. After washing, hair feels quite smooth and carries a faint sandalwood fragrance.
Towels, bath towels, and foot mats are thick, clean, and tidy.
5. Lingyin Bailedao Bridge Community
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Lingyin Bailedao Bridge is located near the renowned Lingyin Temple
and is also a residential area.
Now known as Hangzhou Bailedao Bridge Community,
the residents here used to make a living picking West Lake Longjing tea.
Now, many rent their courtyards to businesses, opening boutique B&Bs or private kitchens.
πΈπΈπΈ After renovation, Bailedao Bridge Community
has seen its illegal structures regulated, and the overall cleanliness is good.
Dense canopies of shade stretch everywhere, and small streams babble by.
The private courtyards are planted with an abundance of flowers and plants.
π«π«π«π« Residents and the various boutique B&Bs and private kitchens complement each other well.
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There are plenty of dining options. Youβll find farmhouse restaurants perfect for group meals, as well as high-end private kitchens.
These are concentrated along the riverside, each with its own unique character.
The cuisine is mainly Hangzhou-style: white-cut chicken, Dongpo pork,
and farm-style fish head are all excellent dishes.
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At Hangzhou Lingyin Bailedao Bridge, there are many private kitchens and distinctive B&Bs.
Come to worship at Lingyin Temple, and while youβre at it, experience the local Lingyin way of life in Hangzhou.
