Avoid These Pitfalls When Visiting Lingyan Temple

Lingyan Temple is located on the southern slope of Lingyan Mountain, 31.5 km southeast of Changqing District, Jinan City. It was built in the Eastern Jin Dynasty and has a history of more than 1,600 years. Since the Tang Dynasty, Lingyan Temple has been known as one of the "Four Famous Temples in China" along with Guoqing Temple in Zhejiang, Qixia Temple in Nanjing, and Yuquan Temple in Hubei, and is ranked first among them. Lingyan Temple is not only a key national cultural relic protection unit, but also a national scenic spot and one of the first 4A-level tourist areas in China. Itinerary Morning: Lingyan Temple Mountain Gate - Experience the solemnity of the ancient temple. Qianfo Hall - Admire the 40 colored clay sculptures of Arhats from the Song Dynasty, known as the "First Famous Sculpture in China." Mahavira Hall - Experience the solemnity of Buddhist culture. Yushu Pavilion - Learn about the imperial calligraphy of ancient emperors. Lunch Recommendations: Lingyan Hotel - A dining place in the scenic area offering local specialties. Afternoon: Pizhi Pagoda - A landmark building of Lingyan Temple, a nine-story brick pagoda. Tomb Pagoda Forest - Visit the tomb pagodas of the abbots of Lingyan Temple throughout the ages and feel the history. Jingchi Chunxiao - Admire the natural wonder of "Five Steps and Three Springs." Fangshan Jicui - Look at Fangshan from afar and feel the green of the mountains. Afternoon Dining Recommendations: Tanyuan Hotel - Another dining place in the scenic area where you can try different local delicacies. Evening: Mingkong Qingxue - Experience the natural beauty of the first clear day after snow in winter. Back Mountain of Lingyan Temple - Stroll through the mountains and forests and enjoy nature and tranquility. Dinner Recommendations: Farmhouses around Lingyan Temple - Taste authentic Shandong farmhouse dishes. Transportation Self-driving: Set the navigation destination to "Jinan Lingyan Temple Scenic Area." Public transportation: Bus 796 goes directly to the scenic area. Opening Hours and Prices Opening hours: Open all year round from 08:30 to 17:00. Ticket price: Full-price ticket is CNY 40 per person. Special groups such as journalists, soldiers, and disabled people are exempt from tickets. Seniors over 60 years old and children under 1.4 meters are free. People under 18 years old and students in school with a bachelor's degree or below can enjoy a half-price discount with a student ID. Travel Tips and Photo Spots Qianfo Hall: The 40 clay sculptures of Arhats in the hall are a must-see and can be photographed as a souvenir. Pizhi Pagoda: As a landmark building of Lingyan Temple, it is an excellent place to take photos. Tomb Pagoda Forest: Feel the weight of history and take some historical photos.