Encounter the Most Beautiful Temple: Lin'an Chanyuan Temple
Chanyuan Temple is located on the southern slope of Xitianmu Mountain in Lin'an District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. It was built in the Ming Dynasty and is the Bodhisattva Weituo's ashram, as well as one of the famous temples in Zhejiang. Surrounded by mountains, the scenery is extremely elegant, and the temple buildings are magnificent, making it one of the holy places of Buddhism in Southeast China.
Historical Heritage
Chanyuan Temple has a long history and has experienced many ups and downs. In the fourth year of the Kangxi period of the Qing Dynasty, Master Yulin built Chanyuan Temple, and in the eleventh year of the Yongzheng period, the emperor inscribed the plaque "Chanyuan Temple". During the Anti-Japanese War, it was the location of Zhejiang No. 1 Middle School, and Zhejiang University also temporarily moved here. In 1941, it was bombed by Japanese aircraft and was later rebuilt.
Architectural Beauty
The temple's architecture is grand and regular, with bright colors, red walls and yellow tiles or yellow walls and black tiles, paired with cloisonné, set against the backdrop of green mountains and rivers, creating an ultimate beauty. From the mountain gate to the Hall of Heavenly Kings, Weituo Hall, and Mahavira Hall, they are distributed along the central axis, with a majestic momentum, and the halls are arranged in an orderly manner. Every grass, tree, brick, and tile exudes an ancient and solemn atmosphere.
Natural Environment
Here, you can not only enjoy the tranquility of the ancient temple but also the gifts of nature. Tianmu Mountain is known for its "canopy of great trees known throughout the nine provinces", with many ancient trees such as ancient firs, ancient pines, ancient maples, and ancient ginkgoes. There are more than 580 trees over a thousand years old, and countless trees over a hundred years old. Walking among them, it feels like being in a green fairy tale world, making people feel relaxed and happy.
Travel Tips
🚌Transportation: Driving is the best choice. Set your GPS to "Chanyuan Temple", and there is a free parking lot near the destination. If you don't want to drive, you can go to Lin'an City first, then transfer to a bus or take a taxi, but it is relatively inconvenient.
🎟🎟Tickets: Tianmu Mountain ticket is CNY 20, and Chanyuan Temple is free!
⏰⏰Opening hours: 08:00-16:00.
🍪🍪Food Recommendations: The local Tianmu Mountain bamboo shoots with salted meat stew are extremely delicious. There is vegetarian food in the temple (CNY 10/person). The Shangketang Hotel next to the temple has a vegetarian restaurant, and there are also farmhouses around to choose from.