Hangzhou Lingyin Feilai Peak Scenic Area + Lingyin Temple Live Guide [Optional 10-Person Small Group/Private Tour]

Lingyin temple, an ancient Buddhist temple in China also known as Yunlin temple, is located in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, backed by the northern peak and facing the flying peak. It was first built in the first year of the Xianhe era of the Eastern Jin dynasty (326 AD), covering an area of approx. 87,000 m². The founding master of Lingyin temple was the Indian monk Huili from western India. Emperor Wu of the Liang dynasty in the southern dynasties granted land and expanded the temple. During the Five Dynasties period, King Qian Liu of Wuyue ordered master Yongming Yanshou to revive and develop the temple, renaming it the new Lingyin temple. During the Jiading era of Emperor Ningzong of the Song dynasty, Lingyin temple was honored as one of the "five mountains" of Zen Buddhism in the Jiangnan region. In the Shunzhi era of the Qing dynasty, the Zen master Jude presided over Lingyin temple, raising funds for reconstruction, which took 18 years just to complete the halls, making it the grandest temple in southeast China. In the 28th year of the Kangxi era (1689 AD), Emperor Kangxi renamed it "Yunlin Zen temple" during his southern tour.

Lingyin temple is primarily structured along a central axis featuring the heavenly kings hall, mahavira hall, medicine Buddha hall, dharma hall and avatamsaka hall, flanked by architectural complexes including the 500 arhats hall, jigong hall, huayan pavilion, great compassion tower and abbot's residence. The current abbot is master Guangquan.

Feilai Peak, also known as Lingjiu Peak, is located southeast of North Peak in the western suburbs of Hangzhou, Zhejiang province (directly south of Lingyin Temple), facing the temple across the Cold Spring Stream. The peak measures approx. 800 m in length and approx. 400 m in width, with an elevation of 168 m. Feilai Peak is low and slender, featuring exposed rocks and peculiar formations. The elliptical limestone mountain stands isolated, surrounded by valleys. It is a national key cultural relics protection unit.

The peculiar rocks of Feilai Peak resemble coiling dragons, charging elephants, crouching tigers, and startled apes, forming what seems like a stone zoo. Ancient trees and vines twist their roots across the mountain, while exposed cliffs and sharply cut ridges create a striking landscape. Ming dynasty scholar Yuan Dao once praised: "Among all the peaks around the lake, Feilai stands as the foremost." Historical records mention 72 caves on Feilai Peak in ancient times, though most have been lost to time. The remaining caves are largely concentrated on the southeastern side of the peak.