Also known as “Yunlin Temple”, Lingyin Temple is located in the northwest side of West Lake in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. It is a famous ancient temple in the south of the Yangtze River. The temple was built in 326 AD and has a history of over 1,600 years. Legend has it that an Indian monk named Huili came to Hangzhou and was deeply attracted by the beautiful mountainous scenery. He thought there lived immortals and then he built a temple and named it “Lingyin”, which means hidden souls. It is said that the famous monk Jigong also took vows in the temple. Stories about the odd-behaving monk were widely spread among the people, which made Lingyin Temple even more famous.  

There are three grand halls in Lingyin Temple: the Hall of the Great Sage, the Hall of the Heavenly Kings and the Hall of the Medicine Buddha. Buildings and sculptural works like the halls, pavilions, pillars, stone pagodas and Buddhist statues are of extremely high artistic values. Some of the calligraphic works were inscribed by celebrities of all dynasties and some were even by emperors. Scenic spots in front of the temple include Cool Spring, Feilai Peak (the peak flying from afar) and Milk Cave etc. All are famous spots in the south of the Yangtze River.