Listening to the Scriptures, Just a Step Away from the Western Heaven

Meiling Road is known for its concentration of temples in Hangzhou. In the past, it was often crowded with pilgrims, and at times, police had to be called in to manage the traffic. Today, however, the place is eerily quiet. Not far from the Baiyun Deep Archway in Meijiawu, there is a small parking lot with only six spaces. Only the lucky ones can park here.

Across from the parking lot, near the stone inscribed with “Fahai Jiang Temple,” is the entrance to Shang Tianzhu. A five-minute walk deeper brings you to Shang Tianzhu Fahai Temple, a renowned place of inspiration for the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, but sadly, the temple gate is closed.

Following the signs along the Tianzhu Walkway for about 10 minutes, you will arrive at the Fajing Temple in Zhong Tianzhu. The road is nearly empty, with only one early-rising monk strolling around, while no pilgrims or believers can be seen. In front of the closed gate of Fajing Temple, a memorial wall with the inscription “Namo Past Dharma and Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva” stands, creating a peaceful and meditative atmosphere.

Continuing along the Tianzhu Walkway, passing through a series of tea houses and taverns, you will reach the Fajing Temple in San Tianzhu. The entrance here is less extravagant than those of the other temples, as it is a temple run by a group of nuns. Again, the gates are closed.

From San Tianzhu, the path leads to the three famous temples at Feilai Peak: Lingyin Temple, Yongfu Temple, and Taoguang Temple.

Lingyin Temple, with its gate facing the Buddha statues of Feilai Peak, is ideally located. Supported by Ji Gong, it used to be the most visited temple in the West Lake temple cluster. Unfortunately, today, the gates are also closed. Hangzhou locals insist on calling it Lingyin Temple, rather than the official name Yunlin Chan Monastery, a practice that once angered Emperor Kangxi. The closure of the gates today would likely add to his irritation.

Walking five more minutes along the Lingyin Temple’s outer wall deeper into the scenic area, you will reach Yongfu Temple. The gate of Yongfu Temple is also closed and bears the imperial plaque inscribed by Emperor Qianlong: “Field of Blessings and Flower Rain.” This temple was once favored by the emperor.

Taoguang Temple, located at the foot of Northern Gao Peak in the Chaogou nest, is rarely visited even on regular days. Today, with its gate closed, it stands completely abandoned.

In this special time, though the gates of Fahai Temple, Fajing Temple, Fajing Temple, Lingyin Temple, Yongfu Temple, and Taoguang Temple are closed and cannot be visited, the roads connecting these temples are much quieter than usual, allowing visitors to enjoy the surrounding scenery, shops, sculptures, and artwork in peace.

From San Tianzhu, the path leads to the three famous temples at Feilai Peak: Lingyin Temple, Yongfu Temple, and Taoguang Temple. The Lingyin Temple ↗ is known for its centuries-old history and spiritual significance.