Jingci Temple, Buddhist temple at Huiri Peak of Nanping Hill, Hangzhou, China
Jingci Temple is a Buddhist sanctuary situated at Huiri Peak on Nanping Hill near West Lake, arranged across multiple courtyards with traditional Chinese architecture. The complex features a grand entrance gate, halls containing large gilded statues, pavilions housing sacred relics, and gardens with walking paths connecting the different sections.
The temple was founded in 954 when the ruler of the Wuyue kingdom commissioned its construction for the renowned monk Yongming Yanshou. Through the centuries it has undergone several major reconstructions while maintaining its role as a significant Buddhist center.
Visitors today observe local devotees making offerings and lighting incense in front of the main statues, following practices that have continued for generations. The painted halls and carved details reflect beliefs that remain actively experienced rather than merely displayed.
The temple opens daily to visitors and is accessible by local transportation, though parking nearby can be limited during peak times. Arriving earlier in the day helps you experience the spaces with fewer crowds and appreciate the details more easily.
A large bronze bell housed in the temple grounds produces distinctive sounds that ring out during ceremonial times, marking the rhythm of practice throughout the day. Few visitors realize this bell has been welcoming people to the site for nearly a thousand years.
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