Haichao Temple

Haichao Temple is a Buddhist place of worship in Hangzhou featuring a hall dedicated to the four heavenly guardians as its main structure. The grounds contain several pavilions and a quiet courtyard where visitors can spend time in contemplation.

The temple was founded in the early modern period and later became central to Buddhist life in the city. Severe destruction in the mid-1800s led to extensive reconstruction efforts that reshaped the site.

The temple stands as one of the Four Buddhist Temples in Hangzhou, together with Lingyin Temple, Jing Temple, and Zhaoqing Temple.

The site is easily reached on foot and offers quiet areas for reflection, especially in the morning or early afternoon. The grounds are well-laid out and accessible, though there are some steps and level surfaces to navigate.

Inside the temple stands a historical collection of Buddhist texts gathered by an important abbot over time. This library reveals the scholarly tradition that the monastery maintained across generations.