Top 4 Temples and Pagodas in Hangzhou

2 min readJul 6, 2018By Lydia Schrandt

Hi, I'm Lydia!

Lydia Schrandt is a writer, editor, and award-winning photographer currently based in Houston. She’s a contributor for USA TODAY 10Best and serves as the first chair of the Editors Council of the Society of American Travel Writers. Her work has appeared in Draft, Time Out Beijing, Travel+, USA TODAY, San Francisco Chronicle, and others.

Despite being a massive, modern city of over six million people, Hangzhou still features a large number of ancient-style temples and pagodas where visitors feel as if they’re stepping back into the China of old. Here are a few not to be missed.

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1. Lingyin Temple

The ancient and ornate Lingyin Temple in Hangzhou.

A visitor checks out Lingyin Temple.Photo credit: Dasha Muller / Shutterstock

This 4th-century temple, also known as the Temple of Soul’s Retreat, ranks among the most important Chinese Zen Buddhist shrines. Lingyin is perhaps best known for the 300 statues that monks and other artists carved over the centuries from the rocks and grottoes of the neighboring Peak Flown from Afar.

2. Six Harmonies Pagoda

Lush greenery around Six Harmonies Pagoda in Hangzhou.

Six Harmonies Pagoda now has an elevator to the top.Photo credit: mapman / Shutterstock

Situated southwest of the UNESCO World Heritage–listed West Lake (Xihu), Six Harmonies Pagoda (aka Liuhe Pagoda) is an octagonal structure first constructed in the 10th century. It once served as a lighthouse for vessels on the Qiantang River. Today a narrow staircase leads to a viewing area affording excellent views of the surrounding area.

3. Leifeng Pagoda

The impressive tiered facade of Leifeng Pagoda in Hangzhou.

Leifeng Pagoda in Hangzhou.Photo credit: Budi Winarno / Shutterstock

Some of the best views over West Lake are from the top of the golden-spired Leifeng Pagoda. Originally built in the 10th century, the five-story, eight-sided pagoda has been modernized with conveniences like an elevator to the top of the tower.

4. Jingci Temple

Jingci Temple is a Zen Buddhist temple.Photo credit: PARINYA ART / Shutterstock

While not as well known as Lingyin, this 10th-century Zen Buddhist temple has been fully restored to its original splendor, complete with a forged copper bell and carvings of the 68,000 characters of the Lotus Sutra on its facade. A massive seated statue of Buddha sits within the Great Treasure Hall.