Faxi Temple
Faxi Temple, a millennium-old Buddhist sanctuary nestled on Tianzhu Mountain in Hangzhou, blends spiritual serenity with architectural grandeur. Founded during the Five Dynasties period (953 AD), it features tiered courtyards: the Lower Courtyard with lotus ponds and ancient ginkgos, the Middle Courtyard housing a 12-meter gilded Sakyamuni Buddha and 500 Ming-dynasty arhat sculptures, and the Upper Courtyard boasting the 33-meter Thousand-Armed Guanyin mural—a UNESCO-recognized treasure. Surrounded by 1,200-year-old cypress groves and hiking trails to Tianzhu Peaks, the temple offers panoramic views of the Qiantang River and West Lake. Visitors can explore neighboring Lingyin Temple, Dragon Well Tea Village, and Leifeng Pagoda. Known for its Chan Buddhism heritage, intricate wooden bracket sets, and tranquil moon-viewing terraces, Faxi Temple embodies Hangzhou’s timeless fusion of nature, culture, and faith.
Historical Overview
Faxi Temple, formally known as Tianzhu Shengshou Temple, traces its origins to the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period (953 AD), founded under the patronage of King Qian Chu of the Wuyue Kingdom. Renowned for its profound Buddhist heritage, the temple flourished during the Song Dynasty as a center for Chan Buddhism and was later restored in the Qing Dynasty. Emperors such as Kangxi and Qianlong bestowed inscriptions and grants, cementing its status as a sacred site. The temple’s 1,000-year history is reflected in its ancient architecture, stone carvings, and the "Three Saints Hall" honoring Guanyin, Manjushri, and Samantabhadra.
Structural Layout
Nestled on Tianzhu Mountain, Faxi Temple is divided into three hierarchical courtyards:
- Lower Courtyard: Features the Mountain Gate, Bell Tower, and Drum Tower, flanked by centuries-old ginkgo trees and a lotus pond.
- Middle Courtyard: Houses the Grand Hall of Sakyamuni, with a 12-meter-tall gilded Buddha statue, surrounded by 500 arhat sculptures carved in the Ming Dynasty.
- Upper Courtyard: Contains the Guanyin Hall, famous for its 33-meter-high mural of the Thousand-Armed Guanyin, and the "Cangjing Pavilion" storing ancient sutras.
A winding stone path connects the courtyards, passing through pavilions like the "Jade Lotus Pavilion" and "Moon-Viewing Terrace," offering panoramic views of the Qiantang River and West Lake.
Major Attractions
- Grand Hall of Sakyamuni: A masterpiece of wooden architecture with intricate bracket sets and dragon-patterned ceilings.
- 500 Arhat Hall: Each statue features unique expressions and postures, crafted during the Ming Dynasty.
- Guanyin Hall: The mural of the Thousand-Armed Guanyin, painted with mineral pigments, is a UNESCO-recognized cultural treasure.
- Ancient Cypress Grove: A 1,200-year-old cypress forest considered a "living fossil" of Hangzhou’s ecology.
- Tianzhu Peaks: Hiking trails lead to vistas of mist-shrouded mountains and the "First Spring" of Hangzhou.
Suggested Itineraries
- Half-Day Cultural Tour: Mountain Gate → Bell Tower → Grand Hall → Arhat Hall → Cypress Grove. Highlights: Architectural grandeur, ancient trees, and sunset views from Moon-Viewing Terrace.
- Full-Day Spiritual Journey: Morning meditation at Guanyin Hall → vegetarian lunch at temple cafeteria → hike to Tianzhu Peaks → visit neighboring Lingyin Temple. Highlights: Buddhist rituals, nature trails, and panoramic vistas.
- Two-Day Immersion: Day 1: Faxi Temple exploration + West Lake boat ride. Day 2: tea ceremony at Dragon Well Village + evening "Impression West Lake" show. Highlights: Cultural depth, Tea Culture, and water performances.
Ticket Purchase
Entry Fee: ¥10 (includes access to main halls; free for children under 1.2m).
Guanyin Hall Mural: Additional ¥20 for close-up viewing.
Online Booking: Available via "Hangzhou Temple Pass" app or official WeChat account. Discounts for seniors (¥5) and groups (10+ people).
Transportation
Subway: Line 3 to Huanglong Cave Station, then bus 103 to Tianzhu Mountain stop.
Bus: Routes 103, 121, or 324 directly to Faxi Temple entrance.
Bike/E-Bike: Scenic bike paths along Tianzhu Road connect to West Lake (20-minute ride).
Car: Parking available at the temple’s north gate (¥10/hour).
Best Time & Tips
Peak Seasons: Spring (March-April) for cherry blossoms and autumn (October-November) for maple foliage.
Avoid Crowds: Visit on weekdays before 8 AM or after 4 PM.
Essentials: Wear comfortable shoes for stone paths; bring cash for incense donations (¥5-10).
Respect Customs: Silence in prayer halls; no photography inside main altars; dress modestly (cover shoulders/knees).
Local Cuisine: Try temple vegetarian dishes like "Buddha’s Delight" and "Lotus Seed Sweet Soup."
Faxi Temple blends spiritual serenity with architectural splendor, offering a timeless journey through Hangzhou’s religious and natural heritage.
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What Our Clients Say?
Based on 10,000+ traveler reviews
Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
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May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
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June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
FAQ
How do I get to Faxi Temple from Hangzhou city center?
Take Subway Line 3 to Huanglong Cave Station, then transfer to bus 103 or 121 to the Tianzhu Mountain stop. Alternatively, ride-sharing bikes (e.g., Hello Bike) along Tianzhu Road offer a scenic 20-minute ride from West Lake. For direct access, buses 103, 121, and 324 stop at the temple’s entrance.
What is the entrance fee for Faxi Temple, and are there discounts?
The standard entry fee is ¥10, with free admission for children under 1.2m. Seniors (60+) pay ¥5. The Guanyin Hall’s Thousand-Armed Guanyin mural requires an additional ¥20 for close-up viewing. Discounts apply for groups of 10+ people. Book online via "Hangzhou Temple Pass" app for convenience.
What are Faxi Temple’s opening hours?
The temple opens daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with extended hours (until 8:00 PM) during spring and autumn festivals. Early morning visits (before 8:00 AM) are recommended to avoid crowds and experience morning rituals.
When is the best time to visit Faxi Temple for pleasant weather and fewer crowds?
Spring (March–April) offers cherry blossoms and mild temperatures, while autumn (October–November) showcases maple foliage. For quieter visits, arrive on weekdays before 9:00 AM or after 4:00 PM. Avoid Chinese holidays like National Day (October 1–7) when crowds peak.
What should I wear to respect temple customs?
Wear modest clothing covering shoulders and knees. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for stone paths and hill trails. Avoid hats and sunglasses inside prayer halls. Light layers are recommended for changing mountain weather.
Where can I find vegetarian food or local snacks near Faxi Temple?
The temple’s cafeteria serves affordable vegetarian meals (¥15–¥30) like Buddha’s Delight and lotus seed soup. Nearby, Tianzhu Road features cafés offering Longjing tea and zhejiang-style pastries. For local snacks, try Dongpo Pork or West Lake Fish in Vinegar Gravy at Wushan Square’s food stalls.
What are recommended accommodations near Faxi Temple?
Mid-range options include the Hangzhou Tianzhu Hotel (5-minute walk) and the Lingyin Villa. Luxury travelers may prefer the Amanfayun Resort, nestled in bamboo forests. Budget stays are available at nearby hostels like Mingyuan Youth Hostel, offering easy access to temples and West Lake.
Is there a guided tour available at Faxi Temple?
Yes, guided tours in English, Mandarin, and other languages can be arranged at the visitor center for ¥50–¥100 per person. Tours cover the temple’s history, architecture, and Buddhist rituals. Advance booking via the official WeChat account or "Hangzhou Temple Pass" app is recommended for peak seasons.
