“On the steps of Faxi Temple, I counted 365 worries, and the last one was left for reunion.

Hangzhou: Half landscape, half Zen ❶ “The yellow walls of Faxi Temple are a love letter to time.” The Zen of Hangzhou is hidden in the morning bells and evening drums of Faxi Temple. This thousand-year-old temple, where Emperor Kangxi stopped during his fifth Southern Inspection Tour, is known as the "most efficacious temple for marriage" among young people today. Amidst the yellow walls and green tiles, the sandalwood incense lingers, and the omamori sways gently. The prayer of "May all wishes come true" brings peace of mind to countless people here. ❷ “West Lake is a poem, and Faxi Temple is the rhyme.” When Lingyin Temple is crowded, the tranquility of Faxi Temple is even more precious. From the cascading steps of the popular photo spot to the meditation rooms shaded by ancient maple trees, every step is a dialogue with history. In the evening, boating on West Lake, watching the reflection of Leifeng Pagoda shimmering like gold, and the remnants of snow on the Broken Bridge, the gentleness of the south of the Yangtze River blends with the profoundness of the Buddhist temple. ❸ “Temples understand the anxieties of young people best.” “Between involution and lying flat, I choose to move heaven.” The omamori of Faxi Temple, the eighteen-bead bracelets of Lingyin Temple, the "Compassionate Cup" coffee of Yongfu Temple… Temple cultural creations and Zen experiences make praying for blessings a healing cultural therapy. Hangzhou is using its thousand-year-old wisdom to press the pause button on life for young people. --- Guide: 3 Days and 2 Nights In-depth Tour, Unlocking the Zen of Hangzhou 🚗 Itinerary Day 1: Faxi Temple Tranquility Tour - Morning: Arrive in Hangzhou and check in to a homestay by West Lake (Recommended: "Qihuxiaozhu", wake up to lake views, approx. CNY 150/night). - Afternoon: Take bus 1314 to Shangtianzhu Station and walk to Faxi Temple (Entry: CNY 10, including three incense sticks). Visit the classic photo spots: silhouette against the yellow wall, cascading steps, and century-old maple trees, and make a wish for marriage or career. - Evening: Dine at the temple's vegetarian restaurant (Recommended: Luohan Noodles, CNY 15/bowl), and experience the Zen life of "simple food and plain drink". Day 2: West Lake Stroll + Lingyin Exploration - Morning: Rent a boat on West Lake (rowing boat: CNY 150/hour), passing Su Causeway and Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, and experience the lake and mountain scenery that is "always just right, whether lightly or heavily made up". - Afternoon: Walk to Lingyin Temple (purchase Feilai Peak tickets first: CNY 45, Lingyin Temple Incense and Flower Ticket: CNY 30), explore the stone carvings and statues, and get an "eighteen-bead" bracelet (CNY 46) for blessings and peace. - Evening: Visit Hefang Street Night Market to taste Hangzhou snacks (Dingsheng Cake, Cong Bao Hui, and Longjing Shrimp), and experience the lively atmosphere. Day 3: Cultural Healing + Return Trip - Morning: Enjoy a "Compassionate Cup" coffee at Yongfu Temple (Americano: CNY 28, latte art with Zen phrases), participate in sutra copying (free), and cultivate inner peace. - Afternoon: Enjoy the autumn scenery at Manlong Guiyu (autumn限定) or climb North Peak for a panoramic view of West Lake (cable car round trip: CNY 60), concluding the healing journey. --- Must-See Highlights 1. Faxi Temple Omamori - Marriage Omamori: CNY 20/each, with optional designs of the Old Man under the Moon and peach blossoms. It should be burned or returned after one year. - Bracelets: White lotus bodhi, gold-silk jade pumpkin, etc., combining beauty and meaning. Available at the temple's Dharma objects store. 2. Popular Photo Spots - Yellow Wall Light and Shadow: Lean sideways against the wall, and have the photographer shoot from a low angle for an atmospheric photo. - Cascading Steps: Shoot from a high place, with red and plain clothes contrasting sharply with the bluestone steps, creating a strong ancient vibe. 3. Zen Experiences - Vegetarian Cuisine: Faxi Temple's vegetarian dishes are light and delicious. Don't miss the vegetarian goose and vegetarian chicken at Lingyin Temple's "Shifangyuan". - Temple Coffee: Yongfu Temple's "Compassionate Cup" coffee and Fahua Temple's "God of Wealth Coffee" (with cartoon latte art) are new favorites among young people. --- Practical Guide - Transportation: Take Subway Line 3 to Dongyue Station, then transfer to bus 121/1314 to Faxi Temple; cycling or walking is recommended in the West Lake scenic area to avoid traffic jams. - Tickets: Faxi Temple: CNY 10, Lingyin Temple + Feilai Peak: CNY 75. It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance on the "Hangzhou Temple Reservation Platform". - Accommodation: West Lake homestays (CNY 200-500/night), Qingzhiwu art guesthouses (CNY 150-300/night). Reservations are required in advance during peak season. - Things to Avoid: Omamori shops at the entrance of the scenic area are overpriced. It is recommended to purchase them inside the temple; avoid wearing short skirts or revealing clothing when visiting the temple, and respect temple etiquette.