An Underrated Hangzhou Temple! Beautiful Scenery, Few Crowds, and Free Entry

Still squeezing into Lingyin Temple with the crowds? Hangzhou has a hidden gem of a temple—Fahua Temple. It boasts beautiful scenery, few crowds, and free entry. Come visit before it becomes too popular! 🌸Temple Introduction Fahua Temple has a history of approximately 1,700 years, dating back to the Eastern Jin Dynasty. Its founding patriarch was Master Tanyi. He chanted the Lotus Sutra here for twelve years and witnessed the manifestation of the Bodhisattva Samantabhadra, which inspired him to build the temple. During the Southern Song Jianyan period, Emperor Gaozong renamed Fahua Temple to Longgui Temple, but the temple later fell into ruin. It was rebuilt during the Ming Longqing and Wanli periods and renamed Gufahua Temple during the Chongzhen period. Fahua Temple was destroyed in 1958 and rebuilt in 1999, with construction completed in 2003. It faces Lingyin Temple across North Peak, nestled in a mountain valley northwest of the peak. It is one of the few free temples in Hangzhou, open to anyone for prayer and sightseeing. 📍How to Get There Navigate to Lao Dongyue. You can take the subway to a nearby station and then transfer to a bus to the "Lao Dongyue" stop. From Lao Dongyue, embark on a relaxing hike. Follow the winding path for about 10 minutes to reach Fahua Temple. Along the way, you might encounter lush trees and the chirping of birds, experiencing the tranquility of the mountain forest in advance. If driving, navigate directly to "Lao Dongyue," follow the navigation prompts, find a suitable parking spot upon arrival, and then begin the ten-minute uphill hike. 🍝Vegetarian Noodle Guide 🕒 Opening Hours: 7:00 am–5:00 pm 🍜 Menu: Fahua Luohan Vegetarian Noodles, Fahua Luohan Vegetarian Vermicelli 💰 Price: 28 yuan/bowl 📱 Ordering Process: Order directly at the self-service kiosk upon entering! After ordering, you'll receive a random pickup code. Remember to keep it. Find a seat you like and wait for the staff to call your number. ❤️Hidden Route: North Peak Cable Car - Linshun Temple - Taoguang Temple - Yongfu Temple - Lingyin Temple If you're not in great shape, this route is perfect! Take the North Peak Cable Car uphill, effortlessly reaching Linshun Temple. Soak in the auspicious atmosphere at the God of Wealth Temple and pray for prosperity for yourself and your family. Then, from Linshun Temple, walk downhill to Taoguang Temple. Along the way, the mountain scenery is breathtaking. As you walk, the scenery constantly changes, as if you're in a landscape painting. Experience the tranquility and mystery of Taoguang Temple, admiring its unique architecture and serene environment. Afterward, head to Yongfu Temple, known as the "Most Blessed Place in Qiantang." The architecture blends seamlessly with nature. Strolling through it, you'll feel a rich cultural heritage and Zen ambiance. Finally, arrive at the renowned Lingyin Temple. As one of Hangzhou's most famous temples, Lingyin Temple's grandeur and solemnity are awe-inspiring. Pray devoutly here, experience the profound Buddhist culture, and savor the temple's vegetarian cuisine, adding a special touch to your journey. Taking the cable car uphill and walking downhill allows you to enjoy the beautiful scenery without getting too tired, making it ideal for those seeking a relaxing trip. Fahua Temple itself may seem a bit simple, but when you combine it with the surrounding temples, you can unlock a fantastic Hangzhou temple tour. Save this guide and embark on your own prayer journey soon!