A Tranquil Retreat for the Dragon Boat Festival at Fajing Temple

During the Dragon Boat Festival, Fajing Temple in Hangzhou offers a rare and serene escape. Located at 112 Tianzhu Road in Xihu District, nestled between Fajing Temple and Faxi Temple, it is recognized as the foremost Zen temple of the Southern Song Dynasty. Upon entering the temple, visitors are greeted by the unique female-bodied Maitreya Bodhisattva statue in the Hall of Heavenly Kings. Behind it stands the distinctive statue of Marici, featuring three faces, eight arms, and a pig-headed human form. The 12-meter-tall, 48-armed Guanyin statue in the Hall of Universal Salvation exudes solemnity, with a hidden surprise of an eleven-faced Guanyin on its side. In the Mahavira Hall, a Guanyin statue carved from a single piece of Vietnamese agarwood emits a faint sandalwood fragrance. Visitors can also touch the bamboo mat relief on the back, symbolizing "blessings through touch." The temple is open to the public for free. It is recommended to arrive before 9 a.m. to avoid crowds and enjoy the morning light casting shadows of bamboo on the yellow walls. The temple is easily accessible via public transportation: take Metro Line 3 to Huanglongdong Station, transfer to Bus 1314, and alight at "Zhongtianzhu" Station, followed by a 3-minute walk. For those driving, parking is available at the "Santianzhu" parking lot, though spaces are limited. Here, you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city, immerse yourself in Zen tranquility, and enjoy a peaceful and harmonious Dragon Boat Festival.