Experience the Tranquility of Hangzhou's Faxi Temple: A Journey Through a Millennium of Zen

1. Overview of the Temple Hangzhou Faxi Temple (Shangtianzhu Faxi Lecture Temple) was founded in the early years of the Later Jin Dynasty during the Five Dynasties period (936 AD). It is the origin of the White-robed Guanyin in China and was regarded as the foremost of the 'Five Mountains' teaching temples during the Southern Song Dynasty. The temple was named 'Faxi Temple' by Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty. Built against the mountain, the temple features yellow walls, black tiles, and ancient trees, creating a harmonious blend of historical significance and Zen atmosphere. It is a popular destination for Buddhist cultural tourism in Hangzhou. 2. Must-Experience Activities 1. Ancient Magnolia Secret Realm Every year from March to April, the 500-year-old magnolia trees in the temple bloom, with white flowers hanging like lanterns. Combined with the Zen inscriptions and yellow walls, it forms the 'Magnolia Secret Realm.' The blooming period in 2025 is expected to last until mid-April, and reservations for photography are recommended. Recommended photography spots: Ancient magnolia tree in front of the Five Observations Hall, eaves of the side hall of the Mahavira Hall. 2. Blessing Ceremonies • Touching Characters for Blessing: The stone wall at the entrance is engraved with scriptures. Visitors can touch characters like 'joy,' 'blessing,' and 'peace' for good fortune. • Amulet Blessing: The temple's artifact circulation area offers amulets for 20-30 yuan each, containing mugwort or talisman paper, which need to be replaced annually. • Love Blessing: The Matchmaker's Office is located at the highest point of the right corridor, filled with red ribbon wish plaques. It is recommended to bring coins for tossing. 3. Vegetarian Dining The dining hall offers vegetarian roast goose for 5 yuan per serving, along with a meal of rice, vegetables, and soup. No need to queue before 11 am. The vegetarian dishes are known for their light and fresh taste, and the 'Zen Vegetarian Goose' is highly recommended. 3. Practical Tips 1. Tickets and Reservations • Regular tickets are 10 yuan per person (including three incense sticks), with free admission on 12 days such as Qingming Festival (April 4). • Reservations are required through the 'Hangzhou Temple Visit Reservation Platform' to avoid holiday queues. 2. Transportation Guide • Bus: Take routes 121/324M/103/1314 to 'Shangtianzhu' station, then walk 300 meters to the temple. • Driving: There is no nearby subway station. It is recommended to park at Dongyue Station on Metro Line 3, 3 kilometers away, and walk or take a taxi. 3. Best Visiting Times • Early Morning (6:00-7:30): Avoid crowds and capture the morning mist, yellow walls, and ancient magnolias. • Evening (16:00-17:30): The setting sun casts beautiful light and shadows on the wisteria waterfall and bell tower eaves. 4. Notes • Dress Code: Avoid revealing clothing. Women are advised to wear long pants or skirts. • Etiquette: Wash hands before worship, make wishes sincerely and silently, and do not step on thresholds. • Safety Tips: Be cautious on wet stone steps during rainy days; climbing ancient trees is prohibited. 5. Nearby Recommendations • Zhongtianzhu Zen Temple: A 10-minute walk away, known for its bamboo forest, tea fields, and Zen atmosphere. • Longjing Village: Visit the tea gardens on the way back and enjoy a cup of pre-Qingming tea with the local tea-picking ladies. With this guide, you can not only experience the thousand-year Zen charm of Faxi Temple but also create unique memories among the ancient magnolias and red walls. It is recommended to visit during the Qingming holiday for a better experience.