Yan Zhou
Quick Lookup
I've lost count of how many times I've done this route. West Lake to Lingyin Temple—a journey that looks simple on paper but trips up even savvy travelers. Last week, a couple from Australia showed up at the lakefront with a printed map from 2012 and zero clue about the bus system. We fixed it in 5 minutes. Let me save you that hassle.
Here's the short version: take bus 7 or 7W from the lakeside (stop: Jiefanglu or Yan'an Road) directly to Lingyin Temple. Costs 2 yuan. Takes 40 minutes off-peak. But timing is everything—crowds peak at 10am, and the ticket booth can be a nightmare if you don't know the trick. Keep reading.
How to Get from West Lake to Lingyin Temple
Three main options. Pick based on your budget and patience.
By Public Bus (Cheapest & Most Local)
Bus 7 and 7W are your friends. Board at Jiefanglu Bus Stop (near Hubin area, walk 5 minutes from the lake) or Yan'an Road Stop. The bus terminates at Lingyin Temple. Fare: 2 RMB (cash or Alipay). Buses run every 10 minutes from 6:00 to 21:00. Avoid 8-9am and 5-6pm when traffic jams turn it into a 70-minute crawl.
Pro tip: sit on the right side for views of the hills through the bamboo groves. And don't expect AC to work in summer—carry a fan.
By Taxi (Fastest but Pricier)
A metered taxi from the lake area costs around 25-35 RMB. 20-30 minutes without traffic. Make sure the driver turns on the meter—some try to negotiate a flat 50 RMB. Just say "Qù Língyǐn Sì, dǎbiǎo" (go to Lingyin Temple, use the meter). If you're in a ride-hailing app like Didi, it's about 20 RMB.
By Bike or Walk (Scenic but Takes Effort)
Distance: about 7 km. You can cycle along the Beishan Road and then up Lingyin Road. It's uphill in parts—electric-assist bikes recommended. Takes 40 minutes by bike. Walking is possible but 2+ hours and not pleasant in heat. I'd only recommend if you're a fitness enthusiast.
Lingyin Temple Tickets and Entry Tips
Here's where most foreigners get confused. There are TWO tickets.
| Ticket | Price | Where to Buy | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feilai Peak (飞来峰) Entrance | 45 RMB (adult), 22.5 RMB (student/child) | Main gate or WeChat mini-program | This grants access to the surrounding hills and caves, plus the outer temple area |
| Lingyin Temple (灵隐寺) Incense Ticket | 30 RMB (cash or mobile payment only) | Inside the temple, after Feilai Peak gate | You must buy this separately to enter the main temple halls |
No, you cannot buy the temple ticket online in advance. Bring cash (small bills) or use Alipay/WeChat. International credit cards won't work at the counter. I've seen too many people turned away. If you don't have Alipay, ask a fellow visitor to help scan—most locals are friendly.
Opening hours: 7:00-17:30 daily (last entry 17:00 for Feilai Peak, 17:15 for temple). Closed during some festivals—check official site if you're coming during Chinese New Year or Qingming.
Best Time to Visit Lingyin Temple
Avoid late morning and early afternoon on weekends and holidays. March-April and September-October are peak seasons with cherry blossoms and pleasant weather. But crowds? Insane. I prefer winter (December-February) on a weekday—fewer people, and the temple looks serene under a light drizzle.
Summer (July-August) is humid and crowded. If you must go, start at 7am and leave by 11am. Afternoon heat can be brutal.
What to See at Lingyin Temple
Don't just rush to the main hall. Here's my recommended route:
- Feilai Peak Caves: Ancient Buddhist rock carvings. Look for the smiling Maitreya statue—it's the most photographed. The carvings date back to the 10th century. Take the path on the left after entering Feilai Peak gate.
- Hall of the Four Heavenly Kings: First hall inside the temple. Impressive statues.
- Great Hero Hall (Daxiong Baodian): The main hall with a 24.8-meter-tall golden Buddha statue. Yes, it's massive.
- Medicine Buddha Hall: Less crowded, beautiful murals.
- Huayan Hall: Houses a giant wooden Buddha and 365 small golden Buddhas representing each day of the year. Find yours!
- Tea House: Behind the temple. They serve Longjing tea from the nearby hills. A peaceful break.
Wear comfortable shoes—there are many stairs. And don't touch the carvings in the caves; they're fragile.
Combining West Lake and Lingyin Temple in One Day
If you have only 24 hours, here's a realistic timeline:
| Time | Activity | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 6:30 AM | Sunrise at West Lake | Walk along Su Causeway or Broken Bridge. Quiet and misty. |
| 7:30 AM | Bus/Taxi to Lingyin | Use bus 7 or taxi. Arrive before 8am to beat crowds. |
| 8:00-10:00 AM | Visit Lingyin Temple | Start with Feilai Peak caves, then temple halls. |
| 10:00-10:30 AM | Tea break | Tea house inside temple or a small shop outside. |
| 10:30-11:30 AM | Walk to nearby attractions | Optional: Beigao Peak for a panoramic view (30-min hike). Or skip if tired. |
| 12:00 PM | Lunch near Lingyin | I recommend Grandma's Home (外婆家) outside the south gate—good Hangzhou dishes. Budget 50-70 RMB per person. Cash or mobile pay. |
| 1:30-4:00 PM | Back to West Lake | Visit a specific area like Huagang Fish Viewing or Leifeng Pagoda. Skip the crowded boat rides. |
If it rains: swap outdoor West Lake for China National Tea Museum (free, nearby) or a tea tasting session at Meijiawu village. Both are covered and interesting.
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