Visiting Hangzhou’s Temples and Pagodas

Written by Viator, May 2012

RECOMMENDATION Keywords:
Cultural Experience, Good Views / Viewpoint, Religious Experience, Tip - What to See & Do, Temple

Despite being a modern city of over six million people, Hangzhou still prominently features a large number of ancient style temples and pagodas where visitors may feel as if they’re passing time in the Hangzhou of old. Take a stroll through manicured temple grounds, gaze at the multi-tiered pagodas and make incense offerings inside spiritual and smoke-filled halls. Temple activities aside, many of the temples and pagodas of Hangzhou are located in scenic areas of the city where the view alone justifies a visit, regardless of religious affiliation.

While some of the more popular temples in Hangzhou such as Lingyin Temple or Six Harmonies Pagoda receive most of the attention, there are numerous lesser-visited temples scattered about the medium- sized city where visitors can go to escape the crowds. At the Three Temples of Tianzhu Hill, three tranquil temples rest in forested woodlands and each has a history dating back over 1,000 years. As Tianzhu Hill is far less trafficked than nearby Lingyin Temple, it’s become a place where many local Buddhists come to worship and relax in the serene hillside environment. Back in the downtown section of Hangzhou, the Confucius Temple exhibits how visiting local temples can also be an educational experience. Constructed over 1,200 years ago the temple is meant to honor the great philosopher Confucius, and visitors to the temple are able to learn the history behind the religion of Confucianism and inspect ancient pieces of calligraphic masterpieces that local Chinese scholars still study to this day.

More than ornately decorated sanctuaries that are good for snapping a few photos, visits to the temples and pagodas of Hangzhou allow visitors to peek into the religious customs of local worshippers, learn the lengthy history of religious founders and get accustomed to the spiritual lore revolving around the city of Hangzhou.

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All Visiting Hangzhou’s Temples and Pagodas Reviews

Reply by Viator, March 2013
Doing what: Hangzhou - Heaven on Earth Day Trip from Shanghai

AWESOME must see

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Reply by Viator, December 2012
Doing what: Hangzhou - Heaven on Earth Day Trip from Shanghai

The tour was great! It turned out to be a private tour. My guide Catherine was simply the best. She took care of me and explained all the things that I need to know about Hangzhou, West Lake, Lingyin Temple, Meijiawu, etc. I definitely recommend this tour to everyone!

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Reply by Viator, December 2012
Doing what: Hangzhou - Heaven on Earth Day Trip from Shanghai

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