Hiking Trail at Jingci Temple, West Lake, Hangzhou
My impression of Jingci Temple I guess you feel the same way as I do.
From Yang Wanli’s “Leaving Jingci Temple at Dawn to Send Lin Zifang”
Jingci Temple is also the site of South Screen Evening Bell, one of the Ten Scenic Spots of West Lake.
It is also the place where the legend of Ji Gong’s ancient wooden boat took place.
It is only a street away from Leifeng Pagoda, but few people come here.
Ancient trees, bell sounds, and incense smoke.
The atmosphere of Zen is immersive.
This place is truly a quiet and peaceful place.
Do not approach with a worldly heart or a tourist’s eyes.
One must cultivate a transcendent heart and a devout gaze
to truly perceive the Zen essence and beauty within..
🗺️Route
Entrance: Vajra Hall—Bell Tower—Ji Gong Courtyard—Ancient Well of the Wood-Carrying Legend—Dharma Hall—Sakyamuni Hall—Su Dongpo Tea Pavilion—Silent Realm Path—Sucun Zhai
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⛩️Ancient Temple and Ancient Trees
The most famous feature of this thousand-year-old temple is the Nanping Evening Bell. At 8 PM, the bell tolls, and its sound echoes through Nanping Mountain and reaches Hangzhou City. There is currently an exhibition of artifacts from the Southern Song Dynasty monk Wenfang..
📿Ji Gong Courtyard
A very quiet courtyard, with tall trees and swimming fish, creating a sense of stillness and Zen. Legend has it that Ji Gong used the ancient well to transport large logs to repair Jingci Temple.
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🌲Silent Path
My personal favorite spot, where soft light illuminates the emerald-green tree-lined path, evoking a sense of seclusion. Su Dongpo once asked about tea here..
🕋Vegetarian Snacks
The vegetarian food at Jingci Temple is delicious, with three categories available. At the exit, there are vegetarian snacks like tofu chicken. To the right of the exit, there is an entrance (don’t go out) leading to the guest hall, where a 10-yuan lunch is served in limited quantities. The vegetarian spring feast features delicious vegetarian noodles..
📍Location: Jingci Temple, West Lake
🚙Transportation: Take the Metro Line 1 to Longxiang Bridge Station, then take the West Lake Inner Ring Line bus from the Victory Theater bus stop and get off at Jingci Temple Station.
🎫 Admission: 10 yuan, free with temple card, open from 6:30 AM to 5:00 PM
🍵 Cuisine: Vegetarian snacks are available at the exit of the temple, vegetarian lunch is served in the dining hall, and Su Chun Zhai offers more exquisite vegetarian noodles and dishes
⚠️ Note: Please maintain quietness as this is a Buddhist temple.
