Temple of Soul’s Retreat
Lingyin Temple
The Temple of the Souls Retreat is regarded as one of the most prominent Buddhist Temples in China.
statues and grotto's
On the way to the Temple there is an area known as Fei Lai Feng which translated means flown from afar. Legend has it that an Indian monk named Huili arrived in the valley 1,600 years ago and seen these limestone cliffs which are unique in China but common in India. Hence the peaks name was created and is still called this present day.
There are over 300 carved figures in the cliffs
Prayer Buddha
These carvings date from the 10th to 14th centuries
Laughing Buddha
One of the larger carvings is the laughing Buddha. Why does the Buddha have such a large belly? This is where Buddha keeps all the world’s troubles.
Laughing Buddha
Lingyin Temple
The Temple was founded in 328 AD by the Jin Dynasty. At its heyday more than 3,000 monks resided there.
Lighting Incense for Prayer
Cauldron Foot Warrior
I was intrgued by the detail of the three feet on the Cauldron as they were fierce looking warriors.
On the way to prayer
One of eighteen pavilions
Today the temple is still thriving as a destination for both pilgrims and tourist alike.
Detail work on the Baluster
Located near Hangzhou it is well worth the trip to visit both of these unique places.
Temple of Soul’s Retreat