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Always Away visits Hangzhou during a major holiday and finds Lingyin Temple crowded. A guide explains the cave carvings, some nearly a thousand years old, and the symbols of the Tibetan Buddha of Wealth. The group learns about the temple's 1,700-year history and receives three free incense sticks representing Buddha, teachings and monks. They then ascend the rebuilt Leifeng Pagoda by escalator and lift for views of West Lake and see old carvings on the third floor. Stops at Starbucks and Jingci Temple include a bell visit, stone-lion symbolism and the shower Buddha ritual.
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Lingyin Temple and its carvings
Always Away's Hangzhou visit takes place during a major holiday, and Lingyin Temple is crowded. A guide helps the group understand the cave carvings, including works described as nearly a thousand years old. They look at the Tibetan Buddha of Wealth, whose crown and accessories are associated with prosperity, and hear that rubbing its foot is believed to bring good luck with finances. A large smiling Buddha near a temple entrance greets visitors.
The guide explains the temple's 1,700-year history, its original entrance and the custom of receiving three free incense sticks. The sticks represent Buddha, Buddhist teachings and monks. The group also sees the four heavenly kings and learns to walk clockwise around sacred spaces. The crowds are considerable, but the traveler finds the carvings and historical context impressive.
Leifeng Pagoda and Jingci Temple
The travelers continue to Leifeng Pagoda, a modern rebuild after the earlier structure was destroyed in 2002. Escalators and lifts make the ascent easier, and the upper levels offer panoramic views of West Lake and nearby mountains. On the third floor, they see old stone carvings depicting a local fairy tale. The group also stops at Starbucks, where they notice that merchandise such as mugs costs less than expected and receive an oversized fabric bag.
At Jingci Temple, the guide describes stone lions that guard entrances: the male is associated with a ball and authority, while the female is associated with a cup and nurturing. The travelers ring a large bell, which they learn was gifted by Japan, and visit the shower Buddha ritual. The practice involves bathing Buddha statues and is believed to cleanse the soul; it is done in multiples of three for good luck. Their day combines cave art, pagoda views and temple traditions, with a local guide providing context throughout.
The guide also describes the four heavenly kings who guard the temple and the custom of walking clockwise around sacred spaces. The group travels with TripO, a tour company whose local guides help with navigation and cultural details. At Starbucks, they note that mugs cost less than expected and receive an oversized fabric bag as a free extra. These observations add modern convenience to a day that otherwise focuses on temple art and traditions.
FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)
- Q: What was the most crowded place visited?
- A: Lingyin Temple was incredibly busy due to a holiday, making it the most crowded place the traveler experienced. The group still had time to see the cave carvings with a guide.
- Q: What made the cave carvings so impressive?
- A: The carvings were nearly a thousand years old and incredibly detailed, making them the most impressive the traveler had ever seen. The guide explains the figures and their significance.
- Q: Why is the Tibetan Buddha associated with wealth?
- A: He is depicted with a crown and more accessories, signifying wealth and prosperity, and his foot is rubbed for good luck with finances.
- Q: What is the significance of the free incense sticks at temples?
- A: Each of the three free sticks represents Buddha, Buddhist teachings and monks, and they are typically burned together. The group receives incense at Lingyin Temple.
- Q: What was unique about the Leifeng Pagoda visit?
- A: It featured escalators and lifts for easy access to the top, offering panoramic views of West Lake, and housed ancient carvings on its third floor.
- Q: Why are Starbucks mugs cheaper in China?
- A: The traveler thinks they may be manufactured in China, which could explain the lower price. The group notes that the merchandise costs less than expected during a Starbucks stop.
- Q: What is the symbolism of the stone lions at temple entrances?
- A: They act as protectors; the male lion has a ball representing authority, while the female has a cup, symbolizing nurturing. The guide explains the figures at Jingci Temple.
- Q: What is the 'shower Buddha' ritual?
- A: It involves cleansing Buddha statues, which is believed to cleanse one's soul. The ritual is performed in multiples of three for good luck.
