Jingci Temple ​- Buddhist Temple located within the West Lake Scenic Area

Last Update: 9th October 2020

 

Originally built in 954 and rebuilt in the 1980s, Jinci Temple is located at the southern bank of the West Lake. It is well-known for the old Nanping Wanzhong Bell. The temple is one of the four ancient temples at the West Lake in Hangzhou.

Jingci Temple Fast Facts

  • Chinese Name: Jingcisi (净慈寺)
  • History: originally built in 954
  • Things to do there: Photography, Buddhism
  • Who visits: Photographers, Buddhist Believers
  • Time required: 1 – 2 x hours

Interested in visiting the Jingci Temple on a Tour?

Wendy Wei Tours offers a variety of different packaged tours as well as custom tours including the Jingci Temple, among other attractions and destinations. To find out more, please visit our Tours page or Contact Us directly to find out more.

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What to expect at the Jingci Temple

In the Ming (1368 – 1644) and Qing (1644 – 1912) Dynasties, Jingci Temple was very popular in Hangzhou. On the Eve of China’s New Year, fireworks made the temple bright. Many people went to the temple to pray that day in the past. Today, you’ll also see this crowded views in the temple. The temple also offers a great point to admire the panoramic views of the West Lake.

Jingci Temple offers yellow walls while the gate is painted red. The main hall is covered with yellow glazed tiles. In front of the gate are two stone lions. After entering the gate, you’ll see the bell tower on the right. The Ksitigarbha is worshiped on the ground floor. On the first floor is the Nanping Wanzhong Bell. The outside part of the bronze bell is carved with the Lotus Sutra. The number of the Buddhist text is more than 68,000. The bell is usually struck 108 times at 4 am and 8 pm by monks. If you are interested to strike it, you’d need to pay an additional fee. The sound always lasts for around 2 minutes long.
Best time to visit the Jingci Temple

If you’d love to visit the temple for photography purposes, the best time to visit is at sunset.

 

The best months to visit are from April to October.

 

 

How to get to the Jingci Temple

Several buses pass by the temple. Thus, there are several options.

  • Rent a vehicle to the temple. This is the quickest and most direct option.
  • Take Bus Y1, Y2, Y3, Y4, Y6, Y7, 291, 504 or Bus 822 to the Stop of Jinsi (净寺站). Then walk to the temple
Additional Jingci Temple Advice
  • Opening hours: 06:00 – 18:00 (April – October); 06:30 – 17:00 (November – March)
  • As at 9th October 2020, the entrance pricing to the temple is 10 CNY per person. For the latest pricing, please contact us via email (info@wendyweitours.com)
  • As at 9th October 2020, the ticket for the vegetarian dish in the temple is 6 CNY per person, including plain rice, two types of vegetables and a soup.
  • Tourists are not permitted to strike the bell from 15:30 pm on.
  • Please keep quiet in the temple.

Interested in visiting the Jingci Temple on a Tour?

Wendy Wei Tours offers a variety of different packaged tours as well as custom tours including the Jingci Temple among other attractions and destinations. To find out more, please visit our Tours page or Contact Us directly to find out more.