Lingyanshan Temple - one of the most popular Buddhist Temples in Suzhou
Last Update: 15th October 2020
Originally built in the Western Jin Dynasty (266 – 316), Lingyanshan Temple was unfortunately destroyed in 1860 by war. The existing one was rebuilt in the 1930s. It is located on the Lingya Mountain near Lake Tai
Lingyanshan Temple Fast Facts
- Chinese Name: Lingyanshansi (灵岩山寺)
- Area: 23,000 x square meters
- Things to do there: Photography, History and Culture, Buddhism
- Who visits: Photographers, History and Culture Lovers, Buddhist Disciples
- Time required:1 – 2 x hours
Interested in visiting the Lingyanshan Temple on a Tour?
Wendy Wei Tours offers a variety of different packaged tours as well as custom tours including the Lingyanshan Temple, among other attractions and destinations. To find out more, please visit our Tours page or Contact Us directly to find out more.
What to expect at the Lingyanshan Temple
Although the temple is very popular among local Buddhist disciples, it is not commercialized. Therefore, decorations and statues in the temple are simple unlike their kinds of other temples across China. Surprisingly, the entrance ticket for the temple is only 1 CNY per person. The pricing policy has been carried on for more than 20 years. As the temple is not developed into a commercial district, the buildings there are not splendid at all. Walk around the temple and you’ll feel the true feeling that you never experience in other temples.
At the top of the mountain, you’ll enjoy the bird’s eye views of Mudu Old Town.The main hall at Lingyanshan Temple is 25 meters tall and 20 meters wide. The statue of Buddha Sakyamuni is worshiped in the middle of the hall. On the right is a garden which was the imperial garden of Guanwa Palace in the Spring and Autumn Period (770 BC – 476 BC). You’ll find the cultural ruins, including Well of King Wu, Longevity Pavilion, Ponds of Play with the Moon and Play with Flowers and the dressing table.
Originally built in 503 and rebuilt in 1147, the 7-layer Lingyan Pagoda is the most featured old building in the temple. Stone Buddha is worshiped on each floor. The bell tower has the bronze bell cast in 1667 to admire.
The best time to visit the temple is at sunrise or sunset.
The best months to visit are from April to October.
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 326, 505, 512, 665, 2, 511, and Bus Y4 to the Stop of Lingyanshan Shoumo (灵岩山首末站). Then walk to the temple.
- Take Bus 43, 64, 65, 312, 446, or Bus 663 to the Stop of Lingyanshan (灵岩山站). Then walk to the temple.
- Opening hours: 24 x hours.
- As at 15th October 2020, the entrance pricing to the temple is 1 CNY per person. For the latest pricing, please contact us via email (info@wendyweitours.com)
- Please wear comfortable hiking shoes.
- Please keep quiet in the temple.
Interested in visiting the Lingyanshan Temple on a Tour?
Wendy Wei Tours offers a variety of different packaged tours as well as custom tours including the Lingyanshan Temple among other attractions and destinations. To find out more, please visit our Tours page or Contact Us directly to find out more.