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Step into Ci'en Temple, a serene Buddhist sanctuary nestled in Hangzhou. This ancient temple, with its centuries-old trees and fragrant incense, offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle. The Great Buddha Hall is a must-see, where the golden statues exude a profound sense of tranquility. Surrounded by the scenic West Lake, the temple provides a perfect blend of spiritual solace and natural beauty, making it an unforgettable stop on your journey.
Need a getaway from the city? Nestled at the foot of Qinghua Mountain, this hidden gem offers breathtaking sunrise, sunset, and sea of clouds views – even featured on CCTV! Perfect for families (with kids' club & playground), couples, or corporate retreats with BBQ pits, KTV, and versatile meeting rooms. Animal lovers can interact with friendly creatures, while fitness fans enjoy the gym, basketball court, and ping pong. Just 12 mins to Hangzhou South Station and 40 mins to West Lake, it blends tranquility with convenience. Don’t miss the authentic local cuisine – your mountain escape starts here!
Everything you need to know about Ci'en Temple
Hangzhou West Lake State Banquet Hotel is a top choice, located just 1.5 km from Ci'en Temple with serene lake views and traditional Chinese courtyard architecture. The hotel offers complimentary shuttle service to the temple, ideal for visiting during morning prayers or evening chants. Rooms feature Zen-inspired interiors with Song Dynasty calligraphy and minimalist design, blending modern comfort with spiritual tranquility. Guests can enjoy daily vegetarian breakfasts, aligning with the temple’s Buddhist values. Perfect for travelers seeking cultural immersion and peaceful retreats near one of Hangzhou’s historic Buddhist sites.
The easiest route from downtown Hangzhou is taking Line 1 Metro to Longxiang Bridge Station, then transferring to Bus 7 or 807 to "Ci'en Temple" stop—about 25 minutes. Taxi rides take around 15 minutes (approx. CNY 30), though traffic congestion may occur during peak hours. Alternatively, shared bicycles offer a scenic and flexible option, allowing travelers to explore the West Lake area and surrounding temples at their own pace. Many nearby hotels provide free bike rentals, making it easy to visit nearby landmarks like Su Causeway and Leifeng Pagoda while enjoying the natural beauty of the region.
Visitors can join daily morning chanting sessions at Ci'en Temple to experience authentic Buddhist meditation practices. The temple also offers handwritten sutra workshops, where guests learn to copy the Heart Sutra using traditional brush and ink under expert guidance, creating a meaningful keepsake. Weekend events include tea ceremony and incense art workshops, blending Hangzhou’s renowned tea culture with monastic rituals. For a magical moment, don’t miss the night lantern festival, when thousands of lotus lanterns illuminate the grounds, creating a serene atmosphere perfect for photography and quiet reflection.
Yes, Hangzhou West Lake State Banquet Hotel and Banyan Tree Hangzhou West Lake are excellent choices for families, offering interconnecting rooms and dedicated kids’ play areas. Both are within a 10-minute walk of Ci'en Temple and provide guided family-friendly cultural tours, including Buddha painting workshops and storytelling sessions based on Buddhist parables. On-site amenities such as hot springs, indoor pools, and safe recreational zones allow parents to relax while children enjoy supervised activities. Nearby parks like Quyuan Fenghe and Huagang Guanyu offer scenic walking paths and nature exploration—perfect for bonding moments and educational outdoor fun.
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