Featured Hotels Near Jiqingchan Temple

Stay at Yunqi Chan Academy, a boutique retreat nestled near Jiqing Temple, offering serene surroundings and traditional Jiangnan architecture fused with modern comfort. Enjoy tranquil views of the Lingyin Mountains from your room, meditate in the courtyard at dawn, or sip tea under willow trees by night—true Zen living. Just 1.5 km from the temple (20-minute walk or free electric shuttle), it’s perfect for spiritual seekers. The inn hosts daily activities like tea ceremonies and sutra copying, blending culture and calm in a timeless setting.

Take Metro Line 1 to Longxiangqiao Station, then transfer to Bus No. 7 or 197 to "Jiqing Temple" stop—about 30 minutes total. If driving, navigate to "Jiqing Temple Parking Lot," but expect limited space on weekends and holidays; arrive early. Alternatively, rent an e-bike—a flexible, scenic option. From downtown, it’s just 15 minutes through lush parks and lakeside paths, offering a peaceful slow travel experience while soaking in the natural beauty of West Lake.

Beyond morning rituals and chanting, Jiqing Temple hosts traditional tea ceremony workshops led by senior monks, teaching Song Dynasty-style tea preparation. There’s also sutras copying sessions, where visitors write the Heart Sutra in brush calligraphy, fostering mindfulness. The temple features the Four Seasons Zen Garden: cherry blossoms in spring, lotus blooms in summer, chrysanthemums in autumn, and snow walks in winter, each season offering themed events. At night, join the lantern blessing ceremony, hanging wish lanterns to express hopes—immersing yourself in the profound beauty of Oriental Zen spirit.

Yes, Yunqi Chan Academy is ideal for families, featuring family suites, child-friendly meditation corners, and barrier-free pathways. Parents can join parent-child mindfulness days, bonding over sutra copying, tea tasting, and planting small potted gardens. The on-site vegetarian restaurant offers kid-approved menus, and complimentary children’s Zen robes are available for rental. With a serene yet warm atmosphere that balances reverence and playfulness, it’s a perfect choice for a family healing journey.

The Zen Courtyard and Lotus Pond are must-photograph locations—especially at dawn when mist floats above the water, reflecting the curved eaves like a ink-wash painting. Another hotspot: the stone steps beneath the thousand-year-old ginkgo tree, where golden leaves carpet the ground in autumn, creating dappled light effects. For night photography, the stargazing platform offers clear skies and Milky Way views. Pair your shot with flowing Zen robes and incense smoke for stunning Zen-inspired portraits—a hidden gem for photographers.

Start at 6:30 AM with the morning bell and chanting ceremony, followed by 30 minutes of silent sitting in the Zen courtyard to absorb nature’s energy. Attend a tea ceremony and sutra copying workshop in the morning, then stroll by the lotus pond or join a guided meditation session in the afternoon. Head to the stargazing platform before dusk to unwind with sounds of wind and insects. Enjoy a refined vegetarian dinner, followed by quiet conversation. The day flows with simplicity, awareness, and presence—perfect for a deep inner reset journey.