9/26.- Hangzhou, Lingyin Temple

Lingyin is known in English as the "Temple of the Soul's Retreat" or the "Temple of Inspired Seclusion". During the time of the Five Dynasties, 3000 monks lived and prayed here. Lingyin Temple belongs to the Zen Buddhist sect.

Lingyin Temple follows a typical Chinese architectural pattern, where buildings are aligned on a north-south axis. You access the temple though a big gate, where the sculptures of the Warrior Guardians who protect the temple are. Next, you get to a courtyard where the first pavilion stands. Here you find incense burners and offering plates, and the Historical Buddha statue carved out of camphor wood.

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