Lingyin Temple

Why it's worth it

'Temple of the Soul's Retreat', founded 326 AD in a fold of forested hills west of the lake — still a working temple with 1,700 years of incense in its rafters, guarded by the Feilai Peak cliffs carved with 330 Buddhist figures from the 10th century.

Don't miss

• The laughing Buddha carving in the cliff grottoes at Feilai Peak — rub his belly like everyone else
• The Grand Hall's 24.8-metre camphor-wood Sakyamuni, gilded and calm in the smoke
• Morning chants with the resident monks — arrive before 8:30 to catch them

Getting there

Bus 7 or 318 from the city; taxis and bikes both work. The entrance sequence is Feilai Peak first, then the temple.

Tips

• Two tickets, one gate area: Feilai Peak caves and the temple are separately ticketed — most people buy both
• Free incense sticks come with entry; outside vendors' bigger bundles are officially discouraged
• The walk back to the bus stop past tea fields is the decompression — don't sprint it