Faxi Temple Hangzhou (上天竺法喜寺): One of the Most Beautiful Temples We Visited
If you're visiting Lingyin Temple in Hangzhou, there's another temple nearby that I really recommend:
Shang Tianzhu Faxi Temple — 上天竺法喜寺.
Personally, I think this was one of the most beautiful temples we visited in Hangzhou.
Yellow temple walls.
Dark tiled roofs.
Red lanterns.
Trees and mountains surrounding everything.
And because the temple is built upwards along the hillside, every time you climb another set of stairs, you discover another courtyard or building above you.
If you're already visiting Lingyin Temple, I would definitely continue to Faxi Temple afterwards.
What Is Faxi Temple?
Faxi Temple (法喜寺) is also known as Shang Tianzhu Temple (上天竺寺).
It's located in the Tianzhu mountain area not far from Lingyin Temple.
The temple was first established in 939 AD, giving it a history of more than 1,000 years. It became particularly associated with the worship of Guanyin (观音) and developed into an important Buddhist site in Hangzhou.
During the Qing dynasty, Emperor Qianlong gave the temple the name 法喜寺 — Faxi Temple.
So while Lingyin Temple might be the internationally famous name everyone knows, Faxi Temple has its own very long history.
Why I Think Faxi Temple Is So Beautiful
This is probably the main reason I'd recommend coming.
The architecture here photographs beautifully.
You have these strong yellow walls contrasted against:
black roofs
red lanterns
green mountains
and the traditional wooden temple architecture.
Because Faxi Temple is built along the terrain of the mountain, the temple isn't completely flat either.
You keep walking upward through:
stairs → courtyard → temple hall → stairs → another courtyard
And when you look back down, you get these layered views of temple rooftops surrounded by trees.
It's very Hangzhou.
It's Different From Lingyin Temple
I wouldn't necessarily choose between Lingyin Temple and Faxi Temple.
Do both.
Lingyin feels much bigger.
You also have Feilai Peak, the Buddhist stone carvings, different temples and the entire surrounding scenic area.
Faxi Temple feels more compact and intimate.
For me:
Lingyin Temple = history + scale + iconic Hangzhou attraction
Faxi Temple = atmosphere + architecture + beautiful mountain temple
That's why they work so well together.
Our Hangzhou Temple Route
We actually made several temples part of the same day.
Our route was roughly:
北高峰 Beigao Peak
↓
天下第一财神庙 / Lingshun Temple
↓
Lingyin Temple 灵隐寺
↓
Shang Tianzhu Faxi Temple 上天竺法喜寺
It ended up being one of my favourite days in Hangzhou because none of the temples felt exactly the same.
If you're planning to follow a similar route, start reasonably early so you aren't rushing through everything.
→ Read: Lingyin Temple Hangzhou 灵隐寺
How Much Is Faxi Temple?
Recent 2026 visitor information lists general admission at around:
¥10 per person
with three incense sticks included for visitors.
That's extremely affordable for somewhere you can easily spend an hour or two exploring.
Ticketing arrangements can change, so I'd still check the latest information before visiting.
Faxi Temple Opening Hours
Current 2026 visitor information generally lists Faxi Temple as opening around:
6:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
If photography is important to you, I'd consider going earlier.
Not only should there generally be fewer people, but the quieter morning atmosphere suits this temple really well.
How Long Should You Spend at Faxi Temple?
I'd allow around:
1–2 hours
for a comfortable visit.
You could technically walk through faster, but this isn't somewhere I'd rush.
Explore the courtyards.
Walk further up.
Look back at the architecture.
Take photos.
Sit down for a while.
Especially if you've already spent the day walking around Lingyin Temple, Faxi Temple is a nice place to slow things down.
How to Get to Faxi Temple
Faxi Temple is located at:
No. 239 Tianzhu Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou.
It's within the wider Tianzhu–Lingyin scenic area, so I think the easiest way to plan it is together with Lingyin Temple rather than treating it as a completely separate attraction.
From Lingyin Temple, the easiest way to reach Faxi Temple is the ¥10 sightseeing shuttle. After exiting Lingyin, look for the 咫尺西天 wall, walk right and you'll find the shuttle pickup point. The ride takes around five minutes.
→ Read my full Lingyin Temple to Faxi Temple transport guide
→ How to Use Public Transportation in Hangzhou
Don't Just Come for Photos
Faxi Temple has become a very photogenic place to visit, and I can understand why.
It really is beautiful.
But remember that this is still an active Buddhist temple, not just a photography location.
People come here to worship Guanyin, offer incense and practise their faith.
So take your photos, enjoy the architecture, but also be respectful around worshippers and inside the temple halls.
The Hangzhou Buddhist Association describes Shang Tianzhu as an important historic Guanyin temple whose religious tradition stretches back more than a millennium.
Is Faxi Temple Worth Visiting?
Yes — absolutely.
Especially if you're already visiting Lingyin Temple.
It doesn't require another full day.
It's affordable.
It's nearby.
And visually, I think Faxi Temple is one of the prettiest temples in Hangzhou.
Even looking back at the photos afterwards, those yellow walls surrounded by mountains are instantly recognisable.
So if you're planning your Hangzhou itinerary:
Don't stop at Lingyin Temple.
Continue a little further to:
上天竺法喜寺.
I think you'll be glad you did.
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