Lingyin Temple, or the Temple of the Soul's Retreat, is the oldest Buddhist monastery in Hangzhou with a history that spans over 1,700 years. Sheltered by forested hills on three sides, the temple is a quiet and secluded sanctuary when it is not thronged by tourists.[China.org.cn/Photo by Jiang Yiping]

Lingyin Temple, or the Temple of the Soul's Retreat, is the oldest Buddhist monastery in Hangzhou with a history that spans over 1,700 years. Sheltered by forested hills on three sides, the temple is a quiet and secluded sanctuary when it is not thronged by tourists.[China.org.cn/Photo by Jiang Yiping]

Lingyin Temple, or the Temple of the Soul's Retreat, is the oldest Buddhist monastery in Hangzhou with a history that spans over 1,700 years. Sheltered by forested hills on three sides, the temple is a quiet and secluded sanctuary when it is not thronged by tourists.[China.org.cn/Photo by Jiang Yiping]

Lingyin Temple, or the Temple of the Soul's Retreat, is the oldest Buddhist monastery in Hangzhou with a history that spans over 1,700 years. Sheltered by forested hills on three sides, the temple is a quiet and secluded sanctuary when it is not thronged by tourists.[China.org.cn/Photo by Jiang Yiping]

Lingyin Temple, or the Temple of the Soul's Retreat, is the oldest Buddhist monastery in Hangzhou with a history that spans over 1,700 years. Sheltered by forested hills on three sides, the temple is a quiet and secluded sanctuary when it is not thronged by tourists.[China.org.cn/Photo by Jiang Yiping]

Lingyin Temple, or the Temple of the Soul's Retreat, is the oldest Buddhist monastery in Hangzhou with a history that spans over 1,700 years. Sheltered by forested hills on three sides, the temple is a quiet and secluded sanctuary when it is not thronged by tourists.[China.org.cn/Photo by Jiang Yiping]

Lingyin Temple, or the Temple of the Soul's Retreat, is the oldest Buddhist monastery in Hangzhou with a history that spans over 1,700 years. Sheltered by forested hills on three sides, the temple is a quiet and secluded sanctuary when it is not thronged by tourists.[China.org.cn/Photo by Jiang Yiping]