In the shadow of its world-famous neighbor, Lingyin Monastery, at the foot of the same mountains, stands another, no less majestic but much more secluded monastery — Yongfu (Monastery of Eternal Bliss). Unlike the ceremonial and often overcrowded Lingyin, Yongfu offers a completely different experience — it is a path to tranquility, deep contemplation, and harmonious merging with nature.
History of Foundation
Yongfu has a long history intertwined with that of Lingyin. It was founded in 927 AD during the time of the powerful state of Wuyue by King Qian Liu and his descendants. Initially, it was part of a large monastery complex and served as a place of seclusion and rest for monks from Lingyin, as well as a burial place for high-ranking abbots. Over its more than thousand-year history, it, like Lingyin, was repeatedly destroyed and restored. It acquired its modern appearance after a large-scale restoration completed in 2006, which carefully recreated its former grandeur in the style of the Tang Dynasty.
Architectural Concept: A Temple on Terraces
The uniqueness of Yongfu lies in its authentic and meticulously thought-out layout. Unlike the axial structure of many Chinese monasteries, Yongfu is located on a mountainside on several natural terraces, connected by stone staircases and paths winding through bamboo groves and ancient trees. The ascent along these paths is not just physical movement, but a metaphor for the gradual detachment from worldly noise and ascent to spiritual peace.
Each building here does not exist separately but is part of a living mountain landscape. Breathtaking views open from the terraces, becoming an integral part of the temple space.
Description of the Buildings, Sculptures, and Ascent
The ascent through the monastery is a pilgrimage through several halls, each located at its own height.
1. First Terrace: Hall of the Heavenly Kings (Tianwangdian)
Location and Atmosphere: At the entrance to the monastery, surrounded by high walls and old trees. An atmosphere of calm, protective power reigns here.
Sculpture: In the center of the hall, the visitor is greeted by the smiling Buddha Maitreya — a symbol of joy and hospitality. Behind him is a statue of Wei Tuo — the protector of the monastery gates and the teaching. In the four corners of the hall are placed the formidable and majestic statues of the Four Heavenly Kings, guarding the cardinal directions.
2. Second Terrace: Hall of the Great Hero (Daxiong Baodian)
Location and Atmosphere: After climbing the first long staircase, the pilgrim enters the main prayer hall of the monastery. This is the heart of Yongfu, a place of concentrated practice.
Sculpture: In the center of the hall, on a lotus throne, sits Buddha Shakyamuni, the founder of the teaching. His image is full of wisdom and serenity. On either side of him are often his two main disciples — Ananda (personifying memory and vast knowledge) and Kasyapa (personifying asceticism and strictness).
3. Third Terrace: Hall of Guanyin (Guanyindian)
Location and Atmosphere: The most secluded and quiet part of the complex, intended for deep meditation and personal appeal.
Sculpture: The central figure here, as the name implies, is Avalokiteshvara (Guanyin) — the bodhisattva of boundless compassion. The statue often depicts him in a multi-armed form (Thousand-Armed Guanyin), where each hand and each eye symbolizes his readiness to hear and help all suffering beings in the world.
4. The Highest Building: Pavilion of Buddha Maitreya (Mile Dian) or Pavilion of the Buddha`s Abode (Foguo)
Location and Atmosphere: The highest point of the monastery, reachable by the longest and steepest staircase. The ascent here requires effort, but the reward is absolute peace and a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains.
Sculpture: Here is a sculpture of Buddha Maitreya — not the smiling fat man who greets at the entrance, but his canonical image as the Buddha of the Future. He is depicted in the classic lotus position, beautiful and majestic, awaiting his time to come into our world and establish the era of Dharma.
Harmony with Nature: Tea, Bamboo, and Views
An integral part of the experience of visiting Yongfu is its unity with nature, which fully corresponds to the Chinese philosophical and aesthetic tradition.
• Tea Plantations: Ascending the monastery terraces, the visitor sees everywhere neat rows of tea bushes covering the mountain slopes. This is the famous Longjing tea (Dragon Well), one of the most well-known and valuable green teas in China.
• Bamboo Groves: The entire path through the monastery passes through shady bamboo groves rustling in the wind. Bamboo in Chinese culture is a symbol of flexibility, resilience, and purity, perfectly complementing the atmosphere of the monastery.
• Panoramic Views: From each new terrace, more and more majestic views open up onto the West Lake valley, the surrounding mountain ranges, and the Lingyin Monastery itself lying below. These views are not accidental — they are part of the architectural design.
The spiritual significance of Yongfu lies in the fact that it offers a path of quiet, personal, and contemplative Buddhism. This is a place for those who seek not tourist brightness, but genuine depth, an opportunity to be alone with themselves.
