Faxi Temple

Shangtianzhu Faxi Lecture Temple, also known as Shangtianzhu or Faxi Temple, is located at No. 338 Tianzhu Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province. It was first built in the early Tianfu period of the Later Jin Dynasty (936 AD). During the Southern Song Dynasty, it was renamed Tianzhu Teaching Temple, and during the Kangxi period of the Qing Dynasty, it was granted the name Faxi Temple. It was reopened to the public in 1986. The existing buildings of Shangtianzhu Faxi Lecture Temple have been gradually constructed since its reopening in 1986. The main structures include the Mountain Gate Archway, the Hall of Heavenly Kings, the Hall of Universal Salvation, the Mahavira Hall, the Release Pond, the Dining Hall, the Guest Hall, and the East and West Corridors. The layout is solemn and well-arranged. Shangtianzhu Faxi Lecture Temple is famous for the efficaciousness of Guanyin and its thriving incense offerings. Many emperors throughout history have paid homage here. Especially since the Ming and Qing Dynasties, during the spring incense season, pilgrims from various places in eastern Zhejiang and southern Jiangsu have come to offer incense, forming the annual "Tianzhu Incense Market."