Lingyin Temple

An enormous doorway in Lingyin Temple, Hangzhou  beautifully frames this 20 meter-high camphor wood statue of Siddhartha Gautama, now more commonly known as Buddha. It is the largest wooden buddhist statue in China.

Lingyin Temple, which roughly translates to Temple of the Soul's Retreat, was originally built in AD326 during the Eastern Jin Dynasty and once housed 3000 monks.

The temple is built into the side of Lingyin Hill, so be prepared to walk up hundreds of steep steps to see this statue!