Baopu Taoist Temple (抱朴道院)

A Rare Taoist Sanctuary

Among Hangzhou's dozens of temples, Baopu Taoist Temple (抱朴道院) stands apart — it is one of the city's very few Taoist temples, whereas the vast majority are Buddhist. This alone makes it worth seeking out. Perched on the slopes of Ge Hill (葛岭) above West Lake's northern shore, the temple offers a completely different atmosphere from the grand Buddhist complexes: intimate, unpretentious, and refreshingly peaceful.

The temple is small but charming, built into the hillside with courtyards at different levels connected by stone steps. Each terrace reveals a new perspective — the scent of incense drifting from a small hall, a weathered stone inscription, a sudden view of the lake through the trees. Unlike the sprawling complexes of Lingyin or Jingci, Baopu feels like a lived-in spiritual retreat rather than a tourist attraction. Monks in Taoist robes still go about their daily rituals here, and visitors are often outnumbered by local worshippers.

Founded during the Eastern Jin Dynasty, the temple has survived wars, dynastic changes, and the Cultural Revolution — though much of what you see today has been carefully restored. The name "Baopu" (抱朴) comes from Ge Hong's pen name and means "embracing simplicity," a Taoist principle that perfectly captures the temple's modest charm.

Ge Hong — The Father of Chinese Medicine

The temple is dedicated to Ge Hong (283–363 AD), one of the most remarkable figures in Chinese history. A Taoist theorist, physician, and alchemist, Ge Hong is often called the founding father of traditional Chinese medicine. He wrote China's first emergency medicine handbook, the Zhouhou Beiji Fang (肘后备急方, "Handy Emergency Formulas"), a practical guide for treating common illnesses and injuries that could be carried in one's sleeve — essentially the ancient equivalent of a first-aid manual.

Ge Hong chose Ge Hill (which bears his name) as the location for his experiments with herbal remedies and alchemy. He believed that through careful study of nature and the refinement of medicinal substances, one could achieve both physical health and spiritual longevity. His writings on herbal medicine, mineral-based remedies, and Taoist philosophy influenced Chinese medical practice for centuries and continue to be studied today.

Walking through the temple courtyards, you can imagine Ge Hong here 1,700 years ago, grinding herbs, recording observations, and gazing out at the same West Lake view you see today. A small hall within the temple contains a statue of Ge Hong and displays about his contributions to medicine and Taoist thought.

The Best Lake Viewpoint Most Tourists Miss

Climb to the temple's upper courtyard and you will be rewarded with one of Hangzhou's best-kept secrets: a unique elevated view of West Lake that most tourists never see. From this hillside perch, you look out across the full expanse of the lake toward the city skyline — a perspective entirely different from the flat lakeside views everyone photographs. The angle is especially beautiful in late afternoon when the setting sun paints the water gold and the distant hills soften into layers of blue-green silhouettes.

Unlike the crowded viewpoints at Leifeng Pagoda or Chenghuang Pavilion, this spot is quiet and intimate. There is room to sit, breathe, and take it all in without jostling for position. For photographers, the combination of temple roof eaves in the foreground with the lake stretching beyond creates a classic Chinese landscape composition that captures the essence of Hangzhou — nature, history, and spirituality in a single frame.

How to Visit

Access the temple from Beishan Road (North Mountain Road), the scenic lakeside road that runs along the northern shore of West Lake. Look for the modest entrance gate — it is easy to miss, which is part of its charm — and follow the stone steps up through the forest. The climb takes about 10 to 15 minutes uphill through a peaceful wooded path. The modest entrance fee of only ¥5 makes this one of Hangzhou's best-value attractions.

Getting there: From downtown Hangzhou, take Bus 7, 27, or 118 to the Beishan Road stop. A taxi or Didi from the West Lake area costs approximately ¥15–25 and takes about 10 minutes. The temple entrance is a short walk from the bus stop along Beishan Road.

Combine with Beishan Road & Baochu Pagoda

Baopu Temple is ideally situated for a combined outing. Start with a walk along Beishan Road, which is lined with historic villas and mansions from the Republican era — many dating to the 1920s and 1930s when Hangzhou was a favored retreat for China's elite. The road itself offers lovely lake views and is far less crowded than the eastern causeways.

After visiting Baopu Temple, continue up the hill for another 15 minutes to reach Baochu Pagoda (保俶塔), the slender stone pagoda visible from almost anywhere around West Lake. Unlike Leifeng Pagoda across the lake, Baochu Pagoda is free to visit and offers a different perspective — you stand at its base looking out across the water, with the pagoda's elegant silhouette framing your view. The pagoda dates to the Northern Song Dynasty (circa 960 AD) and, together with Baopu Temple, makes for a perfect half-day exploration of West Lake's quieter northern shore.

Practical Tips

• Wear comfortable shoes — there are stone steps from the lakeshore up to the temple, and more steps between the temple's terraced courtyards.
• Bring mosquito repellent in summer — the forested hillside setting means insects are part of the experience.
• Photography is allowed in the courtyard areas, but be respectful inside the halls.
• Very peaceful since most tourists go to Lingyin instead — you may find yourself alone in some courtyards even on weekends.
• Restrooms are basic but available near the entrance.
• Allow 45 minutes to 1 hour for exploring the temple and enjoying the views.