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The Nanping Evening Bell
Standing on the southern shore of West Lake, directly across the water from the iconic Leifeng Pagoda, Jingci Temple (净慈寺) is famous for one thing above all else: the Nanping Evening Bell (南屏晚钟), one of the officially designated Ten Scenes of West Lake since the Southern Song Dynasty. Every evening at sunset, the temple's massive bronze bell — weighing an astonishing 10 tons — is struck, sending deep, resonant tones across the lake. The sound, amplified by the limestone cliffs of Nanping Hill behind the temple, creates an acoustic phenomenon that has inspired poets and painters for nearly a thousand years.
On Chinese New Year's Eve, the bell is rung 108 times — a number that represents the 108 afflictions in Buddhist teaching, with each strike symbolizing the dispelling of one worldly trouble. Thousands of Hangzhou residents gather to hear it, and securing a spot to ring the bell yourself is considered an auspicious start to the year. Even on ordinary evenings, hearing the bell echo across the lake as the sun sinks behind the hills is one of Hangzhou's most atmospheric experiences.
💡 Insider Tip
Position yourself on the Su Causeway or along Nanshan Road at sunset. You will hear the bell clearly from across the lake, and the view of Leifeng Pagoda silhouetted against the orange sky with the bell tolling in the background is pure Hangzhou magic.
Temple Architecture & History
Jingci Temple was first built in 954 AD during the Five Dynasties period and reached its peak during the Southern Song Dynasty when Hangzhou served as the imperial capital. The temple complex was once enormous — historical records describe over 300 halls and rooms housing more than a thousand monks. Though much of the original complex was destroyed during the Taiping Rebellion in the 19th century, the temple has been carefully restored and remains an active place of worship.
The current temple features a striking Main Hall with a towering seated Buddha statue, flanked by intricate wooden carvings depicting scenes from Buddhist scripture. The bell tower, naturally, is the star attraction — visitors can climb to the upper level for a close look at the enormous bronze bell and enjoy elevated views of the temple courtyards and the lake beyond. The temple grounds also include several smaller halls, a vegetarian restaurant, and peaceful gardens where you can escape the bustle of Nanshan Road just outside the gates.
Combine with Leifeng Pagoda
Jingci Temple and Leifeng Pagoda sit almost directly across from each other on opposite sides of the lake, but they are actually neighbors on the southern shore — just a 10-minute walk apart along Nanshan Road. This makes them the perfect pairing for a half-day itinerary. Visit Leifeng Pagoda first (ideally in the late afternoon for the best light), then walk over to Jingci Temple to catch the evening bell around sunset.
If you have more time, continue your walk east along Nanshan Road to the China National Silk Museum or north to the Zhejiang Provincial Museum on Gushan Island. The entire southern shore of West Lake is packed with attractions, and Jingci Temple serves as an excellent anchor point for exploring this less-crowded side of the lake.
Practical Tips
- Best time to visit: Late afternoon, around 4:00–5:00 PM, so you can explore the temple and then hear the evening bell.
- Getting there: Take Bus 4, 12, 31, or 51 to Jingci Temple stop. A taxi from downtown costs about ¥20.
- Photography: The temple courtyard with the bell tower framed against the sky is the best photo spot. Tripods are generally not permitted inside the halls.
- Vegetarian noodles: The temple's small canteen serves simple vegetarian noodles (素面) for around ¥15–20 — a satisfying and atmospheric lunch option.