Fei Lai Feng, Hangzhou, China

According to a legend, Hui Li, an Indian monk, arrived in the valley 1,600 years ago and was surprised to see a peak unlike any other in the area. The shape of the peak was a common one in India, so Hui Li believed that it had flown from there to China. Hence the name: Fei Lai Feng - A Peak Flown From Afar. The peak is about 700 feet high and the large stones scattered around it are said to resemble animals like a flying dragon, a fleeing monkey and a crouching tiger.

This is a natural limestone mountain with over 300 Buddhist stone statues, carvings and reliefs dating back from the Five Dynasties (907-960) to the Yuan Dynasty A serene park with caves, lush greenery, a stream, stone steps and pathways.

In 1681, Emperor Kangzi of the Qing Dynasty wrote the three characters "Fei Lai Feng" inscribed on the stone cliff.

The larger carvings are mostly from the Yuan Dynasty (1206-1368) and the smaller reliefs are from the Song Dynasty (960-1127).

I liked this laughing Buddha, he is much more accessible than the more famous laughing Buddha.

It was raining on the day of our visit, but that only made the statues more dramatic.

The Laughing Buddha is one of the larger and very well preserved statues. Why is the Buddha's belly so large? That is where he stores all the world's troubles.

Some reliefs are somewhat eroded, but most are in excellent shape, considering their age.

Even though the park was crowded, there were some peaceful but eerie areas. Not many people ventured up the stone steps, they stayed on the main path. It could have been due to the somewhat slippery conditions.

Inside the park there are a couple of shops selling souvenirs and snack. We bought some local, tea from this nice lady.

Fei Lai Feng,
1 Fayun Alley, Lingyin Rd.
Hangzhou

Entrance fee is RMB 45, it is better to buy a combined ticket for the park and the temple.
Buses #1 and #2 stop at the Lingyin Station.

Joanna

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