Hangzhou's holy sites alluring to Buddhists

Hangzhou is a renowned tourism destination in east China, but it is also a must-visit place for Buddhists from all over the world.

Buddhism was introduced to Hangzhou during the Eastern Jin Dynasty (317-420) and flourished in the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279).

Most of Hangzhou's Buddhist temples, some dating back more than 1,000 years, are hidden in the mountains west and south of picturesque West Lake.