Xiangji Temple
香积寺
A thousand-year-old temple beside the canal, known as 'the first incense of the canal', with its main hall and twin stone pagodas facing the water.
Xiangji Temple was first built during the Northern Song. In history it was the first stop for canal boats carrying pilgrims to Hangzhou to offer incense, which is why it is called the 'First Incense of the Canal'. Today it enshrines Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva. Two Qing-dynasty stone pagodas in front of the main hall are original. The temple lies by the canal on Dadou Road, and admission is about 10 yuan. Nearby is the Dadou Road historic district, which has many cafés and restaurants. It is close to Xiaohe Street and Gongchen Bridge, and the sites can be visited in sequence along the canal walkway.
Opening hours
Approx. 06:30–17:00
Nearby sights
- Xiaohe Street Historic Block
- China Grand Canal Museum
- Grand Canal & Gongchen Bridge
- Yellow Dragon Cave
- Baoshi Hill & Baochu Pagoda
- Broken Bridge & Bai Causeway
- Pinghu Qiuyue (Autumn Moon over Calm Lake)
- West Lake Musical Fountain