Hangzhou's Lingyin Feilai Peak Scraps Entry Fees

Hangzhou's Lingyin Feilai Peak has begun offering free admission this month, a move expected to draw larger crowds to one of the city's most popular destinations.

The scenic area includes Lingyin, Yongfu and Taoguang temples, with entry managed through a real-name, time-slot reservation system.

In response, Hangzhou Traffic Police have rolled out updated access measures aimed at easing congestion in the area.

On weekdays, tourist buses can now reserve on-site parking spaces, while shuttle buses run from Monday to Friday to transport visitors arriving by taxi or ride-hailing services. Previously, the shuttle service operated only on weekends and public holidays.

But visitors are still encouraged to use public transport, with a Metro-and-bus combination recommended as the most efficient option.

Tourists from the east of the city can take Metro Line 19 to Wulian Station, exit via Gate D, transfer to Bus 319M at Huangchao Garden Station, and get off at the Lingyin Road 32 Bus Station.

Those from the south can take Metro Lines 1 or 5 to Chengzhan Station, exit via Gate A, and switch to Bus No. 7 to get off at Lingyin Bus Station.

Tourists from the west can take Metro Line 3 to Dongyue Station, exit via Gate D to West Bus Station, and transfer to the Chengxi Park-Lingyin Bus Line. The bus line, taking a shortcut through the Lingxi Tunnel, reaches Lingyin quickly. Alternatively, they can also take Metro Lines 3 or 10 to Huanglong Sports Center Station, exit via Gate C, and transfer to Bus 278M.

Tourists from the north can take Metro Line 3 to Huanglong Cave Station, exit via Gate B to Huanglong Cave Bus Station and transfer to Bus Line 505. They can also take Metro Line 10 to Huanglong Sports Center Station, exit via Gate C, and transfer to Bus 278M.

Access for self-driving travelers is also convenient. Given the limited parking space within the scenic area, they are strongly advised to park at Hangzhou West Leisure Park's parking lot and take a 15-minute shuttle bus ride to Lingyin. The shuttle bus stop is prominently located at the 500-space parking lot for easy access. Regular bus routes are also in service around the area to carry tourists into Lingyin, including lines No. 7, 103, 121, 180, 505, 1314 and 324H.

If you must drive into the scenic area on weekends or public holidays, please note that the West Lake Scenic Area (including Lingyin Feilai Peak Scenic Area) enforces an odd-even license plate restriction for passenger cars.

Tourists arriving by taxi or ride-hailing car should get off at the parking lot at either 608 Xixi Road or Xiaoyawu Bus Station, then transfer to shuttle buses, which operate around the year.

When exiting the area, tourists are advised to take buses to get out of the restricted traffic zones first before switching to other means of transportation. For example, visitors can take a shuttle bus from Lingyin Bus Station to Dongyue Road Bus Station, then transfer to Metro Line 3. They can also flag a cab on site, via app or by phone, to avoid taxi idling that could contribute to traffic jams.

Tourist buses are banned from entering the West Lake Scenic Area, including the Feilai Peak, from 8am to 5pm on weekends and public holidays. On weekdays, bus operators must make reservations for the on-site parking lots in advance. Those without reservations should park at alternative shuttle bus hubs like West Bus Station or Fancun Parking Lot, where tourists can transfer to local shuttle buses to enter the scenic area.