Yue Fei Temple
Temple Temple complex in Hangzhou honoring general Yue Fei
A memorial complex on Hangzhou’s West Lake honoring Song general Yue Fei, featuring halls, inscriptions and easy access to West Lake walks.
Yue Fei Temple is a commemorative temple complex in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, dedicated to the Song dynasty general Yue Fei (1103-1142). It stands adjacent to West Lake and serves as a memorial to Yue Fei’s life and loyalty.
A large statue of Yue Fei in the main hall, memorial tablets and a tomb area where the general is honoured, as well as a stele pavilion containing inscribed tablets. The ensemble is compact and focused on commemoration rather than large-scale monastic functions.
The temple was established after Yue Fei’s death to honour the general and has been repaired and rebuilt in subsequent dynasties; surviving structures and later restorations reflect Ming and Qing-period reconstructions. The site’s primary purpose throughout has been memorial and educational rather than residential monastic use.
The complex sits at the eastern edge of West Lake in central Hangzhou, a short distance from the city’s historic centre and easily accessed from lakeside paths and tourist routes.
- Combine with West Lake: Best visited together with West Lake itineraries; the temple sits at the eastern edge of West Lake and is often combined with a lakeside walk.
- Dedicated figure: The site commemorates Yue Fei (1103-1142), a Song dynasty general whose life and loyalty are central to the temple's purpose and displays.
What to See #
- Main hall and statue: Memorial hall and main worship hall containing a large statue of General Yue Fei and commemorative tablets dedicated to his loyalty and service.
- Tomb complex: Tomb area and small cemetery where Yue Fei and members of his family are commemorated, set behind the main temple buildings.
- Stele pavilion: Stele pavilion containing inscribed stone tablets and memorial inscriptions erected in later dynasties to honour Yue Fei's legacy.
How to Get to Yue Fei Temple #
The temple sits on West Lake’s north shore, a 15-20 minute walk from the Dragon Well (Longjing) area or a short taxi ride from Hangzhou East Railway Station (about 20 minutes). City buses and tourist shuttles serving the West Lake circuit stop nearby.
Tips for Visiting Yue Fei Temple #
- Combine a visit with a boat ride on West Lake to view the temple from the water - the north shore offers more contemplative angles.
- Inspect the stone inscriptions: the phrase '尽忠报国' (Serve the country with utmost loyalty) looms at the site and speaks to the cult of Yue Fei.
- Midweek mornings are least crowded; late afternoon light catches the red lacquer and black tiles beautifully.
Best Time to Visit Yue Fei Temple #
Best seen in spring or autumn when the West Lake landscape frames the temple's red pavilions and the crowds are thinner.
Weather & Climate near Yue Fei Temple #
Yue Fei Temple's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 1°C to 33°C. Abundant rainfall (1316 mm/year), wettest in June.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 8°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (114 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 12°C. Significant rainfall (123 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 17°C. Significant rainfall (155 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 21°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (189 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is the hottest month, feeling like 34°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (130 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (142 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (164 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 15°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm) and partly cloudy skies.