Fuyan Temple, on the lower slopes of Mount Heng, is one of the most historically significant Buddhist sites in China. The 6th-century monk Huisi established the Tiantai school of Buddhism here, and his disciple Zhiyi brought the teachings to their full development. The Tiantai (Tendai in Japanese) school became foundational for Chinese, Japanese, and Korean Buddhism — many of the most important Buddhist traditions in East Asia trace their lineage through Fuyan.
The current temple buildings are later reconstructions; the oldest surviving structure dates to the Ming dynasty. The atmosphere is that of a functioning monastery rather than a tourist site — monks live and practise here, the halls are maintained for worship, and the incense is serious. The forested hillside setting is particularly beautiful in spring, when the mountain flowers are in bloom.