Calling the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery a ‘Hong Kong Hidden Gem’ isn’t far off. Tucked away in the New Territories, it’s practically flying under the radar, explaining the scant attention and the refreshing absence of tourist hordes.

Now’s your chance to explore this particular gem for yourself. We’ve whipped up a guide to make sure your visit here becomes an unforgettable part of your Hong Kong adventures.

What makes Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery a must-visit place in Hong Kong?

The Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery stands out as one of the must-visit destinations in Hong Kong due to its quiet location and uniqueness. Unlike other places, it’s also not packed with tourists which makes visiting more delightful.

Tucked away in the suburbs, surrounded by greenery, it’s not your typical crowded tourist spot. When you visit, it feels more personal with only a handful of other people around.

Funny thing is, despite being called a ‘monastery,’ there aren’t any real monks living there. They even put up signs warning about fake monks trying to score alms from visitors on the trail.

The best part? It won’t cost you a penny to get in! Yup, it’s totally free. But if you’re feeling generous, they’re cool with donations like any other temple.

Everything You Need to Know about Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery

Let’s cut to the chase! Here’s what you need to know if you’re planning to visit the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery!

Getting There

Alright, so it’s a bit off the typical tourist track, nestled in Sha Tin in the New Territories. The easiest way to reach it is by hopping on the MTR.

Take the MTR East Rail Line and get off at Sha Tin station. Once you’re out of there, head for Exit B. 

As you step out, veer left and stroll down the slope. You’ll pass some traditional houses on your left until you hit the Home Center.

Cross the street and hang a left onto Pau Tai Street. Keep walking toward the Sha Tin government building and take a right onto Sheung Wo Che Street. Keep going until you reach the end.

On your right, there’s a big parking garage for the Home Center Shopping Mall. 

Now, the entrance to the Ten Thousand Buddhas temple? It’s on the left. Look for it amidst some bamboo groves. You’ll spot some noticeable signs guiding you the right way.

Opening Hours

The monastery welcomes visitors daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. However, do note that the restaurant shuts down at 5:30 PM.

It’s open on public holidays, including Chinese New Year, drawing crowds seeking blessings and good fortune for the year ahead.

The only instances when the temple shuts down are during heavy rain, typically when the Hong Kong Observatory issues a black rainstorm warning. Additionally, if a No. 8 Typhoon signal is raised, the monastery will also close its doors.

Walking to the 10 Thousand Buddhas Monastery

As you head towards the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery, get ready for a bit of a hike up Po Fook hill. You’ll be flanked by rows of golden Buddha statues lining both sides of the pathway. 

The climb consists of 431 steps and takes roughly 20 minutes to reach the monastery perched on the hilltop.

What’s cool is that each statue is totally unique. You’ll see a diverse mix of enlightened beings along the stairs – from wise old monks to those deep into reading, and even some young monks showing off their martial arts skills. 

It’s a whole lineup of different poses, activities, and facial expressions. Honestly, it’s pretty fascinating to see the variety.

What to See and Do at the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery

As you ascend to the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery, there’s a lot to see and do to watch out for!

Wild Monkeys

Wild monkeys inhabit the forests around the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery, and if you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of them.

It’s quite a sight to see these monkeys leisurely sitting or strolling around with visitors. 

Just a heads up, though – they’re not shy around humans and might get a bit feisty if they suspect you’re holding onto some snacks. Stay vigilant, and don’t feed them while at the temple.

The Grand Hall

Once you reach the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery, get ready to take in its beauty. There’s the stunning temple, a bunch of pavilions, and a towering nine-story pagoda.

First up, you’ll come across the Grand Hall, the largest building in the complex. Inside, it’s all about these small Buddha statues. They’re the reason behind the temple’s name. 

Remember, taking photos is not allowed here, but you’ll be awestruck by the rows of Buddha statues on display.

Folks usually drop by to make offerings, so expect to see people with paper offerings and burning incense sticks.

Pavilions

Talking about pavilions at the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery, there are quite a few, each hosting its own unique statue. They mostly have open-air designs with classic Chinese-style decorated roofs.

One standout is the Kwun Yum Pavilion, shaped like a hexagon, and it’s where you’ll find a striking large golden statue of Kwun Yum dressed in white robes. People in Hong Kong really dig offering incense sticks here, as Kwun Yum is a big deal. 

You can spot this pavilion easily – it’s right in the center on the upper level and happens to be quite spacious.

Nine-Story Pagoda

If you’re up for it, climb the Nine-Story Pagoda for some stunning panoramic views that’ll give you a whole new take on Sha Tin and the beautiful New Territories that sprawl around it.

What’s cool about this pagoda? Well, each level offers its own special view. 

As you ascend, you’ll be treated to a unique perspective of the monastery and its serene surroundings. It’s like a visual journey through different angles, revealing the peaceful beauty of this area from varying heights. 

Take your time on each level to soak in the scenery and capture those Insta-worthy moments— – it’s totally worth it!

Gardens

At the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery, the Gardens are a serene delight. These grounds boast lush greenery, adorned with pagodas, pavilions, and captivating sculptures.

A leisurely stroll through these gardens offers a tranquil ambiance that perfectly blends nature with spirituality. It’s an ideal setting to unwind and appreciate the peaceful harmony of this spiritual haven.