TEN THOUSAND BUDDHAS MONASTERY of HONG KONG
You will find a path lined with golden Buddha statues that strike countless poses, from solemn to joyful.
Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery
One of the most iconic cultural landmarks in the city is the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery.
This temple is different from most temples in Hong Kong. It’s a great place to feel playful and joyful, unlike many others.
What’s the 10,000 Buddhas Monastery All About?
A unique temple overlooking the Sha Tin district in northeastern Hong Kong is home to many golden Buddha statues and other artistic delights.
Despite its name, Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery, a unique Buddhist temple built in the 20th century, does not have monks.
This historic temple and adjacent pagodas, which are managed only by day workers in Hong Kong, are a must-see for any visitor to Hong Kong.
About the Golden Buddhas
Over 10,000 gold Buddha statues surround the temple, while hundreds of monkeys frequent the area.
These statues are life-sized and miniature and can be found along the temple’s walkway and on the temple’s walls.
The complex contains a lot of halls and pavilions, as well as a nine-story pagoda surrounded by Buddha statues.
You can dance, praise the heavens, smile, grimace, or meditate at the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple.
Panorama views from the temple’s top are not infrequent. Visitors can take in the immense beauty of the temple and feel the wonderment it inspires.
History of the 10,0000 Buddhas Monastery in Hong Kong
The Ten Thousand Buddha Monastery looks much older than it is.
Yuet Kai, a Buddhist monk who taught the construction technique, built it. The building was completed six years later.
However, it took another ten years for the Buddhas to be completed.
The tragedy struck the monastery at the end of the 20th century when one of its caretakers was fatally injured in a mudslide. It was closed for three more years while the grounds were reconstructed.
Buddha Monastery History
The site was once home to Yuet Kai, who donated it to Yuet Kai to establish a Buddhist college.
Kai instead decided to build the monastery that still stands so beautifully today.
Strangely, the monastery has over 10,000 buddhas (although 12,000 would be more accurate).
The name? The number 10,000 in Cantonese is used to indicate huge numbers. This is why the temple was named so.
Statues at Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery, Hong Kong, China
After Yuet Kai’s passing, Yuet Kai was embalmed and dressed in robes. He was also painted in gold. The glass display was placed in front of the main altar.
Visitors can now see his remains, a figure with gold leaves and a lotus pool.
What can you expect at the Buddha Monastery?
Finding a temple as unique as the Ten Thousand Buddha Monastery is not accessible.
Visitors must climb over 400 steps to reach the temple and walk through dense foliage.
The trek is part of the adventure. The many Buddha statues along the staircase will keep you company.
Monkeys at Ten Thousand Buddhas
This makes the journey even more enjoyable because monkeys can be found all over the site, appearing along the pathway leading toward the main pavilion and swinging from the trees around them.
They are friendly but sometimes quite aggressive. Monks at this monastery have been known to eat food from visitors’ hands.
Beautiful views surround the site. There are lush greenery and the glittering silver of a metropolis to the one side.
A koi fishpond is also available for additional Zen.
Tips for visiting Ten Thousand Buddha Monastery
The Ten Thousand Buddha Monastery can be reached by subway within an hour from Hong Kong’s central district.
It’s about 10 minute walk from Sha Tin Station.
Although few signs indicate the path to the site, it is not difficult to find.
The temple is open to the public from 9 am to 5 pm daily. There’s even a tiny Buddhist restaurant that offers vegetarian food.
It’s okay for crowd levels, considering the difficulty of getting there. Except for the Chinese New Year,
Also, make sure you have comfortable shoes.
The Ten Thousand Buddha Monastery is a fantastic way to spend a day in Hong Kong. However, it is not recommended for people with mobility issues…or a fear of monkeys!
