1. Overview of Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery
Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery is a quirky, unique treasure found some 400 steps above Hong Kong.
2. Unique Cultural Experience
The Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery is perhaps one of the city’s most memorable cultural sites.
Unlike most temples in Hong Kong, visiting this one is a delightful way to immerse yourself in a playful atmosphere.
3. Overview of the 10,000 Buddhas Monastery
Overlooking the lush Sha Tin district in northeastern Hong Kong, lies a unique temple brimming with golden Buddha statues and other aesthetic delights.
The Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery is a one-of-a-kind Buddhist temple from the 20th century that, despite its name, does not house any resident monks.
Managed only by day workers, this historic temple and its adjacent pagodas are must-visit sites for anyone exploring Hong Kong.
4. Discover the Golden Buddhas
The temple is surrounded by over 10,000 gold Buddha statues, and the site is also home to hundreds of monkeys that regularly make appearances!
The statues vary from life-sized figures to miniature ones, lining both the walkway leading to the temple and decorating the walls of the temple itself.
The expansive complex contains several halls and pavilions, in addition to a nine-storey pagoda surrounded by even more Buddha statues.
From dancing and praising the heavens to grinning, grimacing, or meditating, there’s a Buddha statue embodying all these actions!
From the temple’s vantage point, panoramic views abound, allowing visitors to appreciate the sheer scale and wonder of the site.
5. History of the 10,000 Buddhas Monastery
The Ten Thousand Buddha Monastery is surprisingly younger than it appears.
Originally constructed in 1951 under the guidance of Buddhist monk and teacher Yuet Kai, it was completed six years later.
However, the Buddhas took an additional decade to finish.
Tragedy struck at the end of the 20th century when one of the caretakers was killed in a mudslide, leading to a three-year closure for repairs.
6. Establishment of the Buddha Monastery
Long before the monastery was established, the site hosted a temple donated to Yuet Kai for the purpose of creating a Buddhist college, a venture that proved unsuccessful.
Instead, Kai decided to construct the remarkable monastery that stands today.
Interestingly, there are actually more than 10,000 Buddhas on the monastery’s grounds—approximately 12,000 is a more accurate figure!
The name stems from the Cantonese use of the number 10,000 to denote extremely large quantities, which is why the temple received its name.
After Yuet Kai’s passing, his body was embalmed, dressed in robes, covered in gold, and placed in a glass display in front of the pavilion’s main altar. Visitors today can view what is claimed to be his remains—an elegantly adorned figure in a lotus pond.
7. What to Expect at the Buddha Monastery
Visiting the one-of-a-kind Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery involves a challenging yet rewarding hike!
Visitors must ascend over 400 steep steps to reach the temple, navigating through lush greenery and past a rusted chain-link fence.
This trek is an integral part of the experience, with the many Buddha statues lining the staircase providing delightful company.
8. Encountering Monkeys at the Ten Thousand Buddhas
The journey becomes even more entertaining as monkeys make themselves at home throughout the site, appearing along the path to the main pavilion and swinging from the surrounding trees.
These monkeys are generally friendly but can be a bit confrontational—though entertaining, they are known to sometimes snatch food from visitors’ hands, so snack wisely!
Upon arrival, breathtaking views await—lush greenery in one direction and the sparkling skyline of a bustling metropolis in the other.
A serene koi pond adds an extra layer of tranquility to the environment.
9. Tips for Visiting Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery
The Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery is located approximately an hour from Hong Kong’s central district via subway.
It’s about a 10-minute walk from Sha Tin Station.
Although signs directing visitors to the monastery are limited, don’t be concerned—many fellow visitors are likely heading in the same direction, and a simple inquiry will help you find your way!
Entry to the temple is free, and it opens daily from 9 am to 5:30 pm, featuring a small on-site Buddhist restaurant that serves vegetarian fare.
In terms of crowd levels, it is generally manageable, aside from the peak during Chinese New Year.
Additionally, ensure you wear comfortable shoes for the trek.
Overall, the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery offers a fantastic day out in Hong Kong, though those with mobility challenges or a fear of monkeys may want to reconsider their visit.
By KT Browne
