Name: Hong Kong
Rating: 3.6

Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery, Hong Kong Overview

The Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery, located in Sha Tin, is a 20th-century Buddhist temple housing around 13,000 Buddha statues. Though named as a monastery, there are no monks residing in the complex. The 400 steps to reach the monastery is lined with exquisite golden statues of Buddha, all in different poses.

The Ten Thousand Buddha Complex spreads across 20 acres and is divided into two architectural levels - the lower and the upper. The lower level contains the main temple hall, the pagoda, three pavilions and two more galleries. It is the main temple hall in which you find around 12,800 mini statues of the Buddha, covered in gold, each in a different pose and expression.

Architecture of Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery

The Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery was built by the Venerable Yuet Kai and his followers by hand over a period eight years, along with approximately 13000 Buddha statues which were assembled over a period of ten years. At the height of 400 stairs, the Monastery welcomes its visitors with the sight of a regal red and gold building, which serves as the main temple. The land area the stretches for a total of eight hectares includes a nine-storey pagoda, rock garden, waterfall, shrines and a rock garden.

Centre Pavillion - This area features a statue dedicated to Kuan Yin, known as the “Goddess of Mercy”

Nine Storey Pagoda - A prominent structure of the temple, which can be climbed for a clear view of the entire Monastery. This structure also features HKD 100 note, which highlights its historic significance.

Buddha Statues - These structures decorate every inch of the Monastery. This collection Buddha statues are seen to depict a variety of poses which represent every aspect of day-to-day life imaginable.

The shrine of the Venerable Yuet Kai is found in the main hall of the Monastery. His body is said to have been preserved through the procedure of embalming.

History

The Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery was established by the Venerable Yuet Kai in 1951. The location of the Monastery, once a temple in honour of Kwun Yam was donated to its founder for the purpose of promoting and preserving the practice and traditions of Buddhism.

Best Time to Visit

The Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery is a popular destination at the time of Chinese New Year (January / February), the Cheung Yeung Festival (October), and on the occasion of Buddha’s Birthday (April / May).

Tips

1. Beware of con artists demanding money along the way.
2. Wear comfortable shoes.
3. Wear appropriate clothing for a visit to the Monastery.
4. Secure your belongings as monkeys may attempt to snatch them as you make your way to the Monastery.
5. Avoid visiting while there is rainy weather to avoid slipping hazard.
6. Picnics, sleeping and climbing on structures are strictly prohibited.

How To Reach Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery

As a destination that is not promoted on a large scale, there are not many routes available for transport to the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery. However, it can be easily accessed by MTR. Take the MTR from the East Rail Line to Sha Tin Station. The walk for a total period of 5 minutes by following the instructions below:
Follow directions to the Sha Tin Government Offices indicated by signs.
Take a right at Sheung Wo Che Road located between the Government building and Grand Plaza Mall.
Walk along the road upto an unmarked path with fences on both sides.
Go along the unmarked path upto the stairs of the Monastery.