Fascinating View Of Hong Kong's Monasteries

July 23, 2021

Places I Had Visited In Hong Kong (The Countrysides)

The first set of places were posted yesterday, and today I want to share the monasteries I had visited here in HK. The first on the list is the very famous tourist destination in Hong Kong and one of the most visited tourist destinations here.

Po Lin Monastery and The Big Buddha

That is Big Buddha behind me also known as Tian Tan Buddha. It's a large bronze statue with 112 ft in height and you need to take 268 steps to reach the buddha. It was a post-Valentine day in 2018 when we visited this place and there were so many visitors that even the pathways and platforms were full of photobombers, lol. This big buddha is also surrounded by other six small bronze statues which are said to be The Offering Of The Six Devas that are posed offering incense, flower, lamp, fruit, ointment, and music to the Buddha.

There were three floors beneath the statue and the most interesting floor was where the relic of Gautama Buddha was located and its cremated remains. But only those who purchased the offerings can enter the place to see the relic.

I also love the view on top of the platform where you can see the highest mountain of Lantau island, one of the highest mountains in HK.

You can also see the famous Po Lin Monastery from the top. Unfortunately, we were not able to visit the monastery during my first visit to this place because my friend Abby wants to go back home since it was past 5 in the afternoon already.

However, I had given a chance to visit the monastery when my boss brought me there. It was after we visited the Tai O village.

Visitors can only take photos at the outside part of the monastery and only VIPs can go inside this place. Fortunately, my boss' friend has an access to this place so we were able to go inside the monastery. Unfortunately, we were not allowed to take photos inside since the place was considered sacred. I've seen different buddhas and the training place for the monks. Outside the Buddha was a vegetarian restaurant where I tasted a traditional Chinese dessert made from cold tofu.

Currently, the Big Buddha is under renovation so visitors can only visit the monastery and village around it.

Western Monastery and Yuen Yuen Institute

Western Monastery (photo above) is located in Tsuen Wan's Lo Wai village. Adjacent to it is the Yeun Yeun Institute(photo below). The monastery was said to be a replicate of a Chinese palace's grandeur with yellow tiled roofs and flying eaves.

While walking at this monastery, I felt the tranquility of the place and as if I was watching live Chinese and Korean TV series. The place is surrounded by mountains which took half an hour to reach this place. And if want you want to experience Chinese culture, the best place to visit is the monastery. This place is not only for worship but has become a place for social welfare activity and tourist destinations.

Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Garden

Feel like you are in Korea at Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Garden, isn't it? The place is located in Diamond Hill, Kowloon HK. At my back is what they called Hall of Heavenly King. I wanted to visit the inside part of the nunnery but we were not allowed to.

You can also find this Pavilion of Absolute Perfection which is said to be a blessing to all visitors.

From Chinese style designs to western-like architecture and landscaping which can be found inside the garden. The photo below looks like in a countryside of a western country.

The place gives the visitors a perfect ambiance and tranquility while reflecting on the richness of Chinese classical culture.

Yuk Hui Temple

Yuk Hui Temple is a Taoist temple located on Cheung Chau island. We saw this temple when we were looking for the path going to the mountain trail. It is the main place where the villagers and fishermen worship for blessing and gratitude, and a safe return and abundant catch after their sail.

There were many more temples I have seen here in HK, but my most favorite one is the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery

Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery

It is located in Sha Tin HK at Pai Tau village. The monastery is consists of thousand of buddhas in different sizes, poses, and names.

You can see buddhas from the entrance to the top of the monastery which is consists of three floors. Most buddhas were originated from the Tang Dynasty.

On the second floor of the monastery is a nine-story pagoda that consists of different buddhas. And around it are different life-sized statues that represent the most important students of Buddha.

On the top floor is another hall with more huge Buddhas inside. And outside the hall are these lady buddhas which I don't know the names of, lol.

You can also read the rest of my story about this monastery in the article below.

Related Article: Where To Find 10,000 Buddhas In Hong Kong

These monasteries above have free entrances and everyone can visit at any time, of course, before the closing time. It's free to witness and feel the Chinese classical culture by visiting the different monasteries in HK.

There are more places to feature in my next article. From countrysides to monasteries, then next will be the mountains. So stay tuned! 🙂

Thanks for your time.