Every visitor of Hong Kong must also make time to visit the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery which is erected on the thriving hillside of the New Territories.  This particular monastery is a Buddhist Temple located at 220 Pai Tau Village in Shatin just outside downtown Hong Kong.  It is considered one of the most sacred sites in Hong Kong.

It is easy to get to this monastery.  If you come from any hotel in Hong Kong like the Acesite Hotel Hong Kong, you can simply head to the nearest MTR station and ride the MTR to Shatin.  You can get off the MTR at Shatin then head to Park Road.  You will see a shopping mall called IKEA at the top of Park Road. When you reach the entrance of IKEA, you will see a small sign that gives directions to the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery.  From here, you can turn left to Pai Tau Street and walk on the ride side of the street then turn towards the small alley  beside the Shatin Cemetery and a building car park. Do not mistake the White Pagoda  at the left side of Pai Tau Road, for the monastery.  This White Pagoda is a cemetery and not a temple. When you see a beautiful entrance and escalators, it means that you are in the wrong place.

The Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery was constructed in 1949.  According to information sheets about the place, Rev Yuet Kai and his followers carried the building materials starting from the base of the mountain to build this monastery.  Despite his old age, he was able to do it even if it took him about eight years to successfully put together the buildings.  All construction was completed in 1957.

Those who plan to visit this tourist attraction must be prepared to climb about five hundred steps up.  It is ideal to wear long pants, a light shirt and a reliable pair of walking shoes.  No need to worry as this will be an easy hike up with not so big steps and an accompanying side hand rail for support as you go up.  The uphill climb will also be made enjoyable by the life-sized statues of Buddhas that line the entire path.  These Buddhas are of different shapes, sizes and different facial expression.  There were hairy Buddhas, bald Buddhas, Buddha statues with dogs, dragons, frogs, Buddhas with walking sticks, thin Buddhas, and big Buddhas just to name a few.  It would be normal to see some cheerful visitors trying to imitate the poses and the facial expressions of these Buddha statues as they take some souvenir shots.

You would be amazed at the monastery once you reach the entrance. This is because the top provides one splendid view of the city below.  It would sure be worth every drop of sweat and the extremely steep trek. The monastery occupies about eight hectares of land.  You will find a pagoda, halls and pavilions within the monastery grounds.  Certain halls are also used to display the different Buddha statues. These Buddhas, which reach a total of almost thirteen thousand, were donated over the years by religious worshippers.   You will find a Buddha everywhere you look.  The sacred walls of temple were covered with thousands of small Buddhas and even the pagoda has a lot of Buddhas that seemed to be peering out from every single window.

There are areas where you can light incense sticks as a sign of respect to the Buddhas.  Within the monastery, you will find a quaint store that sells souvenirs that are pretty much affordable.  You can buy yourself some items to give away to friends and family when you return home.

If you get hungry or thirsty from all the climbing and walking, you can go to the small restaurant at the top of the monastery have your snack, or quench your thirst with either bottled water of sodas.  This restaurant will be on your ride side if you are facing the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple.  There is also an available public restroom near the restaurant.

The Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery is hidden gem in Hong Kong that not everyone gets to visit or see.  On your next visit to Hong Kong, take that MTR ride to Shatin to see the monastery.  Seeing thousands of Buddhas in one place is something that you definitely will not get to see everyday.  When you leave the monastery grounds, it would sure be nice if you can leave a little donation so that this monastery can be maintained long enough for more generations to experience and appreciate.

Posted in Attractions, Hong Kong

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