Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery
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Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery - by Shingyan Hau on Google
Description
The Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery is a Buddhist temple located on Po Fook Hill in Sha Tin, NT. It is accessible by a stairwell consisting of 431 steps surrounded on both sides by over 500 different golden statues of arhats - the Buddhist equivalent of saints having achieved enlightenment. Those were produced by artists from Yunnan and Guangdong provinces and modelled after ones situated at a temple in Kunming, the hometown of founder Yuet Kai. In total, it is estimated that there are over 12,000 Buddha statues in the complex. The lower level of the complex features another hall, a pagoda that is nine storeys high, a tower and two pavilions whilst the upper level consists of four halls dedicated to Kwun Yam and other Buddhist and Taoist deities that contain various Buddha statues. The monastery was pictured on the HKD bank notes printed by HSBC between 1985 and 2002.
Access & Transport
The best way to reach the complex is by taking the MTR until Sha Tin station, taking exit B and walking for about 10 minutes until the start of the path near the Home Center Shopping Mall. Once inside, the uphill walk along the stairwell takes about 20 minutes and is quite steep at times so people with reduced mobility will find it difficult, if not impossible, to get to the top where the halls and pagoda are situated.
Instructions & Recommendations
Note that fake monks begging for money are known to operate in the area around the monastery. The Hong Kong Buddhist Association has confirmed genuine devotees are not allowed to beg in Hong Kong. It is best to wear comfortable shoes and take some water with you. There is a vegetarian restaurant at the top that serves food and refreshments (closed on Thursdays). This attraction can be combined with a visit to the Heritage Museum also located in Sha Tin and/or a hike to Tai Mo Shan or Lion Rock.
Environmental & Social
Environmentally and socially neutral
Conclusion
The Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery is seldom on the bucket list for first time visitors to the city but still ranks high as an optional sight. It is a little out of the traditional tourist haunts of Tsim Sha Tsui, Central and Causeway Bay, but is still easily accessible thanks to the MTR system. The monastery played no significant role in the city's history but is so unlike any other - even a little kitsch - that it is worth considering a visit. Aesthetically this is worth the short trip out to Sha Tin
Key positive
An original religious site that is quite visually striking
Slightly isolated, not crowded and yet very accessible, even by public transport
Key negative
Not straightforward to find
Not many other attractions in the vicinity
Suitability
Not suited for people with limited mobility because of the stairs
About this Rating
TYPE
Onsite
RESEARCHED IN
May 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 50m
est. visit time:1h 30m
Monday09:00 - 17:00
Tuesday09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday09:00 - 17:00
Thursday09:00 - 17:00
Friday09:00 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 17:00
Sunday09:00 - 17:00