The Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery (Chinese: 萬佛寺; pinyin: wàn fó sì; Jyutping: maan6 fat6 zi6) is a mid-20th century Buddhist temple located in Sha Tin, Hong Kong, at 220 Pai Tau Village. Its designation as a monastery is actually a misnomer because there are no monks residing at the complex, which is managed solely by laypersons. Both the main temple building and the pagoda are listed as Grade III historic buildings by the Government of Hong Kong.
Groundbreaking and construction of the temple began in 1951 under Yuet Kai and his followers, and the structure was finished six years later. It closed for three years at the end of the 20th century after one of its caretakers was killed in a mudslide caused by poorly-maintained slopes nearby. The main journey up to the monastery is an attraction itself, as the path is lined on both sides with golden Buddhas, each unique and in different poses. Despite the common translation of its name, the monastery actually contains nearly 13,000 Buddha statues.
Ivan Borzenets | Mar 24, 2018
Great change of pace. And not too crowded. Beautiful views, and a nice walk. You could see wild monkeys running around the mountain sometimes. The trail is a bit hard to find. Don't go through the big entrance of the ancestral hall, instead look for the trail that starts behind the shopping center.
jay mickley | Feb 17, 2018
Literally, 10,000 Buddha statues of all sizes on display from the foot of the mountain trail to the walls and ceiling of the beautiful temple above. The walk is not too difficult. Young children and old people can do it. Maybe 10 minutes to reach the top. You can take your time and enjoy the view or take pictures of all of the unique statues along the way. The temple is gorgeous but photos are not allowed inside. Watch for monkeys along the path and be aware of the signs warning of fake monks seeking alms. The entrance path is not marked by signs. Use Google Maps to walk you to the bottom of the path. When you see the golden Buddha statues, you've found it!
Dustin Hebecker | May 5, 2018
Nice place to see. Also you get to see some free running monkeys. Please note: 1. Bring some insect repellent 2. Opening hours 9 am to 5 pm
Ravi Ravishankar | Jan 6, 2018
One of my favourite in Hong Kong! It is a unique experience - climbing over 500 steps and you are surrounded by golden Buddhas in different forms. The temple itself is wonderful - there are actually at least 10,000 Buddhas. We got to the Sha Tin station and took exit B - the temple is a quick 5 minute walk. Google Maps says take Exit A4 - we could not find such an exit. No admission fees. Highly Recommended!
Sean Gauthier | Mar 29, 2018
It's not an actual monastery, but beautiful nonetheless. Definitely worth the trip to the top, and there are actually closer to 13,000 Buddhas lining the way, each one being unique. There's a nice "vegetarian restaurant" at the top that sells pork spring rolls at the entrance. My favorite part were the fake monks asking for donations who hung out directly under a giant sign that reads, "Do not give donations to the fake monks."
Nayla Gomes | Jul 4, 2018
Most beautiful place in HK by far. The "hike" up there can be challenging for some (especially because of the heat!!!!), but totally worth it. There are resting places along the stairs though, so you can take your time going up. Both the view and the monastery are amazing. Pictures are not allowed inside. Also, take your time observing each golden buddha you encounter on the way. Some of them have very amusing expressions or are doing some interesting things (like mounting a peacock). Worth it!
K B | May 12, 2018
Quite a long climb up the stairs but an awesome view of Shatin. Not too many bugs up there either. There were more people than I expected but it wasn't too busy. I would go there again for sure. Take your own water because there is nothing up there. You can't eat there either for obvious reasons. There are lots of monkeys here too to see.
Dan | Jun 27, 2018
Be prepared to walk, the path leading up to the monastery is pretty much up hill all the way. Lined with hundreds of life sized golden statues the trek does offer a lot to see and if you enjoy temples then it is well worth the exercise you'll get during the trip.
Tasha Ferguson | May 28, 2018
I could not come to Hong Kong and not visit Ten Thousand Buddha’s. Be prepared to climb a lot of stairs. You will definitely get your work out in that day. There’s lots to see you will be highly impressed if you visit.
underapinetree | Jul 30, 2018
Beautiful temple with great views of the city. A must-see if you’re ever in Hong Kong. Absolutely amazing statues of golden Buddhas lining the path all the way to the top. It’s one of the most incredible things I’ve seen in Hong Kong. There is a also a small eatery within the temple grounds right at the top. It’s in the building next to the main temple building. It serves surprisingly good food. We were famished from walking and had a blast.
Lisa Benson | Jul 28, 2018
The inspiringly beautiful temple at the top of those challenging 421 steps (equivalent to a 35 story building) was so worth the effort. Take time to meditate and be grateful, while being surrounded with the subtle illumination provided by tiny lights coming from many Buddha that cover the walls. Rent a car and spend a couple days in Sha Tin.
Edgaras M. | Jul 14, 2018
This place is nice to visit but not a must do! Its a short ride from the CBD and than a short walk up on the hill. I hope it is not to sunny when you go up, because the sun is really hard to you. After the walk you will find a "golden" temple, but its more a put-on. The view is not so bad and maybe you are able to spot some monkeys. This place close at 5 PM! Enjoy your stay.
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