10,000 Buddhas Monastery

Perched on a wooded hillside in Hong Kong’s New Territories, the 10,000 Buddhas Monastery is a dazzling maze of Buddhist statuary and temple halls. Despite its name, it’s not a monastery but a temple complex founded in 1951 by Rev. Yuet Kai. The real draw is the steep, winding path lined with nearly 13,000 life-sized golden Buddha statues, each in a unique pose. The climb rewards you with panoramic views of Sha Tin and the surrounding mountains, plus a surprising encounter with macaque monkeys that roam freely.

Highlights & What to See

• The Buddha-lined Path: The 400-step climb is lined with golden statues of arhats (enlightened disciples) – look for playful scenes and intricate expressions.
• The Main Temple: A nine-storey pagoda and halls housing thousands of miniature Buddhas, plus the mummified body of the founder, covered in gold leaf.
• Panoramic Views: From the top, sweeping vistas of Sha Tin, the Shing Mun River, and the Lion Rock ridge.
• Wild Macaques: Keep an eye out for cheeky monkeys – don’t feed them, but they add to the jungle-temple atmosphere.
• Kwan Yin Statue: A white 10-metre-tall statue of the goddess of mercy near the entrance.

Suggested Time to Spend

Set aside about 1.5–2 hours. The climb itself takes 20–30 minutes at a steady pace, but you’ll want time to wander the temple halls, snap photos of the statues, and soak in the views. Combine it with a morning or afternoon exploring Sha Tin’s other sights – it’s a half-day outing from central Hong Kong.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Sha Tin: Visit the Hong Kong Heritage Museum or stroll along the Shing Mun River promenade.
• Tai Po: Explore the Tai Po Waterfront Park and the Hong Kong Railway Museum.
• Lion Rock Country Park: Hike to the iconic Lion Rock summit for epic city views.
• Ng Tung Chai Waterfalls: A series of cascades in the hills north of Sha Tin.
• Che Kung Temple: A lively Taoist temple in Sha Tin, famous for its prayer wheels.

Please check official sources for current details.