Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery

Perched on a hillside in the New Territories, Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery is a serene and visually striking Buddhist complex that rewards visitors with panoramic views of Sha Tin and the surrounding mountains. Despite its name, it's not a monastery but a temple founded by the Venerable Yuet Kai in the 1950s. The site is famous for its golden Buddha statues and the steep, 400-plus-step climb lined with life-sized arhat statues, each with a unique expression.

Highlights & What to See

• The Main Shrine – Houses over 12,800 miniature Buddha statues, each individually handcrafted and gilded.
• The Nine-Dragon Wall – A colourful ceramic wall near the entrance, depicting nine dragons, a symbol of imperial power.
• The Pagoda – A nine-storey pagoda offering sweeping views over Sha Tin and the Shing Mun River.
• Arhat Statues – Over 500 life-sized statues line the path, each with distinct poses and expressions, making the climb an engaging journey.
• Kuan Yin Statue – A serene white statue of the Goddess of Mercy, surrounded by smaller Buddhas.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allocate around 1.5 to 2 hours for a relaxed visit. The climb takes about 15–20 minutes at a moderate pace, with plenty of photo stops. Spend 45 minutes to an hour exploring the temple complex and enjoying the views. Morning visits are quieter and cooler, especially in summer. Combine with a trip to Sha Tin's other attractions for a half-day outing.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Sha Tin Park – A tranquil Chinese garden with ponds, pavilions, and a cactus garden, just a short walk from the monastery's base.
• Hong Kong Heritage Museum – Located in Sha Tin, this museum showcases Cantonese culture, including a Bruce Lee exhibition and a children's discovery gallery.
• Che Kung Temple – A lively Taoist temple dedicated to a Song dynasty general, known for its giant rotating fortune wheel.
• Tai Po Market – A traditional market town with a waterfront promenade and the famous Tai Po Lookout Tower, a 20-minute taxi ride away.
• New Town Plaza – One of Hong Kong's largest shopping malls, with a rooftop garden and a dinosaur-themed play area, perfect for families.

Please check official sources for current details.