Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery

Mink and I didn't have much time together to do things by ourselves because of family obligations. On our last day in Hong Kong, we made time to do some activities alone. We woke up early and went to Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery. It was the first time either one of us has been here so we were excited. I did a little research and knew there were a lot of stairs to climb so we dressed accordingly. It also helped mentally prepare Mink for the trek up. While walking up, we saw people of all ages so that was inspiring to see older people being able to get to the top. We also passed by countless gold statues, not one like any other. It was a peaceful and beautiful climb up to the monastery. When you get to the top, there are many photo opportunities but there are some areas that they ask you not to photo or video out of respect. We were fortunate with the weather because it was raining prior to our last day and it would have definitely made things challenging if it did rain. Although this is a free activity, there are places at the top where you can make monetary donations. This is a great outdoor activity and we highly recommend it.

A surprise that is well worth your visit. It is a long climb from the ground, so make sure you are in shape and bring a water bottle. The path is lined with golden Buddhas. Each one is unique and is well worth looking at. The real surprise is when you reach the temple level. You are above the city and in an oasis. This is a working temple and there are people lighting incense and bring reverent. Be respectful. I could have spent hours here. And, I wish I knew more about Buddhism to really appreciate what I saw. My big caution is that the entrance is hard to find. There is a small unmarked path next to a government building. If the taxi driver didn't point it out, I never would have found it. Really. A photo of the entrance is attached.

There are a lot of really great places in Hong Kong. At the top of this list is the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery. You can find out the history of this location elsewhere. But, if you are going to Hong Kong, or if you live in Hong Kong, I highly recommend that you go and check this place out. It is spectacular! Looking at the pictures you will see that there is a pathway that ascends towards the top of this location. Along the way there are all of these beautiful handcrafted Buddhas. Each one is a unique work of art onto itself. There is really no better way to explain it, this is just a great, highly visual, truly unique location. The trail itself is a bit steep, so keep that in mind. But, it is well worth the upward journey. Along the way you are greeted by a never ending array of Buddhas. At the top of this location, there are a number of additional Buddhas, other religious figures, and places of worship. It is also a nice place to peer out across the vast Hong Kong horizon. Overall, I highly recommend this as a place to visit. It is a truly unique and highly religious experience.

This was one of the most memorable things we saw and did while on a recent visit to Hong Kong. (+) Long and winding trail of Buddha statues line both sides of the walkway all the way up a hill with still plenty to see as you approach the top! All of the Buddha statues are in different poses and each has its own different look and personality! (+) We came here because it looked cool and interesting...but it is also totally free to boot! Win-Win! (+) You are also treated to some great views of the mountain and countryside with the skyscrapers all over the background! (+) All of the monkeys all over the place was a trip too! There was a gaggle of them that started jumping around in the middle of the trail and over the statues. Really blew my mind! Be careful of course. Do NOT carry food in your pockets here because they WILL reach into your pockets and jack your sh*t. I've seen it. lol While we were there they grabbed a bag of something from somebody and were all jumping around and excited while making loud noises as they tore the bag open, watched the food fly, and scattered to each grab some! lol (+) Easy to get to by the train, but kind of tough to find from there. You take a right out of the station, walk about 10 minutes until you pass a furniture store mall on the right and just look for the badly marked dirt trail behind a couple of old buildings lol Good Luck (+) there s a small souvenir shop near the top (-) Beware of fake monks looking for handouts (-) A lot of the statues are gone or missing and most aren't really set on their pedestals very securely (-) half of the trail are steps and the other half is a ramp. Watch your footing because it can be a bit rough in spots. This is a great place to check out when in Hong Kong and ended up being one of my favorite things we did while in the city! Just stay away from those monkeys and observe them from a safe distance! lol 4 stars.

The walkway up to the monastery is a long, steep climb, with statues lined all the way up, on both sides. Amazing how each face was different. Once you get to the top, there are 10k Buddhas in the monastery, and it is definitely awe inspiring, but visitors are not supposed to take pictures inside. I was hoping to get a pic of the monkey I saw walking down the alternate pathway on the way in, but no such luck. I definitely recommend visiting if you are in Hong Kong. It is visually interesting.

Every travel site I came across said to definitely go to the Ten Thousand Buddha's Monastery when vacationing in Hong Kong. After seeing it in person, I can see why. It's one of my favorite scenic sites I've ever been to. The icing on the cake is there is no entrance fee or anything of that sort. As you hike up the trail, there are Buddha statues on both your left and right. Luckily it wasn't too busy when we went to it didn't feel crowded. The walk up isn't bad and there are plenty of spots to take breaks if you need them. If you're traveling in Hong Kong, definitely try to come here! You won't regret it. You won't realize the sheer number of statues until you keep walking up with your tired legs and still seeing many statues up ahead.

After visiting the Big Buddha, I read a blog where the Ten Thousand Buddha's was a much better experience and after visiting both, I have to agree. This attraction is free, it has a tougher hike to the top so you feel you've earned the trip haha, and way less touristy. This feels more authentic and real vs just a tourist trap. We got there pretty easily off the MTR, the hardest part is finding the entrance as it's behind the mall. You can't cut through it, but go out and around until you see a dirt path by a fence. We we're like, is this it???... But the Buddha's appear super quickly so you'll know if you're going the right direction or not pretty quickly. As for the Buddha's they're really something to see. Going up, I was questioning if there could really be that many, but up top (no photos allowed), they're just overwhelming in scale. We also saw some monkeys there as well which was cool. Definitely don't go up to them, but they made it into a few pictures.

This place is beautiful and amazing and so memorable!!! Although I'm not religious, I do think Buddhism is an incredibly thoughtful and admirable religion. The hike to the monastery is lined with unique Buddhas as you gradually climb upwards. There's a ramp as well as steps so cloose your own adventure! Every single Buddha has its own personality and could stand in it's own. When you reach the top, there are places of worship and a view of Hong Kong. I thought it was 10,000 Buddhas that lined the climb up but it's actually the actual monastery that is FULL of tiny and shiny ones. Definitely makes you pause and soak it all in and become enlightened. Added bonuses are that this is free and close to the metro. Walk towards the random dirt path behind the government building.

Dedicating Review #1300 to this beautiful place! The Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery is a far superior attraction to the likes of Ngong Ping where you feel the heat of the tourist industry. I finally got to see this for myself after so many years of visiting HK, and I'm glad I did. The views, the hike, and the spirituality behind this place makes it a must-see in HK. It's very easy to access this place via the MTR. Located in Sha Tin, it's certainly a less tourist-road traveled which is great. The monastery itself is free to access which makes it even better for travelers. It's about a five minute walk and you'll know you're doing the right way once you start to head upwards on an incline. The entrance is tucked away behind a large office complex but you'll start to see the golden Buddhas that have been constructed to essentially guard the steps up to the main temple complex. The walk up to the top can be slightly challenging but be sure to take breaks especially on hot humid days. The Buddhas surrounding you are each individually crafted with some stand outs for sure. Upon reaching the top, you're greeted to beautiful scenes of Sha Tin and a feeling that you've conquered a peaceful spiritual hike. They have souvenir shops and other spots where you can pray or make offerings. Whatever the case for you, be sure to relish in the beauty of the area. I would absolutely come here again with someone new to share with them one of the best spots in HK.

GETTING THERE Taking the train here from Central was fairly easy and simple. However, getting to the trail can get tricky. Be sure to follow the path... it will look like you're going behind a mall/government building, but when you see the dirt, fenced path, you're on the right track. Shortly you will start to see golden Buddha's lining up. It is uphill. WHAT TO TAKE It is an incline! Don't let the short distance fool you. Take plenty of water, especially on hot days. Take a towel to dry off sweat, a hat for the sun, and some money if you want to buy souvenirs at the top. WHAT TO SEE + Small souvenir store at the top + Different temple areas + Wildlife- we saw monkeys and tortoises. + Amazing views of Hong Kong skyline

REVIEWER # 20 One of my favorite parts of traveling to Hong Kong was being able to see this beauty! The Ten Thousand Buddha's Monastery is located in Sha Tin, HK and is a popular attraction; plus, it's free! It's a little out of the way for some, which is why many tourists do not visit this location. As you climb 400 steps to reach the temple, you will walk past thousands and thousands of Buddha's. This lovely attraction was built by a devout Buddhist layman named Yuet Kai. The entrance can be a little tricky to find. Just follow the signs that lead to the front. Also, beware of the fake monks. I am fortunate to not have seen any when I was here in November. Once you reach the top, you not only witness the amazing views from the top, but you are rewarded with a small restaurant at the top that offers refreshments and light foods, but make sure to bring your own water for the walk up. This place is perfect for: *Kids *Couples Shoot, who am I kidding? This place is perfect for EVERYONE! It's a great workout as you witness and count the entire Buddhist while you walk to the top. For every step, you pass by about 32 Buddhist. Make sure that you wear comfortable shoes, the walk will be challenging to some. How to get there: Personally-I took the train and found it to be pretty convenient. I was able to get off at the Sha Tin MTR and walk up from there. Take the Hong Kong MTR East Rail Line. From Central Station, it's two transfers and about 40 minutes; you'll catch the East Line from Kowloon Tong Station. If you go out exit B you will see a bus terminal, turn left as soon as you exit and walk to the end and take the path down the ramp to your right. Follow that path until you get to Pai Tau Street (there should be Pai Tau Village on your left as you are walking). Take a left at Pai Tau Street and then turn right on Sheung Wo Che Road. Walk to the end of this street, at the end there will be loads of greenery surrounded by a netting fence and barbed wire, take the path to your left, follow it and you will soon see the first golden Buddhas lining the uphill path. The walk was not bad at all. Tip: Make sure you bring plenty of water and insect repellent. This is a wonderful attraction NOT to be missed! Expect to spend about 2-3 hours here. Overall, I loved my experience. I came solo and see some walkers on the trail as well. The best times to come are in the morning. It was worth experiencing the temple although it was out of the way. I visited in November, where it was rainy and humid. By the time I reached the top, I was drenched. Enjoy, and take tons of pictures!

Buddhism. The path to enlightenment, the understanding of human suffering. You will understand human suffering after climbing these stairs. All the walking is worth it though - each Buddha is unique, and there are actually 13,000 statues so you're getting bonus Buddhas as well. It gets even prettier at the top, and you can check out the pagoda featured on Hong Kong currency. I read somewhere that this monastery is technically not a monastery as there are no monks. Monastery or not, it's enlightening. It's a bit of a hike from The city Centre, but don't let the distance stop you. It's definitely worth seeing if you have a few days in Hong Kong.

There is a pretty good reason why they call this place the 'Ten Thousand Buddha Monastery' and that is because there are an awful lot of buddha statues here. In fact I've heard that it is something like 13000, which is somewhat more than they are claiming that are actually here. The entrance is a path that winds up the hill that is, not surprisingly, lined with Buddha statues, however these statues stand out in that they are all different, even slightly. Yeah, this is actually a rather interesting place to visit. In fact it is almost on one of those 'must check out' lists, since one of my friends also came here on an extended trip to Hong Kong.

If you like temples, Ten Thousand Buddhas is one to see! I remember seeing this temple on Amazing Race years ago and thought it was really cool. The entrance to the stairwell is pretty sketchy looking and Google Maps does not accurately take you their. Keep your eyes open to a fence entrance. Admission is free! Beware of the fake monks! The incline up is quite a walk. You literally feel like you are walking to heaven with how many steps there are. The statues keep you entertained on the way up though. They are super quirky and their faces are hilarious. I laughed out loud at a couple of them. There is also a side stairwell that goes even higher that had female buddhist statues. Once at the top, its more of a temple setting. The buddha room with all the miniature statues was really neat. I remember on Amazing Race, they had to count these suckers! Remember no pictures inside there.There is a pagoda and a some cool statues outside as well. No, I did not count all those many many buddhas, but I trust there are at least ten thousand. I really enjoyed myself here.

The trip is a bit of a trek from the usual spots in Hong Kong and it can take a little while. The temple can be a little hard to find because it's behind one of Hong Kong's ubiquitous multi-story shopping malls. Once you find the path there it's basically an 'easy' walk up to the top. Easy because the walk up is paved and there's no way for you to get lost. It's not so easy because it can be pretty steep and with the Hong Kong weather (muggy and rainy) it can be a little treacherous to get there. On the way up though you get to see the thousands of Buddhas and their variations. Once you get to the top, there's more Buddhas in different configurations. The actual 10K Buddhas are in an area where photos aren't allowed, but there are other parts of the monastery that are arguably more picture worthy than the actual Ten Thousand Buddhas in my opinion. It was definitely a good experience but probably just merits one trip, just be sure to take lots of pictures.

Beautiful landmark and DEF worth the visit. Be prepared to see ten thousand buddhas as well as climb ten thousand stairs. My goodness. We were exhausted from all those fanboy steps. Cool off in one of the enclosed temples, it's a life saver. Once you reach the top, there's an amazing view you don't want to miss out on. Walk to the edge and you'll see. You will definitely capture greatttt photos during this whole self tour you'll give yourself. There isn't much staff around but it's not needed. There is a little place to eat in there at the top, although I did not go in but it's there. Once again it was definitely worth the visit and I would definitely recommend visiting the ten thousand Buddha monastery one of the most memorable parts of visiting Hong Kong

Located off the beaten trail, Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery features an incredible collection of Buddhas. When you arrive at the Monastery, you'll first notice the buddhas as they line the hill up towards the Monastery. The top section of the monastery features a temple area to explore. We enjoyed this monastery because it wasn't as popular and crowded with tourists as other tourist areas in the downtown Hong Kong section. Plan ahead with snacks & water are there are limited restaurants in the surrounding area. Bring your smile! - It's fun to pose and take pictures with the various buddhas that surround the monastery.

This is definitely a "hidden" gem. Most guide books I have seen say to follow the signs from Sha Tin MTR station, well I have been here four times and have yet to see these mythical signs. If you go out exit B you will see a bus terminal, turn left as soon as you exit and walk to the end and take the path down the ramp to your right. Follow that along until you get to Pai Tau street (there should be Pai Tau Village on your left as you are walking). Take a left at Pai Tau street and then turn right on Sheung Wo Che Road. Walk to the end of this street, it might look like you are heading nowhere but trust me. At the end there will be loads of greenery surrounded by a netting fence and barbed wire, take the path to your left, follow it and you will soon see the first golden Buddhas lining the uphill path. Beware of men dressed as monks, there are signs warning you about the scam further up the hill but they seem to congregate at the bottom just before the path actually starts. DO NOT give them money! They are not real monks! I have only seen them once out of my four visits but it does occur. Now to review the actual sight. The walk up is difficult in the heat but it is fascinating to look at each individual Buddha, not one is the same. There are plenty of little rest areas to sit and take a rest along the way but the walk isn't too bad. The first monastery level holds the main temple, pagoda and a couple of small temples. There is a small vegetarian cafe and washrooms (although Asian style). You can usually climb the pagoda to get some views but when we went this time it was closed to it might be hit or miss. Inside the main temple is the preserved body of the founder, Yuet Kai, covered in gold leaf. Once finished with the lower area, head up a few more steps to the upper part where there is still reconstruction going on but some of the temples have been complete. And there is a very lovely statue (information booklet doesn't say who it is of but it looks like Tin Hau) next to the waterfall. There are also better views from here if you have a nice clear day.

ADVICE: PLEASE SPRAY YOURSELF DOWN WITH TONS OF BUG SPRAY REPELLENT UNLESS YOU WANT TO LEAVE MAULED ALIVE BY MOSQUITOES AND WHATEVER BUGS THAT BIT ME AND MY SISTER. Yeah seriously it had to be in all caps because we both got bit so bad it basically ruined half of our trip. Those bites took forever to go away---it didn't heal until about two weeks later when I got back to the states! The temple itself is pretty. The road to the top is pretty exhausting so if you have elders please rethink. It's all steps up, lined with Buddhas on each side . I think it's worth a visit. There weren't that many visitors when I went and I think it's because it's out of the way.

This Monastery is amazing and beautiful! I was greeted with an amazing sight of statues lining the steep path, helped by 431 steps from the base of the hill up to the Monastery, and surprised to find monks not buddhas, each with different expressions, poses and dress. So I must correct everyone regarding the 500 "buddhas" that lines the path up to the monastery. They are life size gilded Arhan statues. Arhan, is the local word for "buddhist monks" who are very senior and can serve the buddhas. We were climbing the hill on a relatively warm and humid day, so dread to think those who climb in the heat of summer, when temperatures can reach 40°C, would probably die of heat exhaustion! Definitely, need to remember to carry a few bottles of water with you. By the time we reached the lower level of the monastery (it is built over two levels overlooking Sha Tin), I was glad to find a large dining room of the vegetarian restaurant right in front of us, where we can have a cold bowl of sweet grass jelly dessert, the sweetness of the syrup helped to replace the perspiration from our glowing bodies and the coldness to cool us down. After suitably cooled we ventured out to the building next door, the main attraction, which was The Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple. This temple is amazing as its walls are covered with miniature Buddhas, all unique, all handmade, on 30 shelves (yes, I counted!) rising from the floor to ceiling, each bearing an inscription of the name of its donor. The buildings of the Monastery took eight years to complete, but it took a further ten years to complete all the miniature Buddha statues displayed, and which actually numbered almost 13,000 (in Cantonese words "ten thousand" simply represents a term for an extremely large number). In the centre of this Temple, in a glass case, resides the body of the founder of the Monastery, Rev Yuet Kai, embalmed with lacquer and gold leaf, adorned in robes, and seated by the altar, with a sign that reads, "The Diamond Indestructible Body of Yuet Kai." At the opposite end of the Temple, on this large terrace, is the nine storey pagoda and in between is a pavilion housing a large statue of the Goddess of Mercy. Apparently, the pagoda was featured on the HK$100 note. On the upper level, the path leading up is lined with goddesses this time, there are more temples and a turtle pond, and views across to Sha Tin from the waterfall, in front of a large white statue of a Goddess, which looks relatively new. Opening hours are 9 to 5 every day.

This is a gem hidden in the city. Literally. It's challenging to find the front or back way up if you haven't been before. Let me help you out... Start at the Sha Tin MTR. Go down the ramp passing the bus terminus and towards the Home Center. You will be on the bottom level where some buses are stopping. Now you will see a residential kind of looking area and some shops that sell things for the Monastery. The start to the back entrance is through there. Go to the end of the shops and there will be a (not marked at all) path that looks like its going through backyards. Eventually you will see a sign pointing up the path. This is the easier of the 2 ways up! For the front entrance. Go towards the Home Center. The entrance is between a govt building and the Home Center. There will be some signage once you get really close . This way is a little more difficult, bit you see more Buddha's on the way. Now there are so many of them on your way up. Either way up... pause and check them out. No two are the same... some are outright hilarious! When you get up there will be the main Monastery level. Look around have fun. But make sure you go all the way up! The white goddess must be seen! Also as a bonus you might see monkeys on the way. No feeding them though! Also this is NOT an active Monastery (no monks live here), and monks do not beg. So any begging monks are frauds.... Have fun!

There's a lot of Buddhas and the female version of them too (they are called 観音様 in Japanese). It's a nice hike up the stairs. Bring water. You get hot and sticky in the heat but it will be worth it when you feel that breath on your face at the top. The Buddhas are kinda plastic looking but they each have their own features which is interesting. There's a small restaurant at the top, tho it didn't look very hygienic.

It takes 415 steps and several inclines to get to the main monastery. So take that into account before heading up the stairs lined with golden statues of Buddhas. Anyone planning on visiting the monastery should follow the excellent directions listed by Tracy H. It was much clearer than google maps. I was drenched in sweat about a quarter of the way to the top. (I went shopping for a new outfit after the hike because I looked like I just did a very intense workout. Thank goodness there are malls attached to most of the MTR stations)! The golden Buddhas along the path to the monastery looked very amusing, most looked like they were carved with a bemused expression. Basically almost mocking all those who pilgrimaged to the top: Why would you climb up the side of a mountain on a 100+ degree Fahrenheit day??? Once my mother and I got to the main level of the monastery it was like we were in a whole different world. It was very serene and peaceful. There is an overlook at the edge of the monastery with a magnificent view of Sha Tin. We could see our hotel in the distance! The main temple was beautiful. The inside was amazing. So many miniature Buddhas sitting on shelves from floor to ceiling on three of the walls. There is a small gift store inside the temple with incense and small trinkets for sale. There is a restaurant at the top with decently priced drinks and food. Fyi, there is no AC inside the restaurant. I only went to the main level of the monastery as I could not bring myself to walk up any more steps to the upper level. I was already so tired from the excruciating heat. Maybe on my next trip to HK, during the wintertime, I will take a hike up to the monastery again.

When I used to work in Shatin, I could always see a huge temple on the mountain with bright colors and I thought it was one of those temples. Until one day my flat mate told me he really wanted to go visit Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery and I realized that mysterious place was actually a monastery. (Yet another proof that travelers do know better than most locals here...) I am definitely not a religious person, but from my understanding, Buddhism is a rather mild religion which helps people to find the true happiness. Since wealth is impermanent and it does not guarantee happiness and also wealth (preach), it has more to do with leading a moral life and be satisfied about it. So after my flat mate and I finished breakfast, we got to Shatin and walked to Pai Tau Village, though this place was rather hidden, it was not that hard to find the entrance as there were signs everywhere. One funny story was that we came across a monk at the entrance asking for money, however we were not sure if he was a real monk or not (became all too skeptical after all those fake monks at LKF and Wanchai), so we did not give him anything... (too bad...) anyways, as we followed the path, we already saw quite a lot of golden Buddhas on both sides. And all were unique and in different poses. I hope it does not come off disrespectful... there were quite a handful of funny-looking ones... I did not know how many statues there were but there were A LOT. On our way to the monastery did not take much, I thought the steps would drain me but luckily those statues kept me distracted. Finally we reached the top where we saw the main hall, magnificent and surrounded by even more golden statues and a 9-floor pagoda. The thing I liked about this place was it was not filled with tourists (surprisingly) so it was definitely quite tranquil and regardless the fact that we found happiness or not, we certainly found peace up there.

This hidden place in shatin is a must-see attraction. U can challenge your physical endurance and counting skill while u are climbing up to the top. Also, take a lot of pictures with the Buddha statues. They all come with different postures. Don't forget to go all the way up to the upper level when u get there. There is a place u can overlook the scenic view of Shatin.

By my estimations Yuet Kai, the builder of these thousands of Buddhas did not have many friends growing up in his monastery. If he did he wouldn't have had the time to make so many fake ones! Too harsh? Perhaps. Yuet Kai's social life aside the man had buckets of talent mixed in with a devotion to his beliefs that provides us with this spectacle today. I've been to this temple once before, near the Sha Tin mtr, and found it quite amazing that I hadn't gone earlier. The walk up, a little bit strenuous, is just as fascinating as the temple itself. The small path is lined with Buddhas, each one different to the next, all the way to the temple itself. Once at the top there are two options, left to more, miniature Buddhas, or right... don't go right. I was attacked by monkeys, angry, little monkeys, to the right... never go right. After I was scared away by the monkeys we went left, to the interesting, safe, and peaceful temple. At first I thought they called the place ten thousand Buddhas because it was just some guy that said "Wow... there are thousands of them!" Popular English exaggeration. But there really are thousands upon thousands of them. Over 13,000 if my counting skills are correct... that or Wikipedia. We spent the rest of the day admiring Yuet Kai's handy work, taking photos and climbing up a narrow pagoda type building. There are a few little shops there for the numerous tourists that flock to the area, none of which we entered. On the way out we chose a different path, a Buddhaless path that was interesting in its own way with a little local honey farm nearby. The final conclusion being that Yuet Kai legacy is well worth a visit and you can challenge yourself to see how many you can count without messing up!

A pretty cool temple to check out. The walk up is definitely a sweat breaker but definitely worth it. Beware of the phony monks at the entrance of the temples!! They try to give you some beads and then tell you that it's costs money. So disrespectful.

Not so easy to find, exit A1 form subway, then keep left... when you get to a shrine... it's not it! That's the cemetery!!! Take the small road nest to the shrine and start walking for a wonderful experience. No seriously bring some water, although you can buy some at the top. 750 mt of steps totally worth the climb. And at the very top a great surprise!