Renowned for its towering 76-metre-tall white Guan Yin statue, Tsz Shan Monastery in Tai Po is one of the most popular attractions of Hong Kong. Dedicated to Guan Yin (Avalokiteśvara), the Goddess of compassion, the monastery is a spiritual oasis offering visitors a chance to escape city life’s hustle and bustle. The beautiful statue can be seen miles away on a clear day, seemingly blessing her devotees. Expect sweeping views of the village below and the harbour in the distance, plenty to see and do inside the monastery, and a sense of peace once you walk in here.
Visitors can plan their arrival by registering on the official website. Registrations open at the beginning of each month, and while entry is free, time slots are available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you have been planning a visit to Tsz Shan Monastery, our guide can help you explore it better on your trip to Hong Kong.
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Tsz Shan Monastery: History and significance
Planning and construction for the monastery began in 2003, based on Li Ka-shing’s life-long affinity with Buddhism. Li Ka-shing is an Asian business magnate and a successful entrepreneur. Constructed and opened to the public in April 2015, Tsz Shan Monastery covers an area of approximately 500,000 square feet. One of the most popular Buddhist temples in the world, the monastery has incorporated various natural elements in its architecture, inspired by the styles of the Tang, Northern Song, Liao and Jin dynasties. The monastery is said to preserve the teachings of Sakyamuni Buddha and offers visitors a chance to learn and practice meditation.
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The best time to visit Tsz Shan Monastery
The best time to visit Tsz Monastery is in the morning with fewer crowds. You can book tickets up to a month in advance from the official website.
Opening hours: 9:30 am to 5 pm
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How to reach Tsz Shan Monastery
By metro: Tai Po Market Station is approximately 7 km away.
By road: Minibuses 20B, 20T, NR532, and 20C, and buses 275R and 75K ply to the monastery.
Things to do at Tsz Shan Monastery
Explore the gardens
Beautifully manicured verdant gardens surround the Tsz Shan Monastery, offering visitors a chance to appreciate natural beauty. The gardens are home to vibrant flowerbeds, tranquil ponds, meandering walkways, and spaces to enjoy the stunning views or meditate peacefully. With expansive views of the beautiful town of Tai Mei Tuk Tsuen from most vantage points, stunning photographs are assured.
Visit the Tsz Shan Monastery Buddhist Art Museum
The Tsz Shan Monastery Buddhist Art Museum is located beneath the Guan Yin Statue. Designed as a circular enclosure, the museum’s structure is a symbol of inner contentment. It opened to the public in 2019 and is considered Hong Kong’s first museum of its kind. The museum showcases Buddhist artefacts and objects from around the world, including sculptures of Sakyamuni Buddha in stone, wood, bronze, ceramics, iron, paper, stucco, and textile core. A must-visit for those who appreciate Buddhist artefacts and relics.
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Embark on a guided tour of the monastery
It is always a good idea to get a guide when touring places such as this monastery, where places and items have special significance. A volunteer-guided tour will take you across the monastery, from the highly-revered 70-metre-tall bronze-cast white Guan Yin Statue to the picturesque lotus ponds. Register your visit online first, get your tickets, and then book a guided tour when you arrive.
Make a water offering to Goddess Guan Yin
Water offerings made to the Goddess are believed to be a way for her devotees to connect with her. At the monastery, a large bronze vessel has been placed at the foot of the Goddess’ statue, where visitors can pour water as an offering. Devotees have to walk around 100 metres or so along the Path of Compassion with the water bowl in hand, before arriving at the vessel, known as the Thousand Wishes Pond. Devotees then have to use both hands to pour the water in. It’s noteworthy that the monastery opted for water offerings, deviating from the usual incense and other offerings, as a more environment-friendly and sustainable approach.
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Participate in an immersive experience
There is plenty to see and do at Tsz Shan Monastery, from rewriting Buddha’s teaching using the Zen Calligraphy technique to engaging in a walking meditation. A way of cultivating mindfulness, walking meditation entails walking around the monastery and focusing on each step while being aware of the surroundings. You can also practise your calligraphy skills, writing over Buddha’s words of wisdom with markers. These sessions are meant to calm the mind as you copy over the sutras. Another must-have experience is the tea meditation session, wherein visitors observe a cup of tea’s changing colours, aromas, sounds, tastes, and temperature. It is believed to enable people to connect with their present.
Tips to remember while visiting Tsz Shan Monastery
- Remember that this is a place of worship, so treat your surroundings respectfully.
- Keep your shoulders and knees covered with a modest outfit, or rent a sarong to wear to the temple.
- Visitor numbers are limited, so book your tickets in advance.
- All visitors must be at least 18 years old to enter the monastery.
- Be aware that photography is not allowed inside the temple.
- Avoid bringing in meat, cigarettes, or alcohol within the premises.
- There is no storage facility at Tsz Monastery, so remember to always keep your belongings light and with you.
- Pets are not allowed within the monastery.
- Keep your voice down to a whisper once you have entered the monastery.
- To stay hydrated and nourished, you can bring water and vegetarian snacks to eat at designated areas around the temple.
(Feature image credit: Tsz Shan Monastery 慈山寺/Facebook)
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The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Photos can only be taken at the grounds. Once you have entered the inner hall of Tsz Shan Monastery, photography is not allowed.
It can take approximately 3 hours to fully explore the Tsz Shan Monastery.
Yes, Tsz Shan Monastery is wheelchair accessible.
Yes, you bring vegetarian snacks, fruits, and water.
No, there are no places to buy souvenirs at the Tsz Shan Monastery.
Yes, volunteer guides are available to explain the significance of Tsz Shan Monastery to the visitors.
You cannot spend a night at Tsz Shan Monastery, all visitors have to leave in the evening.
Written By
Esha Dasgupta
Senior Digital Writer - Growth, TravelEsha is a traveller at heart, with a penchant for exploring the unchartered. She has previously worked ..Read More
