Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery

If you’re looking for a monastery experience unlike any other in Hong Kong, then the Ten Thousand Buddhas should be your first stop. Even though it’s called the 10,000 Buddhas, there are actually almost 13,000, life-sized golden Buddhas that line the steps leading up to the monastery. More than 400 steps, to be exact, so be prepared for an uphill hike.

What makes this monastery unique other than the fact that there are thousands of Buddhas, are the interesting facial expressions from each one. Additionally, you are likely to spot some of Hong Kongs wildlife lurking in the surrounding jungle, specifically, macaques! I saw more of these monkeys here in one afternoon than I have in my entire year of living in Hong Kong. But beware, these are wild animals, and they are NOT afraid to walk right up to you. Also learned on this day, I am terrified of monkeys.

Once you reach the top of the stairs, there are a couple halls and pavilions, as well as a nine-story pagoda. If you continue walking towards the east, you’ll find a small turtle pond.

To reach the 10,000 Buddhas, take the MTR to the East Rail line (light blue) and get off at Sha Tin, exit B. From there, head towards the Ikea, which you will see in the distance on your left. Take a left on Pai Tau street and then an immediate right on to Sheung Wo Che street. From there, you’ll see a collection of bamboo trees behind a chain link fence, it looks eerie, but keep going. Once you reach this fence, the stairs towards the monastery begin.