Hong Kong is a fantastic place with several amazing temples, each with significant cultural and historical importance. If you’re planning a trip to this bustling city, make sure to visit some of the best temples. You don’t want to miss out on the iconic Man Mo Temple, with its stunning red pillars and incense coils hanging from the ceiling or the tranquil Tsz Shan Monastery. There’s something for everyone, so you might want to check out the Wong Tai Sin Temple, known for its wish-granting abilities, or the Po Lin Monastery, home to the world-famous Tian Tan Buddha statue. You’re in for a treat as you explore these magnificent temples and soak up the unique atmosphere of each one.
Must-visit Temples
Man Mo Temple
Man Mo Temple is the largest Man Mo temple in Hong Kong, located on Hollywood Road. It worships the Literature God – Man, and the Martial God – Mo. Despite the high buildings surrounding it, the temple’s traditional appearance stands out. Upon entering, you’ll see incense coils hanging from the ceiling and wish-making lanterns.
Locals often visit the temple to pray for their children’s educational success, usually three weeks before school opens. They bring notebooks, pens, and books, placing them on the altar. After the offering, children touch the big brush in front of the God statue.
Apart from school openings, the temple also gets busy during Chinese New Year, the birthday of the Literature God, and before exams. However, you can visit the temple any time to pray for peace, success, and prosperity. The temple is open from 8 am to 6 pm.
To reach Man Mo Temple, you can take Bus 26, which has a bus stop right in front of the temple. Alternatively, you can take the MTR Island line to Sheung Wan Station.
Address: 124-126 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong Island
Tsz Shan Monastery
Tsz Shan Monastery is a remarkable project that was initiated by Mr. Li Ka Shing. The total cost of developing this project is over 3 billion dollars. The monastery is known for its 76-meter Guan Yin statue and its architectural style, inspired by the Tang, Northern Song, Liao, and Jin dynasties. It is located on top of a hill, providing visitors with a serene and peaceful view of the mountains. You can also join meditation, and calligraphy sessions organized by the monastery. If you are planning your first visit, check out my post here.
When you visit the monastery, be sure to check out The Main Gate, the Maitreya Hall, the Grand Buddha Hall, and the first museum dedicated to Buddhism, which is located under the Guan Yin statue. There is no entrance fee, but you must make an online reservation.
To get to the monastery, you can take Minibus #20B, 20C, or 20T from MTR Tai Po Market Station and walk uphill along Universal Gate Road for 10 minutes.
Address: 88 Universal Gate Rd, Tai Po
Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery
Po Lin Monastery, a Buddhist monastery established by three monks in 1906, is a popular tourist attraction located in Ngong Ping, Lantau Island. While at the Po Lin Monastery, be sure to explore the Hall of Skanda Bodhisattva, the Main Shrine Hall of Buddha, and the Grand Hall of Ten Thousand Buddhas. The monastery is often visited together with the Tian Tan Buddha, also known as Big Buddha. The Big Buddha is an extension of the monastery and is situated atop Mount Muk Yue. To get a closer look at the statue, visitors need to climb 268 steps. From there, you can take in the stunning views of Lantau Island and the South China Sea.
After exploring the monastery and the Big Buddha, don’t forget to check out the Wisdom Path. It is an outdoor area surrounded by lush greenery and wooden columns arranged in the figure of eight, symbolizing infinity. The words inscribed on the wooden columns are calligraphy of the verse of the Heart Sutra.
Before you head back home, I highly recommend taking a relaxing stroll through the charming Ngong Ping Village. In the village, you will find traditional architecture, local shops, and delicious food stalls. It’s the perfect place to unwind and appreciate the natural beauty of the area.
To reach the monastery and Big Buddha, visitors can take the Ngong Ping 360 cable car from Tung Chung station.
Address: Po Lin Monastery, Ngong Ping, Lantau Island
Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple
The Wong Tai Sin temple is a Taoist temple that covers an area of 190,000 square feet. The temple’s popularity among locals and tourists is due to the belief that it answers all prayers. The exterior of the temple has a traditional style with red pillars and a gold roof.
Visitors going to the temple can make offerings and offer prayers on three dedicated platforms by lighting incense. When holding the incense, you should hold it up high. This is to prevent the smoke from getting into your eyes. Also, from accidentally burning the clothes of other people in front of you. (Someone held the incense too low and burned a hole in the back of my t-shirt). The temple also features a serene Good Wish Garden. It is an ideal place to take a break from the noise and crowds inside the temple.
During the lunar new year, people come from far and wide to be the first to worship Wong Tai Sin. They believed that the first to offer incense would bring good luck in the coming year. The temple becomes a bustling place during this time as people light incense and offer prayers to the deity.
The temple is open every day from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm. It is best to visit during the weekdays to avoid the weekend crowds. To get to the temple, you can take the MTR and get off at Wong Tai Sin MTR Station. Look for Exit B2, and walk for about 3 minutes to reach the temple.
Address: 2, Chuk Yuen Village, Wong Tai Sin, Kowloon, H.K.
Sha Tin Che Kung Temple
The Che Kung Temple is a sacred place to worship Che Kung. Che Kung was a general who served during the Southern Song dynasty in Imperial China. The temple hosts four festivals annually on the following dates:
- 2nd day of the first lunar month
- 27th day of the third lunar month
- 6th day of the sixth lunar month
- 16th day of the eighth lunar month.
The most celebrated festival is on the 2nd day of the lunar new year. During this time, visitors come to worship Che Kung and turn the fan wheel for good luck in the upcoming year.
You can take the KCR Ma On Shan line and get off at Che Kung Temple Station. Or, use the KCR Tai Wai Station Che Kung Temple exit.
Address: 7 Che Kung Miu Rd, Sha Tin
Chi Lin Nunnery
There are two beautiful places that you can visit in Diamond Hill. The first is a large Buddhist temple that is open to the public, free of charge. This temple, known as the Chi Lin Nunnery, is constructed using traditional techniques. The whole temple was built by interlocking the wood to keep it in place without using any nails. Inside the temple, you can see a statue of Guan Yin, Sakyamuni Buddha, and other bodhisattvas.
Just opposite the Chi Lin Nunnery is the Nan Lian Garden. It is a Chinese garden built in the Tang Dynasty style. You can take a stroll inside this garden and enjoy its serene atmosphere. I personally love the contrast between the traditional structures and the modern high-rise buildings in the background. It’s a beautiful example of how the old and new can blend together.
To get to the Chi Lin Nunnery, you can take the MTR to Diamond Hill Station.
Address: Chi Lin Nunnery, 5 Chi Lin Dr, Sheung Yuen Leng
Tips and Guidelines when visiting Temples
When visiting temples, it is important to remember that these places hold significant spiritual value for locals. To show respect towards the culture and the people, follow these tips and guidelines:
– Keep your voice low and avoid making any unnecessary noise.
– Wear appropriate clothing, such as sleeved tops, to show modesty and respect.
– Some temple halls prohibit taking photos or videos.
– When carrying incense, hold it up high to avoid burning the clothes of the person in front of you.