Tsz Shan Monastery — Attraction in Hong Kong

Having visited this temple three times, I can confidently say it is one of my favorite places for peace and reflection. The atmosphere is calm and serene, making it a perfect retreat from the outside world. Though the temple frequently hosts activities, advance booking is required via their official website (free). Visitors should dress respectfully and maintain a quiet demeanor throughout their visit.

The temple offers many picturesque spots for photography, as well as several areas for prayer and meditation. One of the most awe-inspiring sights is the grand statue of Guanyin, radiating a sense of peace and compassion. Standing before it, you can’t help but feel as if her kind gaze is watching over you.

For those interested in spiritual guidance, the temple features a unique “Word of Wisdom” wheel. Unlike traditional fortune sticks, this experience provides insightful words that seem to resonate with your thoughts at the moment—almost as if they were meant just for you.

Beyond prayer and reflection, the temple offers various activities and a museum, with knowledgeable staff available to provide guidance. The location itself is breathtaking, with the sea stretching out in front and lush forests and mountains forming a peaceful backdrop. The cool, refreshing air adds to the tranquil experience.

Getting here is convenient, whether by bus or taxi. However, one important thing to keep in mind is to respect the space and the pilgrims who come for spiritual practice. Maintaining silence and mindfulness enhances the sacred atmosphere for everyone.

If you are seeking a place to reconnect with yourself and experience true serenity, this temple is a destination...

I recently visited Tsz Shan Monastery with my friends, and it was a truly enriching experience. The monastery is set in a vast space that includes the magnificent Guan Yin Statue, a spacious courtyard, serene ponds, an exhibition area, and activity rooms. Its remote location, away from the hustle and bustle of the city center, offers a perfect opportunity for a peaceful retreat in nature.

As someone with limited knowledge of Buddhism, I was intrigued to try the "Water Offering" practice I discovered on-site. The process is believed to bring clarity, purity, and joy to our hearts. The instructions were simple and easy to follow, making it accessible for first-time visitors to engage in this meaningful spiritual activity.

I also participated in a Zen Calligraphy session, which was incredibly calming. The room was absolutely quiet, allowing me to focus and find inner peace. Participants were given paper with lightly printed characters from the Sutra and a sign pen marker, making it easy for non-Chinese speakers to trace and join in the calligraphy practice.

Lastly, I explored the museum, which showcased a beautiful collection of Buddha statues and artifacts, adding to the overall experience of learning and reflection.

One important note: advance reservations are required, which I appreciated for crowd control. This thoughtful measure ensures that visitors can truly retreat from their busy lives and immerse themselves in the tranquility of the monastery.

Overall, Tsz Shan Monastery is a wonderful place to visit for anyone seeking peace, spiritual growth, and a deeper understanding of...

The monastery itself is quite impressive. However, the level of security and restrictiveness ultimately left more bad associations than good ones. For example, their website is riddled with so-colled rules that you have to follow, or else be kicked out, like the one that says that you have to come there wearing long sleeves. So I did, despite the 32 degree weather, and came there to find a bunch of people wearing shorts, and nobody caring. What I also found there was dozens of cameras, and security guards, some of which look at you as if you’re about to blow up something. There are a lot of “no entry” signs, and around there is a big fence with barbed wire (local-communist style). When I tried to enter one of the smaller buildings, to and out of which a bunch of chinese people were going, I was stopped and told that I have to be”registered” in order to enter. How did the guard know that I was not registered without even asking? Well, she and another employer were pulling my leg quite a bit, before I finally figured they did not want to let me in because I am not a local. I specifically asked about being religious, and yet I was told that this is not the case. After another slip-up from the employer, who told me that I “have to have a chinese name to enter”, my doubts disappeared in totality. This was the first place where I was not let to enter somewhere because I am white. Overall, the management there is quite shady, and since there are many other beautiful monasteries in Hong Kong that are friendlier to foreigners, I would recommend you go there instead of waiting in the online...