Hong Kong: Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery (Part 1)

July 6, 2012

It all started with a google search: “things to do and see in Hong Kong”.  A couple of clicks of the mouse later and I stumbled across some random website that extolled the amazingness of the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery.  Since I have a minor obsession with all things Buddha, the fact that there was not only one, but ten thousand Buddhas at this monastery solidified the fact that I had to visit on my upcoming solo trip.  I searched for other information and surprisingly found hardly anything else about this mysterious place.  Armed with nothing more than really an address, as soon as I arrived in Hong Kong I set out to find it and find it I did.  My experience there was life-changing, so much so that I thought twice about writing this post, because the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery is truly one of the last remaining hidden gem’s in this world and I was not quite sure if I wanted to spill the secret.  I know, call me selfish, however I felt the need to protect the place from being overrun with tourists.  Although, in the end I decided it is just too special to not share and I hope the people that decide to visit it treat it like the treasure it is.

 

My first time there was over five years ago and when my husband and I visited Hong Kong together this past March I was determined to return with him and show him this place that had touched my soul.  My second time there was just as memorable as the first, maybe even more since I was experiencing it with my favorite travel partner.

Hong Kong

From the road, you cannot see the Monastery, which means it is vital to get excellent directions before venturing out to find it.  It is situated on top of a hill and requires a 20-30 minute hike to get to.  It is not an intense hike, however if you are handicap, unfortunately you will not be able to see it since it is not handicap accessible.

 

After passing by a small sign letting me know that I had arrived at the right place, I then began walking through a bamboo forest and felt as though I had stepped back through time into ancient China.  As I approached the top, countless golden Buddhas began to emerge all around me — they were on either side of the path and each one was different in their own way.  The Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery in fact actually has more like thirty thousand Buddhas, as over the years more and more have been added.  The following pictures were taken on the way up to the Monastery:

Hong Kong

Hong Kong

Hong Kong

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Hong Kong

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Hong Kong

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Hong Kong

As I took my last step before entering the Monastery holding the hand of my beloved, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for following my intuition all of those years ago and for taking a chance on visiting a place that little is known about.  The path leading to the Monastery is beautiful, but the Monastery itself, well, sometimes there are just no words. . .

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Andi Perullo de Ledesma

I am Andi Perullo de Ledesma, a Chinese Medicine Doctor and Travel Photojournalist in Charlotte, NC. I am also wife to Lucas and mother to Joaquín. Follow us as we explore life and the world one beautiful adventure at a time.

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68 thoughts on “Hong Kong: Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery (Part 1)”

  4. Andi

    My hubby just got back from HK and probably would have loved this spot, I am putting on the list for my/his next visit!

    Reply ↓
    1. Andi Perullo Post author

      It is SO special and peaceful. Both times I went I was like the only person there, can you believe it? To have a place like that all to yourself in the middle of one of the biggest cities in the world???

      Reply ↓
  23. Terra

    I was so excited to read about this monastery, it sounded amazing! It sounds magical, and that walk would be beyond amazing:-) Your pictures are gorgeous! Hugs, Terra

    Reply ↓
  24. ava apollo

    This reminds me of Light of Buddha mountian in Taiwan! Just Buddha statues EVERYWHERE. Buddha babies, lifesize Buddhas, GIANT Buddhas. This looks beautiful. Can’t wait to go.

    Reply ↓
  25. Hogga

    So many Buddhas… what you said about the path there being an incredible journey reminds me of the road to Milford Sound in New Zealand. Too true about the journey being just as important as the destination!

    Reply ↓

  26. Pingback: Hong Kong: Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery (Part 2) | My Beautiful Adventures

  35. Dan

    Why have I never heard of this place before? I was in Hong Kong, and I loved it, but I never heard of this place. I’ve been living and teaching in Taiwan for 8 years, and I haven’t seen anything like it here either. (Though I see one of the commenters knows a place. I’ll have to check that out too.)

    And many compliments on the photos. They are truly stunning. Are there really 10,000 of them there? And where exactly is this place? I’m hoping to make it back to HK sometime in the next year or so, and this seems right up my alley. Hope you’re still enjoying your travels!

    Reply ↓
    1. Andi Perullo de Ledesma Post author

      Not a lot of people know about it, it’s so sad, because it’s such a treasure! I hope you can make it there some day. It’s truly amazing!!! Thank you for the kind words re: my photos!!! There were probably 30,000 Buddhas. They keep adding more and more from donations. 🙂

      Reply ↓

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