Hong Kong: Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery (Part 2)

July 9, 2012

Imagine being in one of the largest cities in the world, yet not being able to see another person for as far as your eyes can see.  Both times I have visited the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery that is exactly what happened  — I had the entire place to myself.  This hidden gem is located in Sha Tin, a busy part of Hong Kong, however surprisingly very few locals or tourists visit.  Thus, it is the perfect free cityscape that will not only afford you some breathing room in such a crowded place, but will also leave you speechless for the beauty found there is magnificent.

 

The pathway up to the Monastery is picturesquely beautiful, though the real star of the show are the grounds of the Monastery itself, which occupies over 8 hectares and contains two levels.  The main level houses a pagoda, several halls, and a temple.  Leave plenty of time during your visit to wander around, take photos, and to find the perfect spot for a moment of reflection.

Although it is called a Monastery, there are no resident monks and the grounds are managed by laypersons.  It was built by Yuet Kai, a devout Buddhist layman, who dedicated the last years of his life to constructing this extraordinary place, which at the time contained ten thousand statues of Buddha.  Over the years people have added Buddhas and other Buddhist statues as a sign of devotion.

My favorite part is definitely the temple where the walls are lined with the original ten thousand miniature ceramic Buddha statues. Each statue is about twelve inches high and adopts a different pose and expression and contains an inscription bearing the name of its donor.  The glow that is cast from the light inside each golden Buddha is ethereal.  Yuet Kai’s ashes are also displayed in a glass case, though I chose to not photograph it out of respect.

If you should find yourself in Hong Kong, please do yourself a favor and make certain that you visit this place.  After you do, send me a message that you did and let me know your favorite part about it!

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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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70 thoughts on “Hong Kong: Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery (Part 2)

  1. Candace

    Wow, these photos are stunning, Andi! The colors especially are so striking. I haven’t had a chance to visit Hong Kong yet, but will definitely keep this on the list of places to see when I do 🙂 Thanks for sharing them!

    Reply
  2. Karla

    Those are stunning pictures of Buddhas bella!

    Love it, love it, love it!

    I definitely have to visit next time I go to HK! I am glad I am not the only one fascinated with temples 😉

    Reply
  3. Emily in Chile

    I really just want to go and sit there with the 10,000 buddhas right now. Something about that little room looks so peaceful, as if the grounds weren’t already peaceful enough.

    Reply
  4. Travel Visa to USA

    Great shots! I love the way you take pictures, it looks like real specially the mini statue. I can say that this monastery was really beautiful. I think I can also add this to my travel list. Keep sharing!

    -yana-

    Reply
  5. Andrea

    I love all the little buddhas – how fantastic! And a perfect place to enjoy some solitude. I’m never lucky to have a place like this to myself – always trying to shoot around crowds of tourists!

    Reply
    1. Andi Perullo Post author

      I can’t stand going to places where there are hoards of tourists. Can’t enjoy myself at all! This is one of the reasons why I enjoy this place SO much!!!

      Reply
  6. Catalina

    It looks like more than 10,000!!! what an amazing place!!! beautiful photoghaphs!!! love the one of back of Buddha’s head w the mountains in the background!!! so peaceful!

    Reply
  7. Roxanne

    The colors in this are absolutely fantastic. There is a sense of both delicacy to the images and immense strength. I do not know how you always manage to bring that to your photos, but it is what makes them truly unique in my eyes. Thinking of you, and sending love.

    Reply
  8. Sabrina

    This looks beautiful! I’ve been to Hong Kong, but gave barely had time to do any sightseeing there. This definitely goes on my list. I love all the colors and flowers in your pics.

    Reply
  9. Krista

    Absolutely amazing, Andi! How wonderful and incredible to have the whole place to yourself. I feel peaceful just thinking about it. 🙂

    Reply
  10. Alyx

    Your photos are ALWAYS so amazing!!
    This monastery looks simply beautiful and incredibly peaceful! I REALLY want to go to Hong Kong now – not that I didn’t before!

    Reply
  11. Katie @ Domestiphobia.net

    Wow, stunning photography! You really, really, really make me want to explore Asia.

    Reply

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