0208 843 4444
There’s more to Hong Kong than just tall buildings and gigantic shopping malls. The city is also known for its rich culture and time honoured traditions. Read on to know about some of the most famous cultural and religious sites in the region.
Wong Tai Sin Temple
Located in the north of Kowloon, Wong Tai Sin Temple is a famous temple in Hong Kong. Believed to have been built by Leung Renyan, the popular site is home to various Buddhist and Confucian texts dating back to the 20th century. Every year on the eve of Chinese New Year, thousands of worshippers gather around the temple to seek blessings of Wong Tai Sin, a Chinese Taoist deity. Also, fortune telling is a popular practice around the temple.
Chi Lin Nunnery
Located in Kowloon, Chi Lin Nunnery is a famous Buddhist temple in Hong Kong. Founded in 1934, the structure features a statue of Sakyamuni Buddha surrounded by two standing figurines and two sitting bodhisattvas. Almost all the statues in the temple are made of gold, clay, wood and stone. Every year during the Buddhist festive season, thousands of worshippers and devotees visit the temple to offer prayers and seek blessings. The large, seated statue of Buddha surrounded by deities on all four sides is a big among the visitors.
Tian Tan Buddha
Also known as ‘Big Buddha’, Tian Tan Buddha is a huge bronze statue of Lord Buddha. Located in Lantau Island, the site is a famous attraction for tourists in Hong Kong. The 112ft tall statue was built in 1993 using 202 beautifully crafted bronze pieces over a period of 3 years. Below the statue there are three floors, depicting the three stages of life as per Buddhist mythology. The huge carved bell, adjacent to the statue, with images of Buddha inscribed on it, is another attraction for the visitors.
Tsz Shan Monastery
Located in Tai Po District, Tsz Shan Monastery is one famous Buddhist temple in Hong Kong. Opened to public in 2015, the popular temple is believed to have been constructed with the purpose of spiritual purification of the people. Every day, special programmes of dharma are organized by the temple community for the visitors. The 76 meters high bronze Guanyin Statue at the entrance of the gate is one of the most popular attractions of the temple.
Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery
Located in Sha Tin, Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery is a famous Buddhist temple in Hong Kong. Constructed in 1950s by a devout Buddhist, the popular site is known for dozens of differently shaped golden statues of Buddha. The structure is a nine-storey pagoda and features several halls and pavilions. For its historical significance and architectural design, the main temple and the pagoda has been named as Grade III Historic Building in Hong Kong.