Amidst the serene hills of Hong Kong, a beacon of tranquility stands tall. Tap Tsz Shan, the Monastery of the Benevolent Hill, beckons. This magnificent complex, completed after twelve years of meticulous work and a hefty HK$1.5 billion investment, isn’t just a monastery. It’s a fusion of ancient grace and modern innovation. The Tang dynasty-inspired architecture houses a steel structure within its precious zitan wood shell. This eliminates the need for traditional pillars and brackets, giving Tap Tsz Shan a uniquely modern feel. The monastery’s most striking feature is the 76-meter tall statue of Guanyin, the Goddess of Compassion. Twice the height of Lantau Island’s Big Buddha, she holds the Pearl of Wisdom and a vase of sacred water, her gaze fixed on the world below. Inside the Main Hall, three colossal gold statues command attention. The Great Medicine Master of the East, Amitabha Buddha of the West, and Shakyamuni Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, represent harmonious consolidation. Above them, canopies inspired by Dunhuang’s temple cave carvings add to the grandeur. A replica of a Yulin Caves mural, digitally printed on silk, graces the back wall. Look closely, and you might still see the pixels. The smaller Maitreya Hall houses a golden Maitreya Buddha statue and intricately painted camphor sculptures of the Four Heavenly Kings. The Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Hall, Bell Tower, Drum Tower, and Library of Buddhist Texts further enrich Tap Tsz Shan’s spiritual landscape. Remember, Tap Tsz Shan isn’t open to walk-ins. Book your visit online, up to a month in advance, and prepare for a truly unforgettable experience.
Sai Wan Shan
Considering a hike today? Sai Wan Shan is calling us. Sai Wan Shan is a hill within Sai Kung East