Hong Kong Tung Chung Lo Han Temple

Hong Kong Tung Chung Lo Han Temple

Hong Kong Tung Chung Lo Han Temple is located in Shek Mun Kap Village near Tung Chung on Lantau Island and was built in 1971. The temple is grand in scale, with the main hall being the Mahavira Hall, measuring three zhang six chi (approximately 12 meters) square, covering an area of 130 square meters, and housing three large golden Buddha statues. The right hall is the Ming Xin Tang, the left side is the guest room area, with the Gōng Dé Tang (Merit Hall) downstairs and the Cáng Jīng Lóu (Sutra Depository) upstairs, and further back there are also the Kṣitigarbha Hall, Wǔ Guān Tang, and Xiāng Jī Chú. On the side is the Lo Han Cave, which enshrines the Eighteen Arhats. There is also a natural mountain spring in the temple, known for its sweet taste.

The temple’s mountain gate faces Tung Chung Harbour and is composed of three colors: red, yellow, and green. The plaque above the gate reads “Lo Han Temple,” handwritten by the then abbot, Venerable Jue Guang. The couplet for the temple was inscribed by the renowned calligrapher and poet Zhang Jianfen: “The mountain draws in the distant green; the Buddha realm resembles the shadow of Vulture Peak; the gate opens to the pure breeze, where the sound of ocean tides gently drifts in.” Upon entering the gate, stone steps lead up to a large natural rock inscribed with the four characters “皆大欢喜” (Universal Joy), with a cypress tree planted on each side.

Lo Han Temple currently serves as a women’s monastic practice center. The current abbess, Venerable Yan Ci (a bhikkhuni), took over in 1993. The temple is generally a quiet place for spiritual cultivation, but it holds various Buddhist ceremonies throughout the year, including prayers for the New Year, offerings to heavenly beings, and celebrations for Guanyin’s Birthday, among others. Every Sunday, chanting sessions and “Free Talks on Buddhism and Daily Life” are held at the temple, attracting dozens of participants.

Temple Founding Origins

Inside the temple is an inscription by the elderly lay devotee Li Liaoyin: “The revered Arhats dwell amidst peaks like towers rising; the radiance of the Buddha’s light ushers in a blessed land. The temple gathers good-hearted people; the stupa completes a merit forest where pure practices thrive, and auspicious clouds shelter the dragons and celestial beings.” These forty characters succinctly capture the temple’s scenery, history, purpose, and origins. The predecessor of Lo Han Temple was originally a cave. Monk Chang Yuan from western Guangdong came to Hong Kong in 1926 and practiced in this cave, naming it “Lo Han Yan” (Arhat Cliff). He farmed and lived an ascetic life. In the mid-1960s, lay devotees Li Yaoting, Pan Zhikai, Zhou Xuchu, and Xie Junru visited together and were struck by the majestic peaks surrounding the site, its solemn and serene atmosphere, abundant springs, and lush trees—perfect for spiritual practice. They vowed to establish a monastic center here. After gaining the consent of Monk Chang Yuan, they formed the Lo Han Temple Board of Directors, purchased the land, and developed the mountain. The project was completed in 1974, and Venerable Jue Guang was invited to serve as the first abbot.

Related Attractions

Mahavira Hall

Standing three zhang six chi tall and covering 130 square feet, the hall is majestic and can be seen from as far as the hills of Castle Peak and Tuen Mun on the opposite side, appearing resplendent against the sky atop Phoenix Mountain. The interior is adorned with lamps, flowers, banners, and pennants arranged solemnly. A pair of stone lions in the hall lie peacefully and solemnly, sacredly and auspiciously guarding this revered space.

At the center of the hall are three large golden Buddha statues: Sakyamuni, Amitabha, and Bhaisajyaguru. Bells and drums hang on either side, and behind the Buddhas is a statue of Guanyin. On the left is Skanda (Wei Tuo Bodhisattva), clad in armor with a dignified posture, holding a vajra staff, exuding a commanding presence. On the right is the Sangharama Bodhisattva (God of the Monastery), depicted with a single phoenix eye, silkworm-like eyebrows, a long beard, and wielding a green dragon sword, appearing majestic. To the right of the Mahavira Hall is the Ming Xin Tang, which houses a portrait of the late Li Yaoting; the left side is the guest hall; upstairs is the Sutra Depository, and downstairs is the Merit Hall. Above the guest hall is the Kṣitigarbha Hall, containing a shrine with the ashes of Mr. Li enshrined at the center. This devoted temple founder is highly respected. Below the Mahavira Hall are the Wǔ Guān Tang and Xiāng Jī Chú, dining halls that can accommodate up to forty tables for banquets.

Guanyin Hall

The Guanyin Hall is located just behind the main hall, inscribed with the words “普门示现” (Universal Gate Manifestation). The Goddess of Mercy holds a willow branch and a vase of pure water, with the youthful attendants Shancai and the Maid by her side.

Kṣitigarbha Hall

The hall enshrines the Bodhisattva Kṣitigarbha of the Great Vow, wearing a five-Buddha crown, draped in monk’s robes, and holding a precious jewel. “The radiant pearl illuminates the path to heaven; the golden staff opens the gates of hell” describes the inconceivable power of Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva.

Hǎi Huì Tǎ (Assembly Pagoda)

Located beneath the Kṣitigarbha Hall, the Assembly Pagoda contains neatly arranged urn niches for the placement of ashes. It is renowned for its excellent feng shui.

Lo Han Spring

This is the temple’s natural mountain spring. The late Monk Chang Yuan, who practiced here in seclusion, drank and used this water. The spring seeps from the rocks, remaining constant year-round, inexhaustible and unending. Cool in summer and warm in winter, the water is pure, clear, and sweet to the taste.

Lo Han Cave

This is a natural cave. In 1926, Monk Chang Yuan from western Guangdong added a roof to the cave, creating what is now the Lo Han Cave within the temple. The temperature inside remains cool in summer and warm in winter, unaffected by the seasons. Upon entering, one feels immediate relief from heat and discomfort, experiencing a cool and pleasant atmosphere. Inside, eighteen statues of the Arhats are enshrined, each with unique expressions and postures—from hunched and plump to thin and wiry—all vividly crafted.

Transportation Guide

Location: Shek Mun Kap Village, Tung Chung, Lantau Island, Islands District, Hong Kong.

Getting There: Take New Lantau Bus Route 34 from Tung Chung Central Bus Terminus to Shek Mun Kap Bus Terminus, then walk for about five minutes.